Canada: Extra GST/HST return for large businesses
Certain large businesses, in addition to filing their regular GST/HST returns will have to face an extra GST/HST (goods and services tax / harmonized sales tax) filing requirement on June 30, 2013. Employers offering registered pension plans to
See MoreAustralia: Practice statement on Transfer Pricing
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (Customs) has published Practice Statement B_IND08 “Valuation-Transfer Pricing Policy” and this new practice statement will replace Practice Statement PS 2009/21 on the subject. The
See MoreArgentina: New process for determining “tax haven” jurisdictions
Argentina’s tax authority (AFIP) has issued a decree introducing new criteria for when to consider countries as “tax haven” jurisdictions for transfer pricing purposes. This Decree was published on May 30, 2013. The Decree states that the AFIP
See MoreVietnam: Corporate tax reduced to 22% from 2014
The Ministry of Finance planning to cut corporate income tax rate 22% from the current 25% with effect from 1 January 2014 next year and the government wants to bring the rate down further to 20 percent in the 2016-2020 period. However, the new
See MoreUN Manual: E-version of Transfer Pricing Manual officially launched by United Nations
Recently on 29th May 2013 a special meeting of the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on the subject of “International cooperation in tax matters” was held at New York. At this meeting the United Nations officially launched the
See MoreUK: Terms of Reference issued for GAAR advisory panel
The legislation in respect of the General Anti Abuse Rule (GAAR) in the Finance Bill 2013 provides for the appointment of a GAAR advisory panel. The panel is to consider and approve HMRC’s guidance on the GAAR. It is also required to consider
See MoreUK: Strengthening the code of practice on taxation for banks
The HMRC released a consultation document on 31 May 2013 in respect of amendments to the code of practice on taxation for banks. Comments on the proposed changes are invited by 16 August 2013. The provisions of the code cover the required practices
See MoreUK: HMRC guidance the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme
The HMRC published a series of answers on 28 May 2013 to frequently asked questions about the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (Seed EIS). The scheme has been applicable in respect of shares issued after 6 April 2012. The Seed EIS was set up to
See MoreUK: Consultation on the VAT treatment of refunds by manufacturers
The UK issued a consultation paper on 31 May 2013 in respect of the value added tax (VAT) treatment of refunds paid directly by manufacturers to consumers. The current UK VAT law permits a business that is in a direct relationship with a customer to
See MoreNetherlands and China tax treaty is signed
A new China and Netherlands Income Tax Treaty was signed on 31 May 2013 in Beijing. Once in force, the new treaty will replace the current Income Tax Treaty of 1987. Neither treaty party can terminate this treaty before 30 June of the calendar year
See MoreSouth Africa: tax penalty regime reformed
The National Treasury published the 2013 draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB) and the Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill on 4 July 2013 for public comment. The draft legislation would give effect to most of the tax proposals announced in
See MoreOECD: Draft Handbook on Transfer Pricing Risk Assessment
The Steering Committee of the OECD Global Forum on Transfer Pricing undertook a project on transfer pricing risk assessment in November 2011. The objective of that project was to produce a practical handbook for providing clear and detailed steps
See MoreIndonesia: A new value added tax (VAT) invoice process has been introduced
In order to help the tax authorities to enhance control over the legitimacy of VAT invoices a new value added tax (VAT) process has been introduced in Indonesia. The new provision which is effective from 1st April 2013, ensures that any VAT
See MoreHungary: Draft bill on the proposed changes to transfer pricing reporting obligations
The Ministry of National Economy of Hungary had announced a draft bill in March 2013. The draft bill proposed significant changes to the reporting requirements regarding the determination of arm’s length prices. According to the proposed changes
See MoreCzech Republic: Proposals on dividends, stock gains and increased R&D
The Czech Republic government has submitted its long-discussed proposals on April, 2013 to “re-codify” the tax laws to the Chamber of Deputies with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2014. The main proposals are summarized below: Dividends,
See MoreAustralia: Budget 2013
The Australian government released its budget for 2013 on May 2013. It includes plans for a number of revenue / tax expenditure changes including measures to combat profit shifting. According to the budget, business entities will be eligible for
See MoreLuxembourg’s Corporate Tax Plans made public
The Luxembourg Government has uncovered some details of its future corporate tax plans. Increasing the rate of business tax has been ruled out by the Government. They have however confirmed plans to further simplify and modernize tax procedures for
See MoreItaly: suspension of the first payment of the municipal real estate tax
Law Decree No. 54/2013, regulating the suspension of the first payment of the municipal real estate tax, was published in Official Gazette No. 117 on 21 May 2013. According to articles 1 and 2 of the Law Decree, the first municipal real estate tax
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