EU – UK challenge to financial transaction tax rejected
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has rejected a legal action by the UK challenging the legality of the EU Council’s decision to authorize the plan for a financial transaction tax (FTT) through the mechanism of enhanced cooperation
See MoreUkraine: Tax cut on medical supplies
Ukraine’s Cabinet has asked parliament to approve a bill to reduce tax rates in respect of medicines and medical products, and to approve a visa-free procedure with the European Union. The Ukraine government is looking to introduce changes to the
See MoreSwitzerland: Expands professional training tax breaks
In Switzerland a federal law in relation to tax deductions for professional development and training costs is to take effect from 1 January 2016. The rules will widen the current tax deduction to encompass virtually all training fees rather than
See MoreOECD – Personal Tax Burden Slightly Higher in OECD countries
As governments in industrialized countries are still dealing with the consequences of the financial crisis it is not surprising that the individual income tax burden has risen according to the latest survey. As outlined in the publication Taxing
See MoreUS: Tax Foundation Considers Future of US Tax Breaks
The Tax Foundation (TF) in the US considers that a number of corporate and individual tax breaks should be recognized as fulfilling a beneficial purpose, even though the US government is currently considering their abolition. Many of the tax breaks
See MoreHong Kong and Malaysia Discuss Islamic Finance
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) took part in a meeting on 14 April 2014 to discuss Islamic finance. They are aiming to increase interest in the financial instrument known as sukuk as a viable financing and
See MoreChina: Shanghai and Hong Kong Agree Financial Services Co-operation
The fourth Hong Kong-Shanghai Financial Co-operation Working Meeting brought together representatives of governments, stock exchanges and financial regulators to discuss issues surrounding financial services and products. Representatives from
See MoreUS-Iraq Hold First TIFA Meeting
A joint council set up under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries has held its first meeting. The joint council provides a forum for discussion in relation to trade issues such as the rights of employees,
See MoreCanada signs FIPA with Cameroon
The Canada-Cameroon Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) was recently signed at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange in Toronto. The FIPA is a
See MoreIndia – Cyprus is identified as a “notified jurisdictional area”
The Finance Ministry of India has issued a release in which Cyprus is identified as a “notified jurisdictional area” with respect to transactions entered into by any Indian taxpayer with a person located in Cyprus. A transaction with a person in
See MoreDTA between New Zealand and Japan Boosts Trade
The New Zealand Revenue Minister has exchanged diplomatic notes for tax treaty with Japan for reduces taxobstruction to the cross-border trade and investment. This reconsidered agreement will help the tax authorities recognize and prevent tax
See MoreBrazil, Mexico Clash over Auto Agreement
According to reports on 19 March 2012 the Mexican government has resisted the Brazilian government's request to significantly limit car imports for the next three years in talks initiated after Brazil threatened to walk away from a long-standing
See MoreTax deal signed between Switzerland and UK
A landmark tax agreement concerning the taxation of UK investors’ income in Switzerland has been signed in London recently. The British Bank clients’ future investment income and capital gains in Switzerland will be subject to a final
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