Slovenia – Iran DTA ratified
It is reported that Slovenia on 6 March 2014 ratified the double taxation agreement (DTA) with Iran. The DTA which was originally signed on 20 September 2011 will enter into force when both countries have completed the necessary ratification
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 MoreMalta and Moldova Sign DTA
Malta and Moldova signed a double taxation agreement (DTA) on 10 April 2014. This is the first DTA signed between these two countries, in an effort to increase trade between them and boost investment on both sides. Malta joined the EU in 2004 and
See MoreItaly: Cabinet Approves Tax Cuts
The Italian government has approved tax cuts that are aimed at lifting some of the tax burden from individuals and at encouraging businesses. The reductions are therefore intended to reduce the high tax burden and to lead to a further improvement in
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 MoreFATCA agreement between Belgium and the US
An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Belgium and the US is to be signed on 23 April 2014 in relation to the implementation of the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The IGA requires the tax administrations of the two countries to
See MoreCzech Republic – Tax change for investment funds and individuals
It is reported that the Czech Minister of Finance has abandoned plans to unify by 2015 the tax collection in respect of individual income tax and public insurance contributions. Some tax measures are however to be introduced to rationalize the tax
See MoreItaly Consults on FATCA Agreement with US
Italy commenced a consultation on 23 April 2014 on the content of the inter-governmental agreement (IGA), concluded on 10 January 2014, to carry out the requirements of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) between Italy and the United
See MoreTreaty between Iraq and Philippines authorization for signature by Iraq
On 22 April 2014, Iraq authorized the Minister of Finance to commence negotiations for the conclusion of a double tax treaty with the
See MoreSaudi Arabia Authorizes Signature of Tax Treaties with Kosovo and Venezuela
On March 24, 2014, Saudi Arabia gave permission to the Finance Ministry to go ahead with the signature of draft income tax treaties with Kosovo and Venezuela. No further details of these treaties are currently
See MoreBulgaria’s Cabinet approves the signing of a new DTA with Romania
Bulgaria’s Cabinet has agreed to a proposal to amend the double taxation agreement (DTA) with Romania, to apply in place of the current DTA that was signed in 1994. The Cabinet has authorized the Finance Minister to negotiate the new DTA. This
See MoreSwitzerland – Pakistan DTA Negotiation
According to some media reports, Pakistan is looking to revise the double taxation agreement (DTA) with Switzerland. The current double tax agreement between the two countries was signed on 19 July 2005 and entered into force in 2008. No further
See MoreUK – Spain DTA to Enter into Force
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that the new convention for the avoidance of double taxation (DTA) signed between the United Kingdom and Spain will enter into force on June 12, 2014. The agreement provides for a 10 percent maximum
See MorePoland – Belgium DTA
Poland and Belgium concluded a double taxation agreement (DTA) on April 14, 2014. No further details of the agreement are currently
See MoreTIEA between Bahrain and Canada becomes effective
From April 13, 2014, the Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) concluded by Bahrain with Canada became effective. These agreements are seen by the international community as an important tool in the effort to curb artificial tax avoidance and
See MoreProtocol to treaty between Belgium and Switzerland signed
On 10 April 2014, Belgium and Switzerland signed an amending protocol to the double taxation treaty originally concluded between the two countries in 1978. No further details of the Protocol are currently
See MoreNew Zealand’s Compliance Activities Paying Dividends
In New Zealand the Revenue Minister has said that every dollar spent in efforts to combat tax evasion in the ‘hidden economy’ raised NZD5.60 last year. At the OECD conference on “Cash and Hidden Economy” the Prime Minister informed the
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