EU Report Tracks Protectionist Trade Measures
The European Commission has issued the latest edition of the publication entitled Trade and Investment Barriers Report (TIBR). This looks at the amount of progress made in removing barriers to trade by local companies with third countries and
See MoreEU Leaders Reach Deal on Savings Tax Directive
The revised Savings Tax Directive has been formally adopted by the EU member states. This amended Directive helps to combat tax evasion by increasing the scope of automatic tax information exchange in respect of savings income, thereby helping to
See MoreOECD – Discussion draft on proposals to prevent treaty abuse under BEPS
In accordance with the action plan on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) the OECD has issued a discussion draft dealing with ways to prevent the abuse of tax treaties. The OECD is considering the development of new provisions in the OECD Model
See MoreOECD – BEPS webcast to address transfer pricing documentation
The OECD is to hold a webcast on 2 April 2014 to explain the latest developments in carrying out the action plan on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS). Staff from the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration will consider the numerous questions
See MoreIsrael: VAT Position of Foreign E-retailers
Non-resident retailers of goods and digital services to Israeli consumers will remain outside of the Israeli VAT net. This is the result of a decision of the High Court that has struck down a petition from local online retailers that E-retailers
See MoreEU – Frequently asked questions on EU Savings Taxation Directive
Recently the European Commission provided a discussion of frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning the EU Savings Taxation Directive. The Savings Directive aims to address cross-border tax evasion by creating an information exchange system for
See MoreOECD: Regional consultations on BEPS
As part of its project on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has held two regional consultations. These took place in Asia, on February 20-21, and in Latin America, on February
See MoreOECD Comments on Crown Dependencies
The secretary general of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently commended the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey for the progress they have made towards increasing tax transparency. He also said during a debate at
See MoreEU – Status update of financial transaction tax
The European Commission on 5 March 2014 posted an update of the status of the proposed financial transaction tax. According to the Commission a February 2013 proposal for “enhanced cooperation” reflected the scope and objectives of original
See MoreEU – Excise tax rates for alcohol, tobacco and energy for 2014
Recently, the European Commission posted updated (as of 1 January 2014) indirect tax rates for excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, and energy. Updated rates are available on the EC
See MoreEU – European Commission Looks At Green Tax Options
An increase in taxes on the causes of air and water pollution in the European Union could generate revenues of EUR35bn (USD47.2bn) in real terms in 2016 alone, the European Commission has claimed in a new report. A new study from the European
See MoreEU – European Commission takes action to close the gender pay gap
On 8th March, 2014 the European Commission adopted a Recommendation asking Member States to improve pay transparency for women and men in a bid to help close the gender pay gap. The pay gap – the average difference between women and men’s hourly
See MoreCanada: Budget 2014 incorporates transfer pricing rules and financial services
It has been announced by the OECD that the Budget for 2014 includes the announcement of a consultation on international tax planning by multinational enterprises as input into Canada's participation in the action plan on the basis of erosion and
See MoreSpain – CJEU finds Retail sales tax on diesel contrary to EU law
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has issued a judgment in the case of:Transportes Jordi Besora SL v. Generalitat de Catalunya, C-82/12 ruling that the Spanish tax on retail sales of diesel and petrol is contrary to EU law. The CJEU
See MoreOECD To Engage Industry in BEPS Consultations
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has recently published a revised timetable for public consultations on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) and the release of Discussion Drafts. Three Discussion Drafts will be
See MoreAzerbaijan- Progress towards WTO accession
At the 11th meeting of the Working Party on February 21, 2014 Azerbaijan's World Trade Organization (WTO) accession bid gained positive momentum. Azerbaijan has been diversifying its economy away from reliance on the energy sector alone and has been
See MoreAustria: Information regarding intangible property and financial services
From 1st March 2014, interest and royalty payments to certain related parties are not deductible for tax purposes if the recipient corporation is not subject to tax due to an exemption; is subject to a nominal or specific tax rate of less than 10%
See MoreEU: Comments on global standard against tax evasion
The European Commission has issued a statement in support of an agreement by the G20 Finance Ministers on a new global standard to counter tax evasion and to improve tax transparency worldwide. The release states that the European Commission
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