World Bank: Vietnam must boost new drivers of growth
On 30 July 2020 the World Bank issued an economic update entitled What will be the new normal for Vietnam: the economic impact of COVID-19?. Vietnam has been successfully fighting the COVID-19 crisis but GDP growth has suffered a fall of almost
See MoreThailand: Special tax relief measures for SME sector
The Thai Ministry of Finance has released the Royal Decree No. 707 and 708 regarding tax relief measures for SMEs in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, with effect from 13 July 2020. The Royal Decree No. 707 permits eligible SMEs that affected
See MoreUkraine: SFS releases guidance letter on new CFC rules
On 17 August 2020, the Ukraine State Fiscal Service (SFS) has issued a guidance letter 3380/IPK/99-00-05-05-02-09, which clarifies the taxation of profits of controlled foreign companies (CFCs). In Ukraine, the CFC rule will be applicable from 1
See MoreEgypt issues law on penalty waiver and tax dispute settlement process
On 16 August 2020, the Government of Egypt has issued Law No. 173 of 2020 by waiving the consideration for the delay, additional tax, interest, and similar non-criminal financial sanctions, and to renew the application of Law No. 79 of 2016
See MoreColombia issues decree on the mega-investment regime
On 21 August 2020, the Colombian Ministry of Finance and Public Credit has published Decree 1157, through which the Government regulated one of the instruments that it created in the Economic Growth Law of December 2019, and which is part of the
See MoreSaudi Arabia: GAZT extends tax initiatives up to 30 September
On 17 August 2020, the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT) of Saudi Arabia has issued a press release, through which they cancel the fines initiative and exemption from financial sanctions for taxpayers until 30 September 2020 in
See MoreEcuador: Government publishes Resolution regarding exceptional advance tax payments
On 4 August 2020, the Government published a Resolution No. NAC-DGERCGC20-00000051 of 4 August 2020, which establishes rules of how to collect an exceptional advance tax payment pursuant to Executive Decree No. 1109 of 31 July 2020. It applies for
See MoreMalta: Deadline for applying for Fiscal Unity extended to 30 September 2020
On 14 August 2020, the Maltese Commissioner for Revenue has announced that the deadline for applying for fiscal unity in respect of the Year of Assessment 2020 is being extended from 31 August 2020 to 30 September
See MoreFinland: Ministry of Finance announces budget proposal for 2021
On 12 August 2020, the Finnish Ministry of Finance announced the 2021 budget proposal including following tax measures. A temporary incentive R&D tax deduction for 2021-24 for business investments in intangible assets, with an additional
See MoreIreland: Revenue publishes guidance regarding loss relief for COVID-19 affected companies
On 6 August 2020, the Revenue published an eBrief 150/20 regarding loss relief for COVID-19 affected companies. A new Tax and Duty Manual has been published to provide guidance on the operation of section 396D TCA, as well as to provide information
See MoreThailand declares additional 150% deduction amid Covid-19 pandemic
The Thai Royal Decrees No. 695 and 698 announced a tax relief measure in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Decrees permitted an additional 150% deduction to companies and juristic partnerships for certain investments made in new machinery and
See MoreUK: Statistics on creative industries tax relief
HMRC published updated statistics for creative industries tax relief for 2019/20 on 13 August 2020, showing that GBP 1.11 billion was paid out in tax relief for creative industries in 2019/20. Almost half the relief given related to film tax relief
See MoreChile: SII publishes a Letter regarding thin capitalization rules
On 31 July 2020, the Chilean tax Authority (SII) published a Letter Ruling No. 1475 of 31 July 2020, which addresses whether interest payments on a loan agreement concluded in 2014 between a Chilean resident company and a non-resident related party
See MoreHong Kong: Tax relief measures for taxpayers facing difficulties in setting tax bills
On 12 August 2020, the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department announced that taxpayers who encounter financial difficulties in settling their tax bills on time may apply to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for payment of tax by instalments before
See MorePanama considering tax cuts for SME sector amid Covid-19 pandemic
On 27 July 2020, Panama's National Assembly submitted two draft bills that contain measures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The bill No. 358 provides reduced income tax rates for companies and individuals qualifying as SMEs that would
See MoreSri Lanka: Notice on first installment of tax payment for YA 2020-21
On 12 August 2020, Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issued a tax notice related to first installment of tax payment for the year of assessment (YA) 2020-21, required to be paid by individuals, partnerships, companies, which is due on 15 August
See MoreFinland: Tax authority publishes updated base and reference rate for tax purposes
On 31 July 2020, the Finnish Tax Authority has published updated guidelines on the base and reference rate for tax purposes One of the key aspects of the update is in regard to interest due for late payment, which includes that interest on arrears
See MoreRussia declares reduced rate for IT companies
On 31 July 2020, Russia has published Federal Law No. 265-FZ in the Official Gazette introducing "ultra-low tax regime" for IT companies, applies from 1 January 2021. The law provides following major benefits for qualifying IT
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