IMF: World Economic Outlook for April 2021
The IMF publication World Economic Outlook for April 2021 notes that the global economic outlook is still uncertain, with potential downside effects from new virus mutations balanced by optimism owing to the vaccines. Global growth is projected to
See MoreUK: Statistics on Venture Capital Trusts
On 17 December 2020 the UK released statistics on Venture Capital Trust (VCT) tax relief for the year 2019/2020. The statistics on VCT tax relief are released annually and are important for monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness of the tax
See MoreOECD and IMF: Report on Analysis of Tax Expenditures in Chile
A report was issued on 23 November 2020 following a mission conducted by staff from the IMF and the OECD from April to October 2020. The main purpose was to provide technical support in relation to the methodology for reviewing Chile's tax
See MoreOECD: Tax relief for philanthropic entities
A report published by the OECD entitled Taxation and Philanthropy contains a detailed review of the taxation of philanthropic entities and donors in 40 countries, setting out potential policy options for countries. Reasons for giving tax
See MoreNew Zealand increases individual tax write-off thresholds due to COVId-19
On 9 July 2020, New Zealand’s Inland Revenue (IR) has announced a temporary increase to the write-off threshold for individual taxpayers to help ease the financial stress caused by COVID-19. The threshold has been increased to NZD 200 from
See MoreIMF: Fiscal Monitor discusses policies to support individuals and businesses
The April 2020 issue of the IMF’s Fiscal Monitor discusses policies to support individuals and businesses through the coronavirus crisis and the resulting economic problems. The Fiscal Monitor looks at certain temporary and targeted fiscal
See MoreVenezuela: Tax measures in response to COVID-19 pandemic
On 2 April 2020, the Government officially published Decree 4171, which enters into force on the similar day of its publication. The Decree contains: An income tax exemption for the domestic-source income derived by certain resident individuals
See MoreOECD: Overview of tax measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic
On 1 April 2020 the OECD published on its website detailed information on measures taken by countries to help businesses and individuals during the coronavirus crisis. Measures to help business case flow These include tax administration
See MoreCOVID-19: US passes Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
On 19 March 2020, the US Senate Finance Committee submitted proposals for the third round of legislative measures in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
See MoreIMF Blog Outlines Fiscal Policy Responses to the Health Crisis
An IMF blog published on 5 March 2020 is concerned with fiscal policy responses to the outbreak of coronavirus. The blog emphasises that the priority for governments is health spending for prevention and cure, and to ensure that health services
See MoreIMF comments on Austria’s tax system
On 3 March 2020 the IMF issued a report following consultations with Austria under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The report notes that Austria’s economy has been performing well recently but the growth rate decreased in
See MoreUK: Report on the management of tax expenditures
A report released by the National Audit Office issued on 14 February 2020 looked at the management of tax expenditures. There were 1,190 tax reliefs available in the UK tax system in October 2019, either structural reliefs such as the personal tax
See MoreGermany: Federal Parliament approves Annual Tax Act 2019
On 7 November 2019, the German Federal Parliament passed the Annual Tax Act 2019. The German Federal Council is expected to approve the Annual Tax Act on 28 November 2019. The changes shall generally come into effect as of 1 January
See MoreUK: Consultation on tax dispute resolution
On 2 July 2019 the UK government published for consultation draft Regulations to implement EU Council Directive 2017/1852 on tax dispute resolution mechanisms. Under the draft Regulations a stronger system of dispute resolution would be introduced
See MoreUK: Venture Capital Trust Statistics 2017/18
Statistics on Venture Capital Trusts (VCTS) released by the UK government on 11 December 2018 show that VCTs issued shares valued at GBP 745 million in 2017-18. This represented a 30% increase from 2016/17 (GBP 570 million) and was the highest
See MoreCanada: Finance Minister presents the Federal Budget 2018
The Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, presented a federal budget, on February 27, 2018, that plans a clear course for the Liberals to the 2019 election, an aspirational road map designed to ensure that no woman, scientist or national wildlife area
See MoreCroatia: Tax reforms effect from 1 January 2018
With effects from January 1, 2018, some tax law amendments have occurred in Croatia. These amendments contain tax laws, excise duties, reliefs etc.. The Minister of Finance issued the Ordinance on Amendments to the Ordinance on Profit Tax, which
See MoreUK: Statistics on venture capital trusts
On 14 December 2017 the UK published statistics relating to venture capital trusts (VCTs) for tax years up to 2015/16. The data was collected from self-assessment tax returns and does not therefore cover investors claiming income tax relief through
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