IMF report on Israel’s economy recommends tax changes
On 7 February 2022 the IMF published a report on Israel’s economy following discussions under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The IMF notes that Israel managed the pandemic well, providing effective government support to the
See MoreNew Zealand: OECD Economic Survey for 2022 Recommends Tax Adjustments
On 31 January 2022 the OECD published the New Zealand Economic Survey 2022. The report notes that more consolidation measures are necessary to stabilise the fiscal position, and emphasises the need to increase productivity, increase the housing
See MoreEU: Auditors Review Energy Taxation and Carbon Pricing
A review published on 31 January 2022 by the European Court of Auditors entitled Energy Taxation, Carbon Pricing and Energy Subsidies notes that the EU countries tax and subsidise energy sources in a manner that contradicts their climate goals; and
See MoreWTO: Director General Outlines Initiatives for Responsible and Sustainable Trade
On 28 January 2022 the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) gave a keynote speech at a conference on more responsible and sustainable trade, held in France which currently has the presidency of the European Union. The speech
See MoreIMF: Report on the economy of Poland
On 14 December 2021 the IMF published a report following discussions with Poland under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The economic outlook is favourable over the medium term and growth is project to average 3.25% in the period
See MoreIMF: Report on economic prospects in Spain
On 22 December 2021 the IMF issued a concluding statement following discussions with Spain under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. Spain’s economy is recovering from the recession caused by the pandemic and employment is already
See MoreOECD: Revenue Statistics in Africa 2021
On 15 December 2021 the OECD published Revenue Statistics in Africa 2021, covering 30 African countries that account for 75% of Africa’s GDP. The publication is a joint initiative of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), the African Union
See MoreUN: Tax and the Sustainable Development Goals
On 19 October 2021 the discussions of the UN Tax Committee covered issues around the role of taxation in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The work of the UN Committee can help countries to achieve their commitments related to
See MoreOECD: Tax Policy and Climate Change
A report on Tax Policy and Climate Change, produced by the IMF and the OECD, was included as an attachment to the OECD report for the meeting of G20 Finance Ministers on 13 October 2021. Carbon taxes and emissions trading systems result in
See MoreOECD: Tax and Fiscal Policy after the Pandemic
The OECD prepared a separate report entitled Tax and Fiscal Policy After the COVID-19 Crisis for the meeting of G20 Finance Ministers on 13 October 2021. This report was included as an attachment to the main report to the Finance Ministers. The
See MoreOECD: Report to G20 Finance Ministers Meeting
The OECD has published its report prepared for the meeting of G20 Finance Ministers on 13 October 2021. Two Pillar Solution on Tax Challenges of the Digital Economy The report notes that the two-pillar approach to digital economy taxation
See MoreIMF Report Discusses Developments in the Netherlands
On 28 September 2021 the IMF issued a report on the Netherlands economy following consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The report notes that the Netherlands economy suffered a relatively small recession in the
See MoreWorld Bank: Conference looks at implementation of new tax instruments
On 1 October 2021 the second day of the Third World Bank Tax Conference looked at the practical implementation of new tax instruments. Sugar tax in South Africa The sugar-sweetened beverage tax in South Africa was first announced in the 2016
See MoreWorld Bank: Third Tax Conference Discusses Environmental Taxes
The first day of the Third World Bank Tax Conference on 30 September 2021 included a session on environmental taxes, focusing on carbon pricing and carbon taxes. Some issues raised in the discussion are summarised below. Carbon rebate
See MoreEU: Proposed carbon border tax criticised by BRICS countries
On 27 August 2021 a virtual BRICS ministerial meeting on the environment stated its joint opposition to the EU’s proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism and referred to it as discriminatory. The BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India,
See MoreUK: Survey Indicates Businesses are Unprepared for Plastic Packaging Tax
A study conducted by the waste management company Veolia on preparation for the plastic packaging tax has found that more than 80% of the businesses taking part in the survey were not aware that the tax is being introduced. The plastic packaging
See MoreOECD: Communique Issued by the Meeting of G20 Finance Ministers
Following the meeting of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors on 9 and 10 July 2021 a communiqué was issued summarising the issues discussed. The communiqué noted that the global outlook has further improved since the previous
See MoreOECD: Tax Report to G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors
The OECD Secretary-General has prepared a tax report for the July 2021 meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. Tax challenges of the digital economy On 1 July 2021 the OECD issued a Statement on the tax challenges of
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