China extends import duty exemption to African nations
Following a meeting by leaders from China and Africa at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on 15 September 2024, China announced it will eliminate import duties on products from the 33 least developed African
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Nigeria imposes levy on electronic money transfers
Nigeria's Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) will implement an electronic money transfer levy of NGN 50 on transfers of NGN 10,000 and above, starting 9 September 2024. Introduced in the Finance Act 2020 and regulated in late 2021, the levy
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Brazil considering tax hike without legislative approval
Brazil's government is considering tax increases that can be enacted without congressional approval to address this year's budget deficit, according to two reports from the finance ministry received on 6 September 2024. Officials have indicated
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South Africa releases guide on revised tax rates and levies
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) released an updated version of the Guide for Tax Rates/Duties/Levies (Issue 17) on 29 August 2024. This guide compiles current and historical insights into the various taxes, duties, and levies collected by
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OECD: Economic Survey of Malaysia
On 27 August 2024 the OECD published its latest Economic Survey of Malaysia. The survey notes that Malaysia’s economy has grown significantly since the 1960s, with a higher per capita income than other countries in the region. Malaysia is
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OECD urges Malaysia to reintroduce GST to meet deficit target
According to a recent report published in the OECD Economic Surveys on Malaysia for 2024 on 27 August 2024, the OECD recommended Malaysia reinstate the goods and services tax (GST) at a low rate, coupled with targeted social transfers for vulnerable
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Slovak Republic plans to extend excise duty exemption for small renewable energy producers
The Slovak Republic Parliament has agreed to consider a draft bill that amends the Law on Excise Duty on Electricity, on 22 August 2024, addressing the regulations concerning electricity generated from renewable sources by small energy
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Brazil to increase income tax on banks
Brazil's government introduced a bill to Congress to raise revenue through increased income taxes, mainly targeting banks with a significant tax rate hike, on Friday, 30 August 2024. The proposed legislation seeks to adjust the social
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EU launches anti-dumping probe on Chinese bicycle imports
The European Commission is set to launch an anti-dumping investigation into bicycle imports from China. This inquiry stems from a complaint filed by the European Bicycle Manufacturers Association (EBMA) on 24 May 2024. The complaint alleges that
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Australia publishes guidance on GST for food, drinks, health products
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has provided guidance to help taxpayers navigate the goods and services tax (GST) classification of food, beverages, and health products, clarifying whether these items are subject to tax or GST-free. ATO has
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Australia: Victoria plans tax on short-term rentals
The government of Victoria has proposed the Short Stay Levy Bill 2024 in the state parliament. This bill aims to implement a 7.5% tax on short-term accommodation bookings (less than 28 days), effective from 1 January 2025. A short stay in
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Poland: No new property taxes on solar farms and installations
Poland’s Ministry of Finance clarified in a notice on 21 August 2024 that it has no plans to introduce new real estate taxes on photovoltaic farms and installations. The proposed amendments to the Act on Local Taxes and Fees seek to maintain
See MoreIMF Report on Turkey Recommends Tax Changes
On 28 August 2024 the IMF issued a report following discussions with Turkey under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The economic policies followed by Turkey since mid-2023 have reduced crisis risks and raised confidence. There was
See MoreIMF: Tax Policy Can Limit Carbon Emissions from AI and Crypto
An IMF blog of 15 August 2024, written by Shafik Hebous and Nate Vernon-Lin, indicated that tax policy can be used to restrict the surge in carbon emissions resulting from artificial intelligence (AI) and crypto. Owing to the amount of
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European Commission launches anti-dumping probe on Chinese steel track shoe imports
The European Commission is set to launch an anti-dumping investigation into steel track shoe imports from China. The Notice of initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of steel track shoes originating in the People's Republic of
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US: SST Board finds Georgia, Nebraska, Ohio sales tax systems non-compliant, seeks public input
The US Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board (SST) has found potential non-compliance with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSUTA) in Georgia, Nebraska, and Ohio during its 2024 Annual State Compliance Review. The SST has requested
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Brazil plans to increase taxes to fund extended social contribution regime
Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad has reportedly unveiled plans to raise levies on interest on equity and the social contribution on profits (CSLL). The tax hike is aimed to offset the costs associated with the partial extension of the
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Malaysia revises service tax policy for logistics services
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) released an update to the Service Tax Policy 4/2024 (Amendment No 1) on 23 August 2024 concerning logistics services, which went into force on 1 March 2024. All logistics services under Group J (First
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