UK: HMRC simplifies e-communication rules for tax filings
The UK’s tax authority, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), has introduced new rules that will take effect on 11 March 2025. These rules aim to prevent minor errors in electronic tax submissions from causing issues. The UK’s tax
See MoreQatar launches six month tax penalty exemption initiative
The General Tax Authority of Qatar has announced the launch of a 100% financial penalty exemption initiative, effective from 1 March 2025. Running for six months, this initiative aims to offer relief to taxpayers, reflecting the Authority's
See MoreSaudi Arabia introduces beneficial ownership reporting rules
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce has announced new beneficial ownership reporting requirements, effective from 3 April 2025, as part of the country’s updated Commercial Registry system. The regulations aim to enhance corporate transparency,
See MoreHong Kong announces 2025-26 budget, proposes reducing profits tax amongst other measures
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivered the 2025-26 budget on 26 February 2025, which included various tax measures such as reducing profits tax, salaries tax and tax under personal assessment; raising the maximum value of properties
See MoreNew Zealand: Government announces overhaul of overseas investment rules to boost growth
The Government has unveiled a long-anticipated reform of New Zealand’s foreign investment laws, streamlining the process and ensuring most applications are approved within 15 days. Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has announced the
See MoreGreece clarifies fuel tax exemption for cruise ships without passengers
Greece's tax authority issued Circular E 2012/2025 to clarify fuel tax exemptions for professional cruise ships moving without passengers on 17 February 2025. The exemption applies in two cases: when a ship relocates between ports for the start
See MoreGreece updates VAT exemption procedures for exports and intra-community deliveries
Greece has updated the VAT exemption procedures for exports and intra-community deliveries through Decision No. A 1154/2024 on 17 February 2025, published in the Official Gazette. The changes focus on improving compliance with current
See MoreRussia keeps key interest rate at 21%
The Central Bank of Russia (CBR)Â announced its decision to keep the key rate at 21% on 14 February 2025. Earlier, CBR increased the key interest rate from 19% to 21%, on 25 October 2024. This is the highest key interest rate in Russia since
See MoreSri Lanka proposes VAT and income tax reforms
Sri Lanka has announced a series of tax reforms through proposed legislation published on 21 February 2025. The changes, affecting VAT and income tax, will be implemented in phases from April 2025. A key measure is the introduction of an 18% VAT
See MoreKazakhstan establishes new Special Economic Zone in Aktobe
Kazakhstan has established a new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Aktobe, set to operate until 31 December 2049. Under this initiative, companies involved in qualifying activities within the SEZ can benefit from up to 100% reductions in corporate
See MoreSwitzerland: Cabinet approves decree to expand AEOI to crypto-assets
The Swiss Federal Council has approved a decree to expand the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) on financial accounts, adopting the OECD’s new crypto-asset reporting standards on 19 February 2025. The changes include updating national
See MoreCzech Republic clarify tax-related charges remissions
The Czech Republic’s General Financial Directorate has issued Decree D-67, which replaces Decree D-58, on 21 February 2025, providing guidance on waiving tax-related charges. This decree ensures consistent and fair consideration of requests to
See MorePoland: Parliament passes tax law amendments
Poland’s lower house of Parliament (Sejm) has approved two legislative measures to amend the nation's tax laws during its 20-21 February 2025 session. The tax measures are as follows: Tax Code updates: Easier submissions and interest on
See MoreMalaysia announces new deadlines for e-invoicing compliance
The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) has released updates regarding electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) guidelines on 21 February 2025. These include revised versions of the e-invoice guideline (version 4.2) and the e-invoice specific
See MoreUS: IRS announces tax relief for Kentucky taxpayers impacted by severe weather
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in a release - KY-2025-02 on 24 February 2025, announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in the entire state of Kentucky affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides that
See MoreAustralia plans to increase tax incentives for alcohol producers
Australia’s federal government has announced plans to enhance tax incentives for brewers, distillers, and wine producers starting 1 July 2026. Currently, brewers and distillers get a full refund for any excise paid up to AUD 350,000 each year.
See MoreCanada consults on EV supply chain investment tax credit
Canada's Department of Finance has announced a consultation on draft legislative proposals on 21 February 2025 to implement Budget 2024's Electric Vehicle Supply Chain Investment Tax Credit (EVSC-ITC). Canada’s 2024 Budget announced a
See MoreAustralia: ATO supports ANAO audit on AI governance
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has welcomed the publication of a report by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) on the Governance of Artificial Intelligence at the ATO on 24 February 2025. The ANAO's report provided 7
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