China: Tax thresholds for small businesses raised
From November 1, the minimum thresholds for business tax have been increased by China’s Ministry of Finance, aiming at provision of tax relief for the country’s smallest companies that have been greatly affected recently by increased costs and
See MoreFrance: Increases Targeted VAT
To reduce the country’s deficit next year and to preserve its AAA rating, the French government is considering the idea of increasing the value-added tax (VAT) in France to either 7% or 9% in certain targeted areas from prevailing 5.5% rate and at
See MoreAustralia: Detail tax incentives for infrastructure projects
The government of Australia proposed some incentives through its infrastructure projects to cover the tax loss and promote the private investment. The motto was to develop its infrastructure to remain a competitive economic nation for the
See MorePhilippines : Urge for tax exemptions by the foreign airlines
Foreign airlines are forcing the Philippines’ Department of Finance to reduce the 2.5% Gross Philippine Billings Tax (GPBT) and the 3% Common Carrier’s Tax (CCT) to which they are subjected. The GPBT and CCT are levied on all revenues,
See MoreBrazil: Auto Tax is Suspended by Court
It has been published on 24 October 2011 that the tax hike proposed by the Brazilian government on the manufacture of foreign cars has been suspended. The Brazilian Supreme Court has ruled the planned tax increase to be unconstitutional due to its
See MoreHungary: Focusing to Phase Out ‘Crisis Taxes’ in 2012 Budget
Focusing on the provisions for a gradual phasing out of the crisis taxes levied on the country’s telecommunications, energy and retail sectors since 2010, the Hungarian Economy Ministry has recently submitted 2012 budget bill to the parliament.
See MoreAustralia: New tax working group has been announced
A new tax working group has been announced in Australia to look at reforms that could increase productivity and deliver tax relief to struggling businesses. Developing a set of savings options within business tax, such as broadening the base and
See MoreNorway : Budget Proposals of 2012 has been unveiled
To support a stable economy containing the Norwegian government has recently unveiled details of its 2012 fiscal budget. According to the declaration the overall level of taxation will remain unchanged in 2012. It also notes that there is scope for
See MoreMexico: Extension of the tax break for Export Companies
To provide incentives to the country’s export companies the President of Mexico has announced extension of the corporate tax break under the IMMEX scheme to December 31, 2013. The scheme has now been extended for another two years, from their
See MoreCanada: Budget to be implemented for 2011
A motion to implement Budget 2011 has been tabled on October 3, 2011, by the Canadian Minister for Finance. The Notice of Ways and Means Motion includes the previously announced tax measures referenced in Budget 2011 to implement. The Ministry
See MoreSweden: 2012 Budget declared
The Swedish government has declared the details of its 2012 budget. According to it several fiscal measures are taken to offset the effects of the crisis, to improve long-term job and growth prospects and to strengthen welfare of the country. The
See MoreCorporate Tax Cut in Thailand
To cope with the higher costs arising from its policy of increasing the country’s national daily minimum wage the new government of Thailand has re-confirmed its intention to reduce the rate of corporate income tax. The government expressed
See MoreRuling on Taxes within DTAs Provided in South Africa
The Legal and Policy Division of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a Binding General Ruling (BGR) on income taxes, or substantially similar taxes, following the double tax agreements (DTAs) of South Africa. According to this BGR
See MoreHungary: VAT rate increases
The Hungarian VAT rate increases 2% to 27% and will be effective from 1 January 2012. This will give Hungary the highest VAT rate in the European Union, and one of the highest in the world. The rise comes as Hungary attempts to bring down its
See MoreFinland: Budget for 2012
Finland’s government unveiled details of its 2012 budget proposal on the 19 September 2011. The budget incorporated fiscal measures aimed at shifting the focus of taxation away from labour and entrepreneurship, towards environmental and
See MoreAustralia: Introduced Carbon tax bill
After months of controversy the Australian government has finally introduced the carbon tax bill into parliament. The legislation will be effective from July 1, 2012. After long scientific research and economic analysis the government has decided
See MoreSwitzerland Adjusts Tax Thresholds
Switzerland’s Federal Department of Finance (FDF) has adjusted the Confederation’s direct federal tax rates and deductions for the 2012 tax year. As regards tax deductions, the administration states that for the 2012 tax year, double income
See MoreBudget bill is changed again in Italy
Instead of the previous 5% tax to be levied on annual personal incomes higher than EUR90,000 (USD126,300), now people have to pay 10% on annual incomes over EUR150,000, an additional rate of 3% will now be applied on all personal incomes over
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