UK: Google under Fire for UK Tax liability
It has been published on 14 August 2012 that Google bosses could be hauled before the UK parliament to answer questions on the technology giant's tax affairs, as concerns mount over revelations about the company's low corporate tax bills. According
See MoreThailand to Keep VAT at 7%
It has been published on 10 August 2012 that Thailand’s government has decided to postpone the planned increase in the value added tax (VAT) rate by two years to help stimulate the consumer spending and private sector investment, which are
See MoreItaly achieves increased tax revenues in first half 2012
Following the tax increases which formed the major part of recent packages intended to reduce Italy’s fiscal deficit, it was perhaps unsurprising when the Italian Economy and Finance Ministry was able to announce that tax revenues in the first
See MorePhilippines pushes for increased 2013 revenue with no new taxes
As President Benigno Aquino’s government abides by his original promise not to introduce any new taxes in the first three years of his administration, the Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will have to rely on improved tax compliance
See MoreVietnam Clarifies Tax Reductions for SMEs
On 6 August 2012 it was published that, in a decree to take effect on September 20, 2012, the Vietnamese government has confirmed that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be given a 30% reduction in corporate income tax (CIT) this
See MoreSouth Korea Plans to Raise Minimum Corporate Tax Rate
On 2 August 2012 it was reported that, following a policy meeting between the South Korean government and the ruling Saenuri Party, it is planned to increase the minimum corporate tax rate payable by the largest companies. At present, companies in
See MorePhilippines Urged To Abolish Common Carrier Tax
The Board of Airlines Representatives is urging the Philippines to abolish, as soon as possible, the common carrier’s tax (CCT) on airlines flying out of the country, to benefit both the foreign trade and tourism sectors. In May this year, the
See MoreRussia: Polymetal Loses Transfer Pricing Dispute
On 1 August 2012 it was published that the Supreme Arbitration Court of Russia has recently ordered Polymetal International, a Russian gold and silver producer, to pay RUB883m in additional taxes, penalties and interest as part of a transfer pricing
See MoreTransfer Pricing Brief: August 2012
Belgium There are no specific provisions in relation to financial services, but fees must conform to the arm's length principle. Thin capitalization rules apply to restrict the tax deduction for interest on loans between related companies or loans
See MoreFrench Senators Axe Tax Break for Overtime Hours
It has been published on 30 July 2012 that, within the framework of its examination of the country’s second 2012 supplementary finance bill, the French Senate has abolished the tax exemption applicable to overtime hours in France, a measure
See MoreSingapore: Strengthen DTA Network
In a speech on 25 July 2012, at the international tax forum organized by the Tax Academy and CPA Australia, Singapore's Minister of State for Finance and Transport disclosed that Singapore was looking to strengthen its network of double taxation
See MoreChina and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) update
According to an announcement made in October 2011, a Value-Added Tax (VAT) pilot program will be introduced in Shanghai in January 2012, replacing the business tax in selected industrial sectors. Following the early success of that pilot, it looks
See MoreSouth Africa: Introduces Tax Amendment Bills
It was published on 11 July 2012 that the South African National Treasury has released, for public comment prior to their formal introduction in parliament, the draft 2012 Taxation Laws Amendment Bills which give effect to most of the 2012
See MoreThailand Refuses To Give Foreign Dividend Tax Exemption
It was published on 9 July 2012 that the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister have immediately rejected a call from Thailand’s business sector for a tax exemption on dividends received from overseas investments. The Thai Chamber of Commerce
See MoreCanada: welcomes IRS tax return help
Canadian Finance Minister has welcomed the US government's decision to help dual citizens residing in Canada deal with their US tax filing obligations. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will also offer assistance to those with Canadian retirement
See MoreAustria’s financial police enforce tax compliance
Austria’s Finance Minister Maria Fekter has recently underlined the key role of the country’s financial police in enforcing payment of due taxes and thereby ensuring tax justice in Austria. Alluding to the fact that the financial police now play
See MoreJapan’s Government and Opposition Agree Tax Deal
It was reported on 19 June 2012 that the Japanese Prime Minister has been successful in reaching a deal with opposition parties, and, in particular, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), on his plan for future hikes to the country’s consumption tax
See MoreItaly introduces tax measures for growth
The Italian government has issued its long-awaited decree aimed at boosting growth in the economy, particularly through tax incentives for construction companies, infrastructure projects and energy efficiency. Corrado Passera, the Economic
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