UK: Consultation on strengthening sanctions for tax avoidance
On 22 July 2015 the UK government issued a consultation document containing detailed proposals for strengthening the penalties for tax avoidance. The closing date for comments on this consultation document is 14 October 2015. Serial avoiders’
See MoreUK: Consultation on improving large business tax compliance
On 22 July 2015 the UK tax authority HMRC launched a consultation on improving large business tax compliance. In the 2015 budget the UK government stated its intention to open a consultation on the measures that could be taken to improve tax
See MoreGermany plans to adopt BEPS guidance on transfer pricing documentation and CbC reporting requirement
The German government has announced plans to incorporate guidance on transfer pricing documentation and country-by-country (CbC) reporting) in line with the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project into local legislation. The
See MoreIrish Revenue clarifies effect of ECJ decisions on VAT rules
On 17 July 2015 the Irish Revenue issued eBrief 73/15 outlining the practical implications of certain decisions of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in value added tax (VAT) cases. The issues are related to VAT issues for pension funds. Supply of
See MoreCzech tax authorities clarify implications of ECJ Skandia decision
A clarification was recently issued by the Czech Republic tax administration in relation to the implications of the Skandia America decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The ECJ decision concerned Skandia which was a US corporation with
See MoreFrance introduces withholding tax on benefits from employment
On 17 June 2015, the Ministries of Finances and Budget declared that a withholding tax system for fringe benefits will be introduced in France and will come into effect from 1 January 2018. It is expected that the withholding tax will be processed
See MoreHong Kong: Exemption for offshore funds
The Hong Kong government has Gazetted the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (No.2) Ordinance 2015, which seeks to extend the profits tax exemption for offshore funds to private equity funds. With the implementation of the Amendment Ordinance, transactions
See MoreCyprus: Parliament Enacts Tax Law Amendments
On 9 July 2015 the House of Representatives of Cyprus enacted into law a number of significant tax law proposals. The laws were published in the Cyprus Government Gazette on 16 July 2015. A number of changes to the Cyprus corporate and personal
See MoreSlovenia: Procedures for Advance Pricing Agreements
The Ministry of Finance has published proposed changes to the Slovenian Tax Procedure Act. The envisaged amendments bring a broad variety of important amendments regarding automatic exchange of information and elimination of administrative
See MoreUK: HMRC issues consultation document on intermediaries legislation
On 17 July 2015 HMRC issued a consultation document on the intermediaries legislation (IR35). The intermediaries legislation was first introduced in 2000 to combat tax avoidance through intermediaries such as personal service companies. The
See MoreWorld Bank and IMF announce further support for developing country tax administrations
The World Bank and the IMF announced on 10 July 2015 that they are launching an initiative to support developing countries in strengthening their tax administrations. Research has suggested that there is potential for lower income countries to
See MoreUK: HMRC launches consultations on penalties for offshore non-compliance
On 16 July 2015 the UK tax authority HMRC launched consultations on penalties for non-compliance in relation to offshore income and assets. The consultation papers consider options for strengthening civil penalties for tax evasion involving hiding
See MoreUK: HMRC publishes research report on use of offshore disclosure facilities
On 15 July 2015 HMRC published a research report on behavioral factors influencing the use of offshore disclosure facilities. The research was conducted by interviews with agents handling offshore disclosure cases; in this case those involved with
See MoreUK: HMRC publishes report on small business and tax decisions
The UK tax authority HMRC has published a research report entitled Small Business and Choice, reflecting interviews held with small businesses and their views on choice in the tax system. HMRC authorized the research to be done in order to explore
See MoreUruguay: New rules for depreciating intangible assets
The government of Uruguay has modified the rules for depreciating intangible assets through Decree No. 181/015 of 6 July 2015. The new rules have changed the general depreciating period for intangible assets acquired from 1 July 2015. Taxpayers
See MoreTurkey: Corporate income tax and VAT on electronic services by nonresident businesses
The Government is considering proposals which would permit the Turkish Revenue Administration to collect both indirect and direct taxes on the online sales and revenue-generating online activities made by nonresident businesses. The Finance
See MoreCanada: Pension payroll tax will not increase
The Finance Ministry of Canada has stated that the Government will not impose an obligatory increase in Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions but will instead consider choices for a supplement to the payroll tax. The government will consult with
See MoreNigeria: Reverse charge does not apply where nonresident companies render services to a resident
The Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) in Nigeria has delivered a decision in the case “Gazprom Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited (Gazprom) Vs FIRS on 10th June 2015. This concerns the imposition of a VAT charge on services by a nonresident company (NRC) to
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