Pakistan: IMF discusses fiscal and tax policy
On 6 October 2015 the IMF held a conference call on completion of the eighth review of Pakistan’s economic performance under an EFF arrangement. The IMF considers that Pakistan’s economic performance has been generally positive under the program
See MoreECJ: Request for preliminary ruling on apportionment of expenses for VAT deduction
Many businesses make some supplies that are VAT exempt and the input tax relating to these supplies cannot be deducted in the VAT return. If a business is making both exempt and taxable supplies the input tax relating to the exempt supplies cannot
See MoreFinland: Government planning to remove sugar tax
The Government of Finland will remove tax on sugary foods from 2017 in response to a ruling by the European Commission. Sugar tax was introduced in Finland in 2011 and applies to sweets, soft drinks, juices and ice cream at the rate of Eur 0.95 per
See MoreUN Committee of Tax Experts to discuss issues related to UN Model
The UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters is to meet from 19 to 23 October 2015. Their agenda includes discussion of issues relating to the UN Model Tax Convention; and the next update of the UN Practical Manual on
See MoreUK: Consultation on draft Regulations on country by country reporting
On 5 October 2015 the UK issued draft Regulations in relation to country by country reporting, along the lines of the recommendations made in the OECD action plan on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS). The aim is to require multinational groups
See MoreKazakhstan: List of representative offices of foreign states and organizations published
Generally, a VAT refund is possible for both resident and non-resident taxable persons registered in Kazakhstan for VAT purposes. There is an exception to this rule in the case of representative offices. Representative offices are only eligible
See MoreNorway Fiscal Budget for 2016 Presented to the Parliament
Norway Fiscal Budget for 2016 was presented to the parliament on 7 October 2015. A reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 27% to 25% has been proposed in the budget. The application of the participation exemption with regards to dividends
See MoreOECD announces final package of BEPS measures
On 5 October 2015 the OECD presented the final package of measures resulting from the action plan on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS). The package of measures based on the fifteen action points is to be presented to the G20 Finance Ministers
See MoreTransfer Pricing Brief: September 2015
Ukraine: Comparable uncontrolled price method (“CUP”): As per the new law which came into force from August 11 2015, taxpayers are allowed to use Comparable Uncontrolled Price (“CUP”) method only with reference to the prices on the
See MoreWorld Tax Brief: September 2015
Australia Sanctions for tax evasion: The Government of Australia announced double the maximum administrative penalties that can be applied by the Commissioner of Taxation to large companies that enter into tax avoidance and profit shifting
See MoreRussia: Wheat export duty amended
The Russian Government has amended the method for calculating wheat export duty that was in force from 1st July 2015. The government has increased the deductible portion of the wheat export duty from 5,500 rubles ($83.9) to 6,500 rubles ($99.1)
See MoreSpain: Partial amendments of general tax law
Spain has published the official Gazette regarding partial amendments of general tax law which was amended on 22 September, 2015 as a Law no.34/2015. The Law will enter into force on 12 October 2015 except for the obligation to keep specific
See MoreNew Zealand: Inland Revenue revises its guidance on APA
Inland Revenue recently updated its guidance on the Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) application process and published a list of steps aiming to standardize the process. Agreements can be required from Inland Revenue alone (unilateral) or between
See MoreFrance: Draft Finance Bill 2016
The draft Finance Bill for 2016 has been presented in France. According to the proposals the income tax-exempt threshold will be increased to EUR9,700 (USD10,840). For income above this threshold the income tax rates will be reduced. The tax rates
See MoreLatvia: Government planning to introduce solidarity tax
Latvian Finance Ministry recently declared a draft law regarding a new tax for high earners, to make the nation's flat tax regime more progressive. From 1 January 2016, employees earning over EUR 48 600 a year will pay a 4% solidarity tax on the
See MoreAFRITAC discusses prevention of tax fraud
From 28 September to 2 October 2015 the IMF’s regional Technical Assistance Centers (AFRITAC) for central and southern Africa are holding a seminar on prevention of tax fraud. The seminar held in Mauritius in collaboration with the African
See MoreEgypt- Reduced Tax Rates published in the Official Gazette
Decree Law No. 96 for 2015 amending Income Tax Law No. 91 for 2005 was published in the Official Gazette No. 24.bis for 2015 on 20 August 2015. The main changes are summarized below: 1) The standard corporate tax rate is reduced from 25% to 22.5%
See MoreIMF: Report on fiscal policy of Sweden
The IMF has published on its website the concluding report by staff after consultation with Sweden under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The IMF report indicates that Sweden’s economy is performing well and economic growth should
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