US: 2015 Budget would increase taxes for the wealthy
The Budget 2015 proposals would reduce the United States medium-term fiscal deficit by increasing revenues, particularly on the wealthiest taxpayers, but are unlikely to reach Congress. The US deficit would fall from 3.7 percent of gross domestic
See MoreTaiwan- Proposal to increase business tax rates
Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance (“MOF") has recently spoken about efforts to improve Taiwan’s financial prospects. The proposals include plans to raise business tax rates on the banking and insurance industries, reduce the imputation credit ratio
See MoreSwitzerland urged to approve IHT agreement with France
The French Finance Minister has informed Switzerland that France will not renegotiate the revised inheritance tax (IHT) agreement the two countries have drafted if it is rejected by Swiss lawmakers. The revised Franco-Swiss IHT accord was signed in
See MoreSouth Korea: mergers and acquisitions activity and rental market
South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance presided over a Ministerial Meeting on the Economy on March 5 that discussed tax measures to stimulate mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in South Korea and to fine-tune
See MoreSouth Africa: SARS Enhances TCC Application Process
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced an enhanced Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) application process available through eFiling and at SARS offices, as part of a series of initiatives to modernize tax compliance due to be rolled
See MoreSingapore: Budget 2014/15 aims to increase tax revenue
Singapore's Minister for Finance has stressed the importance of Singapore balancing its books over the long term, in the 2014/15 Budget speech. Already, with increased social and healthcare spending, the Singapore Government is forecasting a small
See MoreRomania: no abrupt change in fiscal policies this year
The Romanian Prime Minister has confirmed that there will be no abrupt change in the government’s fiscal policies this year, rejecting speculation that an incremental income tax could be introduced. The 16 per cent flat tax was introduced in
See MorePhilippines improves tax collection from large businesses
The Large Taxpayers Service (LTS) of the Philippines' Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has begun the 2014 tax season by praising corporate taxpayers for their contribution to the growth in collected revenue. In 2013 the LTS improved its 2013 revenue
See MoreMexico – Government and taxpayers reach agreement on tax certainty
The 2014 tax reform provisions have brought significant changes to the tax system in Mexico. New changes will affect both business and individual taxpayers. In response, taxpayers have filed for injunctive relief against certain measures under the
See MoreMalta seeks to attract Small Businesses
Malta’s Finance Minister has stated that the country wants to ensure that the country's taxation system is as business friendly and streamlined as possible to facilitate and attract investment. The statement was made at the MIM Malta International
See MoreMalaysia – WTO Tracks Malaysian Tax Developments
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has recently stated in its Trade Policy Review of Malaysia that the country needs to implement fiscal consolidation and tax reforms to ensure equitable and sustainable growth. The WTO noted the country's plans for
See MoreLuxembourg –VAT shortfall
In the recent Luxembourg budget, it was announced that the estimated annual VAT shortfall following the changes will total €600m to €1.1bn. This amounts to between 4.9% and 9.1% of the current annual VAT take. Due to the significance of this
See MoreLuxembourg – No VAT rise in the 2014 Budget
Luxembourg's Finance Minister has presented the 2014 Budget to the Chamber of Deputies. The 2014 budget does not include plans to raise value-added tax (VAT) in 2014 as had initially been predicted. The Finance Minister has however indicated that
See MoreKenya Issues TCC Application Guidelines
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued guidelines for those businesses applying for a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC). This certificate is mandatory for businesses wishing to conduct transactions with government agencies and public bodies. A
See MoreIrish coalition honoring tax promises
The Irish Prime Minister has suggested that Ireland has now implemented more than 90 percent of the tax measures and spending cuts needed to bring its public finances under control. Ireland’s 12.5 percent corporate tax rate has played a central
See MoreIreland – Finance Minister Talks Fiscal Policy
According to the Irish Finance Minister the core objective of the Medium Term Economic Strategy (MTES) is full employment by 2020. In connection with this strategy Ireland will continue to prioritize taxation measures that ensure the recovery
See MoreHong Kong – Tax Authority Responds To Fair Value Accounting Case
Following the judgment of Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal in Nice Cheer Investment Limited v Commissioner of Inland Revenue (CIR), FACV 23/2012, the Inland Revenue Department has been requested, and has agreed, to accept financial statements
See MoreGermany reverses plans on Railway Eco Tax Break Repeal
The German Economy and Energy Minister has reversed plans to strike out the renewable energy tax (EEG-Umlage) rebate for train operators. The EEG-Umlage is intended to finance the transition in Germany towards the use of renewable sources of
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