Oman: VAT could be introduced by 2016
For implementing a value added tax (VAT), the Oman government is considering a framework. This would be generally in line with guidance from the Gulf Cooperation Council, an organization of which Oman is a member. VAT system could be implemented in
See MoreHong Kong: Tax laws introduced for Islamic Finance
The Inland Revenue and Stamp Duty Legislation (Alternative Bond Schemes) (Amendment) Ordinance 2013 was gazetted and came into operation on July 19, 2013 in Hong Kong. It amends the Inland Revenue Ordinance and Stamp Duty Ordinance to provide a
See MoreHong Kong: Explanation of IPR, Royalties Taxation
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) of Hong Kong has issued amended interpretation and practice notes for taxpayers regarding the profits tax deduction for capital expenditure on intellectual property rights (IPR), and the taxation of royalties
See MoreCzech Republic: Flood-related tax relief and proposed payroll tax changes
New tax measures in the Czech Republic provide tax relief to flood damage and introduce a new payroll tax regime. The Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic is providing tax relief to companies and individuals affected by floods this year. The
See MoreCanada – Way of taxation in foreign affiliates
The draft legislation has released by Canada’s Department of Finance on July 12, 2013, including provisions concerning the taxation of foreign affiliates and non-resident corporations without share capital, the foreign currency election,
See MoreBelgium: Approval of “Fairness tax” on corporations
The tax measures under the budget control proposals previously announced by the Belgian government were adopted on 18 July 2013 by Parliament.The new “fairness tax” is included in the measures. Imposition rate of the fairness tax will be 5.15%
See MoreAustria: From July 2013 Amendments’ to Limited Liability Company Act
Austria has passed an amendment to the Limited Liability Companies Act from 1st July 2013 with the aim of reducing the costs connected with setting up an Austrian limited liability company. A new provision has also been introduced into the
See MoreUruguay: National Assembly presents Budget Bill 2012
The government of Uruguay presented a Bill to the National Assembly on 30 June 2013 that reviews the 2012 Budget. Capital gains on bearer shares have become subject to individual income tax (IRPF) and non-resident income tax (IRNR) unless particular
See MoreUK: exploration of FTT recommended by MPs
It has been recommended by a UK Parliamentary Committee to consider the “feasibility, benefits and risks” of a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) on High Frequency Trading (HFT), despite the Government’s strong opposition to such a tax within the
See MoreUK: Temporary Non-Residence Regulations 2013
A new statutory instrument SI 2013/1810 has been issued by the UK Government in relation to the temporary Non-Residents (Miscellaneous Amendments). The Government announced its intention to introduce a Statutory Residence Test from 6 April 2013 in
See MoreUK: Regulations for Annual tax on enveloped dwellings
A new statutory instrument named SI 2013/1844 has been issued by HMRC regarding the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (Returns) 2013. This regulation will come into force on 12 August 2013. Finance Act 2013 introduced an annual tax on enveloped
See MoreUK: HMRC guidance on creative industry tax relief
HMRC has issued guidance on access to the creative industry tax relief. In addition to Film Tax Relief introduced in 2007 the UK has now introduced tax relief for animation and high end television with effect from 1 April 2013. Tax relief for video
See MoreSwitzerland: Pay first tranche of tax on unrevealed assets
Switzerland has paid the UK tax authorities £258m in unpaid taxes on hidden assets representing the first tranche specified under the UK and Switzerland tax agreement. Converted into Swiss francs, almost CHF900m (USD969m) was transferred in tax and
See MoreSwiss Federal Tax Administration publishes instructions on tax agreements with Austria and UK
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration published on 16 July 2013, the latest version of the instructions on the agreements on cooperation in the area of taxation with other states and the federal international withholding tax act. The Agreements with
See MoreUK: Finance Act 2013 receives the Royal Assent
The 2013 Finance Act became law on 17 July 2013. The main provisions include a reduction of the corporate tax rate from 22% to 21% in 2014/15 and to 20% in 2015/16. The Act also includes the legislation introducing the General Anti Abuse Rule
See MoreLuxembourg’s AIFM Directive-Bill adopted
The European Union’s Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive has been amended by the draft legislation into Luxembourg law which was approved by the grand duchy’s Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday July 10, 2013. Luxembourg has become one
See MoreIndia: Decision on benchmarking international transactions
Recently the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (“ITAT”) provides their decision regarding “standard analysis that every international transaction will have to be benchmarked and analyses separately by comparing it with independent uncontrolled
See MoreFrance Begins Tax Break Simplification
The French Government has announced a number of tax simplification measures. The aim is to simplify administrative procedures in respect of taxation for both companies and individuals in France, and to reduce state spending on tax breaks. The
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