Sri Lanka: World Bank study highlights low tax collection
The World Bank published a Systematic Country Diagnostic on Sri Lanka on 1 February 2016. This looks at the key obstacles to sustained progress in ending poverty and increasing prosperity. The study identifies the low tax to GDP ratio as an
See MoreHungary: IMF report recommends tax changes
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a concluding statement describing the preliminary staff findings following consultation with Hungary under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The Hungarian economy is performing well
See MoreBangladesh: NBR drafts new income tax law
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has drafted a new income tax law that seeks to keep corporate tax rates equal for all companies and narrow down the list of tax breaks and exemptions. The drafted new law is expected to replace the
See MorePortugal: Further budget measures 2016
On 5 February 2016, further budget measures were announced. The most important measures are summarized here. Corporate income tax (i) Patent box: The patent box regime will be amended to incorporate the "modified nexus approach" in line with BEPS
See MoreWorld Bank to review efficiency and equity of Latvia’s tax system
The World Bank and Latvia’s Ministry of Finance have signed the Latvia Tax Policy and Equity Reimbursable Service Agreement (RAS) with the objective of reviewing the tax system in Latvia and finding ways to improve its efficiency, competitiveness
See MoreNetherlands: IMF paper comments on the tax system
On 11 February 2016 the IMF issued a staff report and selected issues paper in connection with discussions with the Netherlands under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The selected issues paper covers the possibility of further tax
See MoreIMF report comments on tax policy of Sri Lanka
On 5 February 2016 the IMF released a report on the conclusion of discussions by its staff in Sri Lanka under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of association. The Sri Lankan economy has been performing positively and real GDP growth was 5.2% in
See MoreBahrain: IMF report comments on economic position
A statement issued by the IMF at the conclusion of consultations with Bahrain under Article IV of the IMF articles of agreement comments on the economic position. The low oil prices have lowered exports and fiscal revenues. Economic growth
See MorePakistan: IMF paper comments on the tax system
Following consultations with Pakistan under Article IV of its articles of agreement the IMF published a report and a selected issues paper on 12 January 2016. One of the matters examined in the issues paper is how to unlock Pakistan’s revenue
See MoreGhana: IMF report comments on tax policy
Following the completion of a review of Ghana’s economic performance the IMF has published a report covering the economic outlook. The IMF considers the outlook for Ghana is difficult with downside risks. The fiscal consolidation target for 2015
See MoreJapan: Cabinet Approves 2016 Tax Reform Proposal
The Japanese Cabinet approved the 2016 tax reform proposal (2016 Tax Reform) on December 24, 2015. The proposal contains modifications to Japanese transfer pricing (TP) documentation requirements. The modifications are based on recommendations in
See MorePoland: President signs into law the bill on Tax on Financial Institutions
Poland's President has signed into law a Bill on the Tax on Financial Institutions which was published in the Official Journal on 15 January 2016. According to the law the tax rate will be 0.0366% of the taxable base and the tax will be charged on
See MoreIMF report comments on economic policy of Slovak Republic
Following the completion of talks with the Slovak Republic on 11 January 2016 the IMF has issued a report on the economic and fiscal position. Slovakia is one of the stronger economies in Europe and economic growth is projected to be 3% to 3.5% in
See MoreLiberia: IMF report comments on economic and fiscal position
On 8 January 2016 the IMF published a staff report in connection with the extended credit facility arrangement with Liberia. The IMF reports that poverty and food insecurity remain higher than before the Ebola crisis and that the commodity price
See MoreVenezuela: Tax law changes that will be effective from 2016
The tax reform measures in Venezuela have been published in official gazette on 30th December 2015. Changes to the income tax law are effective from the beginning of January 2016. They include the following measures: The tax inflation
See MoreIMF Managing Director addresses policy priorities of CEMAC
The Managing Director of the IMF addressed policy issues in a speech to the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) published on 8 January 2016. The speech covered economic issues facing the Central African region including the slump
See MoreNigeria: IMF Managing Director Speaks at National Assembly
In a speech to the National Assembly on 6 January 2016 the IMF Managing Director summarized the global and regional economic position and the implications for national policy. The sub-Saharan Africa region is entering a period of reduced commodity
See MoreNigeria: Budget for the year 2016
The budget measures for 2016 were delivered to the National Assembly on 22nd December 2015. The government proposes to reduce reliance on oil revenues (which are expected to amount to NGN 820 billion) in 2016. Non-oil revenues, comprising company
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