Australian Prime Minister Loses Senate Carbon Tax Vote
The Australian Prime Minister’s plan to abolish Australia's carbon tax regime received a setback when the Senate failed to pass legislation to dismantle the independent Climate Change Authority. The bill was defeated on its second reading by 38
See MoreCanada: Budget 2014 incorporates transfer pricing rules and financial services
It has been announced by the OECD that the Budget for 2014 includes the announcement of a consultation on international tax planning by multinational enterprises as input into Canada's participation in the action plan on the basis of erosion and
See MoreUS – Tax Reform Discussion Draft
The House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee Chairman has issued a comprehensive income tax reform discussion draft, which proposes to reduce maximum tax rates and simplify the tax code. The discussion draft suggests that six different
See MoreUruguay – Relief from compliance in respect of marketing and advertising expenses
Taxpayers are no longer required to submit certain information to the tax administration (Dirección General de Impuestos—DGI) with respect to income tax deductions or value added tax (VAT) calculations related to expenses incurred for marketing
See MoreUK – Shadow Foreign Secretary calls for maximum tax devolution for Scotland
The UK’s shadow foreign secretary has stated that the further devolution of tax powers could strengthen the accountability of the Scottish Parliament. In April 2015 the devolution of Landfill Tax will be carried out and a new Land and Buildings
See MoreUAE: No Tax for Individual Income
The UAE Finance Minister has confirmed that, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not plan to initiate an income tax for individuals. The country is however exploring the possibility of taxing companies and introducing fees for newly introduced
See MoreSwitzerland – trade association warn against Fuel Surtax Hike
Swiss trade association has warned the Swiss Government against a rise in the mineral oil surtax imposed on motor fuels. The Swiss Federal Council has previously indicated that raising the levy is one of the options available to place the financing
See MoreSwitzerland: Revised guidance on taxation of principal companies
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (SFTA) has provided the cantonal tax authorities with revised guidance on how to apply rules that affect the taxation of principal companies, which will impact both existing and new principal company rulings. The
See MoreSwitzerland – Committee rejects Flat Tax Initiative
The Swiss Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxes of the National Council (CEAT-N) has recommended that the popular initiative calling for an end to the flat tax regime currently benefiting wealthy foreigners in the Confederation be rejected. The
See MoreSpain’s opposition leader proposes low-income tax package
In the course of the State of the Nation debate in Congress, Spain's Socialist Party (PSOE) leader proposed that a tax package be introduced to protect low-income earners in Spain, and in particular to protect families. The proposal related to
See MoreSpain Slashes Labor Taxes To Create Jobs
Spain has announced plans to significantly lower social security contributions for employers who recruit permanent members of staff. The Prime Minister has suggested that an upwards revision of the growth forecast for this year and next will enable
See MoreSouth African Budget Sets Up Small Business Tax Reforms
South Africa’s 2014 budget includes some measures resulting from the work of the Tax Review Committee. The Committee's recommendations relate to the compliance burden of small and medium-sized enterprises. In particular, the turnover tax regime,
See MoreSouth Africa – Tax proposals in 2014 budget
The South African Finance Minister delivered his 2014 Budget Speech on 26 February 2014. Among the general corporate tax proposals in the budget are measures to: Limit interest deductions for reorganizations and acquisitions; Address the refund
See MoreSingapore: Budget 2014
Singapore has recently issued the 2014 budget, containing provisions related to introduction of the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) Scheme for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), PIC benefits on training employees, the extension of the
See MoreSingapore simplifies stamp duty rate regime
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has issued an e-Tax Guide explaining the stamp duty changes introduced in the Government's 2014 Budget on February 21, 2014. In Singapore stamp duty is payable on instruments relating to the
See MorePhilippines: Congress to prioritize bill raising tax exemption cap on 13th-month pay
Despite objection from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Congress will prioritize the passage of the bill raising the tax exemption cap on 13th-month pay, Christmas bonus and other work benefits. Congress leaders have agreed to give "urgent
See MoreNetherlands – Advocate General’s opinion on sister company tax consolidation
The Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has found that the Dutch tax rules are in breach of the freedom of establishment in that the rules deny tax consolidation (fiscal unity) between— A Dutch parent company
See MoreNamibia’s Budget Recognizes Increase in Tax Revenue
Namibia’s 2014 Budget provides for a 20% increase in tax revenues. The Government recognizes that, while the domestic revenue stream will contribute significantly to expected revenue, a significant risk to Namibia's fiscal outlook derives from
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