EU: Proposals on taxation of digital activities
On 21 March 2018 the European Commission proposed rules on taxation of digital business activities in the EU. These tax measures propose to adapt the tax laws for the digital economy. The tax rules for digital businesses including social media
See MoreUK: Consultation discusses the use of cash in tax evasion and financial crime
On 13 March 2018 the government issued a call for evidence entitled “Cash and digital payments in the new economy”. HMRC notes that the use of cash can present problems with tax compliance because people dealing in cash may have problems
See MoreUK: Use of taxation or other charges to reduce plastic waste
The UK has set a goal to eradicate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042 and is examining how economic incentives can be used to encourage sustainable behaviour. A number of measures have already been taken to reduce waste such as the Landfill Tax;
See MoreUK: update on corporate taxation and the digital economy
In March 2018 the UK has issued an updated position paper on corporate taxation and the digital economy, following an earlier consultation on the issue. The UK government considers that the engagement and participation of users is important for
See MoreUK: Chancellor delivers 2018 Spring Statement
The Chancellor delivered the Spring Statement on 13 March 2018. As the main budget announcements have now been moved to autumn, the spring statement gave a summary of the economic position and indicated areas on which the government is consulting
See MoreOECD: Interim report on tax challenges of the digital economy
The interim report on tax challenges of the digital economy was published on 16 March 2018. The 2015 report on action 1 of the action plan on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) on tax challenges of the digital economy outlined the ways in
See MoreOECD: Tax disclosure rules for advisors and intermediaries
On 9 March 2018 the OECD has issued model disclosure rules requiring lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, banks and other service providers to inform tax authorities of any schemes they set up for their clients to avoid reporting requirements
See MoreOECD: Third round of peer reviews on dispute resolution mechanisms
On 12 March 2018 the OECD released the third round of peer reviews relating to improving tax dispute resolution mechanisms to make them more timely, relevant and effective. Action 14 of the action plan on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) was
See MoreIndia: CbC reporting changes made in Finance Bill 2018 as passed by the Lok Sabha
On 14 March 2018, the lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha) has approved the Finance Bill 2018 with modifications. One of the main changes includes by the bill is changes to the country-by-country (CbC) reporting and Master file requirements. The
See MoreLithuania: MPs proposes to reduce VAT on food and non-alcoholic beverages
A group of opposition Lithuanian lawmakers has drafted a proposal to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) on food and non-alcoholic beverages from 21% to 9%, bringing it to the level of one of the country’s reduced tax
See MoreOECD and Egypt launch programme on implementation of BEPS standards
On 7 March 2018 the OECD and Egypt’s Ministry of Finance launched a programme entitled Enhancing domestic resource mobilisation in Egypt through a better tax and exchange of information system. The programme involves funding from the EU to support
See MoreWTO: LDC members request implementation of capacity building measures
The Council for Trade in Services of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) met on 2 March 2018. At the meeting the least developed countries (LDCs) called on WTO members to implement capacity building measures so their suppliers could take advantage of
See MoreCosta Rica: Government proposes new tax measures
On 28 February 2018, the Budget bill 2018 was sent to the Assembly proposing to replace the existing sales tax with a value added tax (VAT). It also amends the Income Tax Act by introducing a new capital gains tax, tax neutrality for certain
See MoreIMF: Fiscal Management of Mining and Petroleum in West Africa
On 27 February 2018 the IMF Deputy Managing Director addressed relevant issues at the opening of the Conference on Fiscal Management of Mining and Petroleum in West Africa. The possession of natural resources has often not helped to achieve better
See MoreOECD: Project to examine differences between Brazil’s transfer pricing rules and the Guidelines
On 28 February 2018 the OECD and Brazil began a joint project to examine the similarities and gaps in approaches to valuation of cross-border transactions. The project aims to produce an assessment of possibilities to bring the transfer pricing
See MoreSouth Africa: Finance Minister presents the Budget for 2018
On 21 February 2018, South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Malusi Gigaba, delivered the Budget for the year of 2018. The budget includes the following tax proposals: VAT rate to increase from 14% to 15%. This change is effective from 1 April
See MoreDenmark: Government proposes amendments to corporate taxation rules
On 23 February 2018, the Danish Ministry of Taxation published the bill on corporate taxation. The bill amending the Danish company taxation is as follows: Permanent establishment (PE) The Danish government explicitly states that non-Danish
See MoreCanada: Finance Minister presents the Federal Budget 2018
The Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, presented a federal budget, on February 27, 2018, that plans a clear course for the Liberals to the 2019 election, an aspirational road map designed to ensure that no woman, scientist or national wildlife area
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