Ukraine: Proposed amendments to the Tax Code
The following proposed tax rates will be increased: excise tax, vehicle registration charges, payment for subsoil use (if with a purpose other than extraction of minerals), ecological tax and charges for the use of radio frequency resources. The
See MoreNew plan for tax exemption for Argentina
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has taken some initiatives to increase the tax-exempt personal income tax threshold. According to the new plan, taxpayers with a gross monthly salary of up to ARS25,000 (USD5,215) will be
See MoreNetherlands Bill Softens Exit Tax Rules
It was reported on 17 December 2012 that the Dutch Second Chamber has recently approved a bill submitted by the Financial State Secretary amending existing legislation pertaining to exit tax. The bill provides companies electing to relocate abroad
See MoreItalian Law Decree aims at incentives for start-up companies
The Italian Government has approved Law Decree, No. 179 of 18 October 2012, which has been published in Official Gazette No. 194. The Decree introduces incentives for innovative start-up companies, to encourage economic growth. For the first time
See MoreKenya Increasing Taxes to Cover Budget Shortfall
On 10 October 2012 it was reported that, according to Kenya’s Finance Minister, the government needs to find KES40bn of additional tax revenue or spending cuts to fill a hole in its 2012/13 Budget, which has been largely caused by the recent pay
See MoreIndia: Reduces tax rate on foreign borrowings
The Indian government has lowered the taxes charged on money borrowed by Indian companies in foreign currency. The changes are included in Finance Act 2012, which amends section 115A of the Income Tax Act and inserts a new section, 194LC, in the
See MoreAustralian Parliament Passes Fund Manager Tax Reforms
The Australian government has loosened the tax requirements on the financial services industry in an effort to remove any barriers to the use of Australian fund managers by international investors. The Tax Laws Amendment (Investment Manager Regime)
See MoreThailand to Keep VAT at 7%
It has been published on 10 August 2012 that Thailand’s government has decided to postpone the planned increase in the value added tax (VAT) rate by two years to help stimulate the consumer spending and private sector investment, which are
See MorePhilippines pushes for increased 2013 revenue with no new taxes
As President Benigno Aquino’s government abides by his original promise not to introduce any new taxes in the first three years of his administration, the Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will have to rely on improved tax compliance
See MoreRussia: Polymetal Loses Transfer Pricing Dispute
On 1 August 2012 it was published that the Supreme Arbitration Court of Russia has recently ordered Polymetal International, a Russian gold and silver producer, to pay RUB883m in additional taxes, penalties and interest as part of a transfer pricing
See MoreFrench Senators Axe Tax Break for Overtime Hours
It has been published on 30 July 2012 that, within the framework of its examination of the country’s second 2012 supplementary finance bill, the French Senate has abolished the tax exemption applicable to overtime hours in France, a measure
See MoreChina and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) update
According to an announcement made in October 2011, a Value-Added Tax (VAT) pilot program will be introduced in Shanghai in January 2012, replacing the business tax in selected industrial sectors. Following the early success of that pilot, it looks
See MoreCanada: welcomes IRS tax return help
Canadian Finance Minister has welcomed the US government's decision to help dual citizens residing in Canada deal with their US tax filing obligations. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will also offer assistance to those with Canadian retirement
See MoreJapan’s Government and Opposition Agree Tax Deal
It was reported on 19 June 2012 that the Japanese Prime Minister has been successful in reaching a deal with opposition parties, and, in particular, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), on his plan for future hikes to the country’s consumption tax
See MoreItaly introduces tax measures for growth
The Italian government has issued its long-awaited decree aimed at boosting growth in the economy, particularly through tax incentives for construction companies, infrastructure projects and energy efficiency. Corrado Passera, the Economic
See MoreHong Kong: No Tax Cut for SMEs
It was reported on 31 May 2012, that the government will not introduce a lower profits tax rate for micro-enterprises. There were about 300,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong by the end of 2011, accounting for more than 98%
See MoreHong Kong launches APA programme
On March 29, 2012, the Inland Revenue Department (“IRD”) took an important step forward by formalizing the Advance Pricing Arrangement (“APA”) programme in Hong Kong. The IRD issued Departmental Interpretation and Practice Notes Number 48
See MoreCanada Promotes Budget’s Trade Benefits
Canada's 2012 Budget will help expand trade and open new markets for businesses, the Minister in charge has said. Ted Menzies, the Minister of State (Finance), spoke at the Economic Club of Canada in Ottawa to promote the benefits of the new Budget,
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