South Africa: SARS Enhances TCC Application Process

16 March, 2014

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced an enhanced Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) application process available through eFiling and at SARS offices, as part of a series of initiatives to modernize tax compliance due to be rolled

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Mexico – Government and taxpayers reach agreement on tax certainty

16 March, 2014

The 2014 tax reform provisions have brought significant changes to the tax system in Mexico. New changes will affect both business and individual taxpayers. In response, taxpayers have filed for injunctive relief against certain measures under the

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Malta seeks to attract Small Businesses

16 March, 2014

Malta’s Finance Minister has stated that the country wants to ensure that the country's taxation system is as business friendly and streamlined as possible to facilitate and attract investment. The statement was made at the MIM Malta International

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Kenya Issues TCC Application Guidelines

16 March, 2014

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued guidelines for those businesses applying for a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC). This certificate is mandatory for businesses wishing to conduct transactions with government agencies and public bodies. A

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Irish coalition honoring tax promises

16 March, 2014

The Irish Prime Minister has suggested that Ireland has now implemented more than 90 percent of the tax measures and spending cuts needed to bring its public finances under control. Ireland’s 12.5 percent corporate tax rate has played a central

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Ireland – Finance Minister Talks Fiscal Policy

16 March, 2014

According to the Irish Finance Minister the core objective of the Medium Term Economic Strategy (MTES) is full employment by 2020.  In connection with this strategy Ireland will continue to prioritize taxation measures that ensure the recovery

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Hong Kong – Tax Authority Responds To Fair Value Accounting Case

16 March, 2014

Following the judgment of Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal in Nice Cheer Investment Limited v Commissioner of Inland Revenue (CIR), FACV 23/2012, the Inland Revenue Department has been requested, and has agreed, to accept financial statements

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Germany reverses plans on Railway Eco Tax Break Repeal

16 March, 2014

The German Economy and Energy Minister has reversed plans to strike out the renewable energy tax (EEG-Umlage) rebate for train operators. The EEG-Umlage is intended to finance the transition in Germany towards the use of renewable sources of

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France- Transfer Tax hiked

16 March, 2014

According to the French Tax Administration 66 out of the 101 departments in France have elected to increase their house transfer tax rate from March 1 2014. The house transfer tax is imposed on transactions involving older property. Other expenses

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France To Simplify Tax System

16 March, 2014

The French General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) has found that 192 taxes in France each yield less than EUR150m (USD208m), and has advocated abolishing two-thirds of them. The report has been prepared by the IGF on behalf of the French Budget

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Belgium’s cdH Pledges Election Tax Cuts

16 March, 2014

The President of Belgium's Humanist Democratic Center (cdH) has unveiled details of the party's plans to lower taxes for individuals and corporations.  The tax reductions would amount to around EUR10bn. The party which is currently a member of the

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Australian Prime Minister Loses Senate Carbon Tax Vote

16 March, 2014

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

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UAE: No Tax for Individual Income

09 March, 2014

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

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Switzerland: Revised guidance on taxation of principal companies

09 March, 2014

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

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Spain Slashes Labor Taxes To Create Jobs

09 March, 2014

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

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Singapore simplifies stamp duty rate regime

09 March, 2014

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

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Mexico promises an unchanged tax regime until 2018

09 March, 2014

Following the completion of tax reforms, the Mexican Government has now signed a Tax Certainty Agreement under which Mexico's tax system is to remain unchanged throughout the remaining period of the current government. This means that the tax regime

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Italy: Prime Minister Explains ‘Double-Digit’ Cut to Italian Taxes

09 March, 2014

The Italian Prime minister has issued a clarification about a statement made earlier in respect of a double digit reduction in the tax burden. The reduction would amount to tens of billions of Euros and in this respect was a double digit

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