South Korea- Planning of Acquisition Tax Cuts

08 September, 2013

The South Korean Government announced on 30 August 2013 that the tax rates on home purchases would be decreased in order to encourage a rise in transaction numbers. An exemption from property acquisition tax was granted in April 2013, but the

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Romania: Reduced VAT for bakery products

01 September, 2013

A change in the VAT rate in respect of bakery products is contained in Government Ordinance no. 16/2013 which was published in the official journal (no. 490, 2 August 2013). The reduced value added tax (VAT) rate of 9% will apply to the supply of

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Vietnam: Issues Decree 92/2013 on implementation of CIT and VAT

01 September, 2013

Vietnam’s corporate income tax (CIT) and value added tax (VAT) guidance given in the Decree includes the following points: –  Decrease of CIT to 20% for enterprises with a total annual revenue not exceeding VND 20 billion, effective since 1

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UK has removed the VAT exemption for business supplies of research

27 August, 2013

With effect from 1 August 2013 the UK has removed the exemption from value added tax (VAT) for business supplies of research between eligible bodies.  Business research for this purpose is defined as research that is provided in return for

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China: Introduction of VAT on transportation charges

27 August, 2013

In China freight charges are now subject to a 6 percent value-added tax (VAT) rate.  The circular Cai Shui No. 37 (Circular 37/2013) repeals the initial VAT policies which were introduced in 1st January 2012. The change, outlined in Cai Shui No.

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Portugal: New VAT e-invoice requirements

01 August, 2013

After the execution of the second EU VAT Invoice Directive in Portugal from the beginning of 2013, the tax office of Portugal has issued another new ruling on the technical obligations for e-invoices. This ruling covers: •  Control over the

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Oman: VAT could be introduced by 2016

01 August, 2013

For implementing a value added tax (VAT), the Oman government is considering a framework. This would be generally in line with guidance from the Gulf Cooperation Council, an organization of which Oman is a member. VAT system could be implemented in

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Germany: Effective dates of value-added tax changes

01 August, 2013

Following the enactment of a new tax law (29 June 2013) in Germany, changes to value added tax are effective on various dates. New invoicing requirements have become effective from 30 June 2013. Changes on VAT exemption with input tax deduction

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EU: Countering “carousel” VAT fraud

01 August, 2013

The Council of the European Commission affirmed on 22 July 2013 that the appropriation of measures to empower EU Member States to address VAT fraud, with directive provisions that take into account fast response and in addition a particular measure

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Turkey: New e-invoice obligations

01 August, 2013

The Turkish VAT authorities have introduced a mandatory e-invoice system for all companies and individuals from September 1, 2013. An e-invoicing system was first introduced in 2010 and this is now being made compulsory for certain taxpayers groups.

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UK: VAT changes for telecommunications, broadcasting and e-services

21 July, 2013

The UK tax authority HMRC has issued a briefing on changes to the VAT place of supply rules affecting telecommunications, broadcasting and e-services from 1 January 2015. From that date where these services are supplied from a business established

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Italy: 1% VAT rise has been delayed until 1 October 2013

11 July, 2013

The Italian government announced on 26 June 2013 that the introduction of the increased rate of value added tax (VAT) will be deferred to 1 October 2013. The VAT rate will remain at 21% until October 2013. The VAT rate was originally scheduled to

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China: VAT rate on coalbed methane, shale gas production

11 July, 2013

The State Administration of Taxation of China has issued guidance according to which oil and gas companies engaging in coalbed methane and shale gas production—or providing production services for coalbed methane and shale gas production are

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UK: VAT deductible in respect of certain payments relating to loyalty cards

08 July, 2013

The UK Supreme Court reached a decision on 20 June 2013 in respect of CRC (Appellant) v Aimia Coalition Loyalty UK Ltd, formerly known as Loyalty Management UK Ltd (hereafter “Loyalty Management”). The company operated the Nectar loyalty card

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Slovenia: revised budget approved

08 July, 2013

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia approved the draft revised budget for 2013 on 20 June 2013. The main reason for drafting a revised budget for 2013 was the waning macro-economic forecasts in comparison with the forecasts relevant when the

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Israel: Budget for the FY 2013-2014

08 July, 2013

Israeli cabinet has approved the Budget for fiscal year 2013-2014. The VAT rate has been raised to 18% as from June 1, 2013 (previously 17%). The corporate income tax rate has been increased to 26% from 25% and the personal income tax rate will be

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Switzerland: Plans to raise VAT for Pension Fund

03 July, 2013

Switzerland has declared plans for increase two percent value-added tax (VAT) rate, which will be started on a transitional basis beginning in 2020. On June 21, 2013 the Swiss Government announced the tentative proposals include an increase in the

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Tanzania: Tax proposals for 2013 budget

18 June, 2013

The Tanzanian Budget for 2013 was presented to the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance and key changes made by the Budget proposals are summarized below: Reduction of the minimum tax rate for individuals from 14% to 13%. Abolition of a

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