China to cut VAT Rate to 3%

15 June, 2014

The Ministry of Finance and the State Tax Administration jointly released the “Announcement on Policy for Simplifying and Unifying VAT Rate” on June 13, 2014. From July 1, 2014, a uniform VAT Levy rate of 3% will be implemented for enterprises

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Croatia: Order to Non-resident transporters to register for VAT

14 June, 2014

After joining the EU countries Croatia requires for VAT registration to the foreign passengers foe carrying fare-paying within the country. Croatia force to foreign passengers’ transporters to register for VAT and must apply for a VAT number. VAT

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Turkey: Consolidation of VAT guidance in single communique

13 June, 2014

The tax administration in Turkey has previously issued all Value Added Taxes that have been repealed and replaced by a single communique and the new VAT communique is effective from May 1,

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Uruguay-Temporary reduction of VAT on purchase by debit cards and credit cards

10 June, 2014

The government of Uruguay is planning to temporarily cut VAT by 4% on purchase by debit cards and by 2% on that for credit cards. The Economy Minister announced on 5 June 2014 that all debit card and electronic payment purchases with indexed units

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Mexico: Presented Further Maquila VAT Refunds

04 June, 2014

The finance minister of Mexico has introduced a 16% VAT on imports through maquila and it will start from 1 July 2014 and government expected it will providing quick VAT refund on import in the Mexico through a 100% tax credit. The government

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Greece’s Prime Minister has promised to slash taxes

02 June, 2014

It has been promised by the Greece's Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras to cut taxes "everywhere” to substantiate the Government's goal as to reduce the corporation tax to 15 percent, the highest rate of income tax to 33 percent and slash the rate of

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Greece: OECD Report Considers Streamlined VAT Obligations

25 May, 2014

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has proposed changes that would assist taxpayers in complying with the value added tax (VAT) rules. The compliance burden for taxpayers could be reduced by establishing a clear

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Vietnam: Expanding Tourist VAT Refund Incentive

18 May, 2014

Vietnam is widening its special value-added tax (VAT) scheme for exports by temporary visitors to the country. This scheme will enable more temporary visitors to Vietnam to claim refunds in respect of value added tax paid on goods bought during

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South Africa: Issues new VAT rules

18 May, 2014

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has on 2 May 2014 issued a new regulation setting out the circumstances under which indirect exports may qualify for zero rating and explaining when a Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund may be due on the export of

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Portugal Discloses Tax Rates For 2015

18 May, 2014

Portugal’s medium term economic strategy includes provisions to raise the rate of value added tax (VAT) and social security contribution (TSU). The government also intends to decrease the extraordinary solidarity contribution (CES) on

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Thailand may face VAT rate increase

11 May, 2014

The VAT rate in Thailand may need to be increased from 7 percent to 10 percent as the economic growth slows down. The 7 percent rate was intended as a temporary measure but has continued for some time. The measure had been extended by a government

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Romania’s Government approves tax exemption on reinvested profit

11 May, 2014

Under an emergency ordinance an exemption from tax on reinvested profits is to be put in place in July 2014 and remain until December 2015. The measure aims to increase the amount of company profits that are ploughed back into the business in the

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VAT rate increases in Portugal

11 May, 2014

Among a range of austerity measures introduced in Portugal is a rise in the standard rate of VAT. The rate is to increase from 23% to 23.25%. This follows earlier rises in the rate in 2008 and 2011.  The new measures also include an increase in

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Luxembourg: Adopts 2014 Budget

29 April, 2014

Luxembourg’s 2014 Budget has been adopted by the Chamber of Deputies. The debate in parliament was concerned with the Luxembourg Government’s intention to raise taxes with effect from 2015. The government also intends to increase three of the

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Vietnam – VAT export and invoice changes

16 April, 2014

Some changes have been made to Vietnam’s VAT regime in respect of VAT invoices and the VAT on exports. The aim of the changes is to require adequate documentation to be maintained in respect of the transaction, including proof of export. There

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Ukraine Increases Tax and Slashes Spending

16 April, 2014

Ukraine has approved tax reforms that will allow the country to access increased financial aid from the IMF. Ukraine requires the IMF funding to ensure the stability of its finances. For this reason some planned tax cuts will not be implemented and

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Luxembourg Confirms 2015 VAT rise

16 April, 2014

The Luxembourg government is to raise the rate of VAT 15% to 17% on 1 January 2015. The lower VAT rates charged on certain categories of expenditure will also rise from 12% and 6% to 14% and 8%, respectively. The third reduced VAT rate of 3%

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Slovenia- VAT rise from 22% to 24%

15 April, 2014

Slovenia has increased the standard VAT rate from 22% to 24% with effect from 1 May 2014 until 31 December 2014.  This is intended to contribute to dealing with the 14.7% budget deficit to GDP that has arisen due to a bailout of banks in 2013.

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