Switzerland raises VAT to support extra pension payments
Switzerland’s Federal Department of Home Affairs, in a release on 14 August 2024, clarified the consultation on the implementation and financing of the 13th AHV pension at its meeting on 14 August 2024. The consultation was held regarding securing
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Finland initiates consultation on VAT rate hike proposal
Finland's Ministry of Finance has initiated a public consultation on a proposed draft bill which suggests increasing the VAT rate on certain commodities from 10% to 14%. The consultation is set to conclude on 19 August, 2024. The draft bill
See MoreFinland issues guidance for increased VAT starting September 2024
Finland’s tax authority has released guidance clarifying the increase in the standard VAT rate from 24% to 25.5% on 17 July, 2024. The VAT hike has received parliamentary approval and is currently awaiting final confirmation. The revised rates
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Armenia to double turnover tax, introduce expense-based credit
Armenia’s parliament is reviewing proposed legislation to modify the turnover tax regime, which mainly includes doubling tax rates across various sectors. This includes doubling the tax rates for trade from 5% to 10%, manufacturing from 3.5% to
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Bangladesh to raise cigarette prices with higher taxes in budget for 2024-25 fiscal year
Cigarette prices are set to go up following an increase in supplementary duty and value-added tax (VAT) announced in Bangladesh's national budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which was presented today, 6 June, 2024, at the National
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Bangladesh proposes elevating VAT on SIM cards
The proposed budget for the fiscal year of 2024/25 suggests an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) on SIM/eSIM cards, rising from BDT 200 to BDT 300. The supplementary duty on SIM-enabled telecommunication services has been elevated to 20%, marking
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Turkey: 1% VAT rate excludes food and beverage service providers
Turkey's Revenue Administration published a release on Saturday, 27 April, 2024, concerning the Value Added Tax (VAT) rates applicable to food and beverage services. The release “Amendments to the Value Added Tax General Application Communiqué
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Brazil proposes regulations for implementing dual VAT system
Brazil’s government submitted a proposal on Wednesday, 24 April, 2024, to introduce a new dual Value Added Tax (VAT) system in accordance with the tax reform bill to Congress. The bill is yet to be discussed, but if it is approved it will be
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Bangladesh: IMF proposes 15% VAT on goods and services for businesses over Tk3cr turnover
On 28 April 2024, Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) announced that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) proposed enforcing a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods and services from businesses with turnover above Tk3 crore. The IMF also
See MoreFinland announces public finance plan for 2025 – 2028
On 16 April 2024, the Finnish government declared its public finance plan for 2025 to 2028. The finance plan includes specific tax reforms focused on enhancing the sustainability of public finances. These measures include: Raising the VAT
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Sri Lanka increases VAT rate to 18%
On 28 December 2023, Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issued the Notice to VAT Registered Persons announcing the new VAT rate of 18% from 15%—effective 1 January 2024. The notice also states that any advance payment made before 1
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Kazakhstan’s Tax Overhaul: What Foreign Investors Need to Know About the Upcoming Reforms
On 1 September 2023, President Tokaev addressed the nation and announced a number of important tax policy considerations. To achieve its economic goals, including modernization and diversification of the economy, Kazakhstan should adjust its tax
See MoreBotswana: Finance Minister presents Budget for 2021 to the National Assembly
On 1 February 2021, Dr. Thapelo Matsheka, Botswana’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development has presented National Budget for the fiscal year 2021 to the National Assembly. The Budget contains a number of important tax measures. The key
See MoreSaudi Arabia: Government hikes VAT to 15% as of July 2020
On 10 May 2020, the Saudi Arabia Government has decided to raise value-added tax (VAT) from 5% to 15% on all goods and services as of July 2020. The government will also suspend the cost of living allowance from June as part of the austerity steps.
See MoreIncreased VAT in Draft DEF (4) in Italy
A draft of the Economic and Financial Document (DEF showed that VAT hikes under fiscal safeguard clauses will remain intact for the next two years after being frozen for this year. The 10% reduced VAT rate will rise to 11.5% from January 1, 2019,
See MoreIncreased VAT Rate in South Africa from 1 April 2018
Beginning on 1st April 2018, the value added tax (VAT) rate is scheduled to increase to 15% from previous 14%. Generally, most transactions occurring on or after April 1, 2018, will be subject to VAT at the new rate unless a special time of supply
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 MoreAustria: Reduced VAT rate increase in 2016
Austrian government announced in the 2016 Budget that the reduced VAT rate will increase to 13% from 10% on the following services: Cultural events, including entrance to public museums and galleries Domestic air travel Sales of certain
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