Belgium: VAT rate change in 2014
Belgium has suggested that it plans to raise its standard VAT rate from the current rate of 21% to fund cuts to the labour tax regime. The Finance Minister has stated that the rise would be agreed after May’s general election. The amount of the
See MoreChina: VAT on telecoms
China’s plans to include telecoms services in the VAT pilot are progressing. It was confirmed in the Chinese Parliament that plans are advanced, although there was no indication of the VAT rate to be applied. This rate is expected to be 11%,
See MoreEgypt: Reconsidering a VAT system
Egypt is considering the introduction of a value added tax (VAT) system to replace the current sales tax. It is understood that this has been identified as a priority; the likely VAT rate will be around 10% with higher rates for such items as
See MoreBelgium: Increase in resident VAT registration threshold
Belgium has proposed an increase in the resident EU VAT registration threshold. This will rise to EUR 15,000 from the current EUR €5,580 at a date in early 2014 to be confirmed. The European Commission to reduce the compliance paperwork and
See MorePortugal: Azores raises VAT
The Azores (a Portuguese independent region) has increased its standard Value Added Tax (Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado) rate from 16% to 18%, with effect from 1 January 2014. Further, the reduced VAT rate of 9% (IVA intermedio) on water, fuel,
See MoreJapan: Changes to consumption tax and corporate income tax
The Japanese government officially announced on 1st October 2013 its plan to modify “consumption tax” and “corporate income tax”. The highlights of the plan are summarized below: Consumption tax: In the period between 1 April 2014 and 30
See MoreItaly –Government Increases the VAT Rate to 22%
With effect from 1 October 2013, the standard VAT rate on goods and services has increased from 21% to 22%. The reduced rates of 10% and 4% are kept unchanged. The correct rate to use for the supply of goods is the rate prevailing on the first of
See MoreItaly: VAT rate will rise to 22% from 1 October 2013
The move to delay the Italian VAT rise to 22% until 1 January 2014 has failed. This means that the Italian VAT rate will rise to 22% from 1 October 2013. Registered businesses should therefore ensure that all necessary procedures are in place to
See MoreItaly: 1% VAT rise has been delayed until 1 October 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
See MoreIsrael: Budget for the FY 2013-2014
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
See MoreSwitzerland: Plans to raise VAT for Pension Fund
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
See MoreLuxembourg: Standard VAT rate will increase from 2015
The Luxembourg Prime Minister announced on 10 April 2013 that, the standard VAT rate will increase as from 2015, but the new rate has not yet been announced. The standard VAT rate is presently 15percent and is the lowest in the EU. The Luxembourg
See MoreFinland Unveils 2012 Supplementary Budget
On 28 March 2012, it was reported that the Finish government has recently unveiled details of its 2012 supplementary budget proposal, revising the tax revenue estimate upwards and providing for an increase in expenditure. It has also published
See MoreFrance to Hike VAT
The French President announced on January 3, 2012 that his government will hike value-added tax before the upcoming elections, to allow for a reduction in social security contributions paid by companies. The tax measures would be in place before
See MoreJapan’s Government Agrees Plan for Consumption Tax Hikes
It was reported on 2 January 2012 that Japan’s Prime Minister has been able to fulfill his government’s target to produce a detailed plan for future consumption tax rises, but only after his personal intervention at a meeting of the ruling
See MoreJapan: Raise of consumption tax rate
It was published on 31 December 2011 that, the Japanese coalition government has put forward long awaited plans to raise Japanese consumption tax to 10% by April 2015 in two steps. First there will be an increase from the current 5% consumption tax
See More2012 Budget issued by the Japanese government
The Government of Japan has approved and submitted a JPY90.3 trillion budget for the next fiscal year, beginning on April 1, 2012. The proposed budget will be presented to the country’s parliament early in 2012. The Japanese government has
See MoreIreland: VAT rate raise from 21% to 23%
The government of Ireland announce an increase of its standard VAT rate from 21% to 23% from January 2012. This increase is an acceleration of plans to raise the VAT rate to 23% by 2014. The government’s main target is to reduce the GDP deficit
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