Posts by: RF Report


US: USTR launches new four-year review of China IP, technology transfer practices

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced the initiation of the second four-year review of the tariff measures imposed under the Section 301 investigation into China’s acts, policies, and practices concerning technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation, as published in the Federal Register on 6 May 2026. The two actions were...

Malaysia court rules service fees and late-payment interest on credit sales constitute business income

The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) has released a case report on a recent High Court ruling addressing whether service charges and late-payment interest arising from credit sales should be treated as business income under Section 4(a) or as passive interest income under Section 4(c) of the Income Tax Act 1967. The Taxpayer in...

Canada unveils CAD 1.5 billion support package for tariff-affected industries, includes steel, aluminium and copper sectors

Canada’s government has announced CAD 1.5 billion to support several of Canada’s tariffed industries on 4 May 2026. This includes the creation of a new CAD 1 billion Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) program available to industries that manufacture and export products containing steel, aluminium, or copper. In addition, the government is providing an...

Ireland: Revenue outlines Pillar Two progress in 2025 annual report

Irish Revenue published its 2025 Annual Report on 7 May 2026, together with a range of research and statistical papers, outlining total gross receipts of EUR 157 billion for the year. The figure includes EUR 34.9 billion collected on behalf of other Government Departments, agencies and other EU Member States. Net tax receipts amounted to...

UK: Supreme Court grants permission to appeal in major SDLT anti-avoidance dispute

The UK Supreme Court has granted the Tower One St George Wharf Limited permission to appeal in a high‑value stamp duty land tax (SDLT) dispute with HMRC concerning the transfer of a central London residential property. The appeal will focus on the Court of Appeal’s interpretation and application of the anti‑avoidance provision in section 75A...

Greece: AADE further extends ship tax filings, payment deadline

Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has announced a second postponement of filing requirements for ship operators under the Greek Tonnage Tax Law. The new deadline of 30 June 2026 replaces the previously extended date of 30 April 2026 for submitting annual declarations and paying the first instalment of first-category ship tax for the...

New Zealand: Inland Revenue consults GST rules for unincorporated bodies

New Zealand’s Inland Revenue launched a public consultation on 6 May 2026, regarding a new GST guideline for unincorporated bodies. The guide helps taxpayers identify which GST rules apply to their specific organisational structure. Some GST rules apply specifically to unincorporated bodies and not to co-ownership or cost-sharing arrangements. Other specific rules apply only to...

UAE extends e-invoicing accredited service provider appointment deadline for large businesses

The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced targeted amendments to the ministerial decisions governing the eInvoicing system, including an extension of the deadline for the appointment of an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) from 31 July 2026 to 30 October 2026. This decision is introduced through an amendment to Ministerial Decision No. 244 of 2025...

Bahrain approves income tax treaty ratification with Saudi Arabia

Bahrain’s Council of Representatives has confirmed its approval of the law ratifying the income tax treaty with Saudi Arabia at its first extraordinary session held on 7 May 2026. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia signed a tax treaty on 3 December 2025. The agreement aims to address double taxation and promote investment. Earlier, the Saudi Council...

Austria, Uzbekistan sign amending protocol to tax treaty

Austria’s Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs announced that Austria and Uzbekistan signed an amending protocol to the 2000 income and capital tax treaty on 7 May 2026. The protocol was signed by officials from both countries during bilateral discussions. The protocol is the first amendment to the treaty and will take effect once...