Bahrain and Cyprus: Draft Income Tax Treaty Approved By Bahraini Cabinet
The Bahraini Cabinet approved the draft income tax treaty with Cyprus, on 19th January 2015. This will be the first income tax agreement between the two countries. It will enter into force and apply after it has been finalized, signed, and ratified
See MoreKuwait and Lithuania: Income Tax Treaty Approved
A pending income tax treaty with Lithuania was approved by Kuwait’s National Assembly on January 27, 2015. Both countries apply the credit method to eliminate double taxation. Under the treaty, dividends are taxable at a maximum rate of 5% if the
See MoreMorocco-Qatar: Income Tax Treaty Signed
On December 27, 2013, the Morocco and Qatar Income Tax Treaty was signed in Marrakesh and upon entering into force, the treaty will replace the current convention, which was signed in Agadir, Morocco, on March 17,
See MoreKazakhstan Approves Pending Income Tax Treaty with Qatar
The Kazakh Senate approved a law on ratification of the pending income tax treaty with Qatar, on January 15, 2015. This is the first income tax treaty between the two countries which was signed on January 19, 2014. Both countries apply the credit
See MoreQatar Approves Draft Income Tax Treaty with Japan
The Qatari government approved the signature for a draft income tax treaty with Japan on January 14th, 2015. This would be the first Income Tax Treaty between the two countries. However, it must be signed and ratified by both sides before entering
See MoreNigeria: Reduced withholding tax rate regarding construction activities
The withholding tax rate has reduced from 5% to 2.5% which is applicable to all aspects of building, construction, and related activities. But for survey, design, and deliveries this withholding tax rate remains 5%. This withholding tax rate effects
See MoreDTA between Qatar and Bangladesh ratified
On February 4, 2015, Qatar's Cabinet ratified the pending DTA between Qatar and Bangladesh at its meeting for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on
See MoreSouth Africa: SARS Issues Draft Tax Interpretation Notes On HQs, Currencies
The South African Revenue Service has issued two draft tax interpretation notes for public comments regarding special tax relief for the regional headquarter companies of foreign multinationals, and on the application of foreign-currency conversion
See MoreSouth Africa-US FATCA Agreement Enters Into Force
The South Africa-United States FATCA Model 1A Agreement (2014) entered into force on 28 October 2014. The agreement was signed on 9 June 2014. Under the agreement, the US Government collects information regarding certain accounts maintained by
See MoreSaudi Arabia: Withholding tax update on freight and insurance on imported leased equipment
The Higher Appeal Committee ruled that freight and insurance paid on import of assets whether owned or leased should not constitute as Saudi source income. This ruling goes against the interpretation issued by the Department of Zakat and Income Tax
See MoreSouth Africa: SARS Releases Draft Guidance On Tax Breaks For Headquarters Companies
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) on February 12 2015 released draft guidance on tax incentives for headquarters companies, designed to encourage MNEs to local operations in South Africa as a gateway to African investment. The guide briefly
See MoreWTO concludes trade policy review of Brunei Darussalam
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has conducted its third trade policy review of Brunei Darussalam and has looked at progress since the previous review in 2008. The WTO noted that Brunei has simplified and liberalized its trade regime with the
See MoreNigeria: Nonresident companies must file income tax return on real profits basis
The Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) in Nigeria has issued a notice demanding all nonresident companies with a permanent establishment (PE) or fixed base (FB) to file tax returns on real basis. The new directive will be applicable to tax
See MoreTurkey: Draft order to change electronic tax filing
The tax administration has issued Draft Order No. 397 on 16th December 2014 regarding a public consultation on electronic tax filing. Taxpayers who want to register to communicate electronically with the tax authorities must have a suitable
See MoreKazakhstan ratifies DTA with Qatar
On 30 January 2015, the President of Kazakhstan ratified the double taxation agreement (DTA) with Qatar for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Furthermore Kazakhstan’s lower house
See MoreNigeria: Penalty and interest rates for unpaid tax has approved
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has released the accepted penalty and interest rates to be applied for the year 2015 on 2nd February 2015 regarding taxes not paid within the given periods. The 15% interest rate is determined while the
See MoreSouth Africa: Transfer Pricing Adjustments Regarding Withholding Tax Obligations
Under the income tax act, section 31(3), South Africa provide that any adjusted amount for transfer pricing and thin capitalization purposes, prior to 1 January 2015, constituted a deemed loan. The adjusted amount plus interest deemed to have
See MoreSouth Africa and India: Protocol to treaty enter into force
The amending protocol for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income between India and South Africa enters into force entered into force on 26 November 2014. The protocol generally applies
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