Bhutan approves a law to ratify the DTA signed with India
On February 6, 2014, Bhutan's National Council approved a law to ratify the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTA) signed with India. The DTA will provide tax stability to the residents of India and Bhutan and facilitate mutual economic
See MoreBahrain ratifies its TIEA with Canada
An Agreement between Canada and Bahrain for the exchange of information on tax matters which was signed on June 4, 2013 it was ratified by Bahrain on February 4, 2014. The Agreement provides for the mutual exchange of tax information that is
See MorePeru – Resolution changes withholding rate for VAT
On 1 February 2014 Peru’s tax administration issued a resolution concerning changes to the withholding rate for value added tax (VAT). This rate applies to the supplier, who must withhold the tax in respect of a transaction that is liable for VAT.
See MoreBrazil – Tax authority revises position on cross-border reimbursement arrangements
Brazil’s tax authority has issued a ruling to a taxpayer reflecting a change of position concerning cross-border cost reimbursement arrangements. Traditionally, the tax authority (Receita Federal do Brazil—RFB) has imposed a high tax burden of
See MoreBrazil – Ruling permits taxpayers to align their transfer pricing policies
According to a recent ruling by the Brazilian tax authority taxpayers should be able to better align their transfer pricing policies to eliminate potential contingent liabilities, reduce taxable adjustments, and/or eliminate the double taxation
See MoreUS: Senate democrat leader opposes Trade Promotion Authority renewal
The US Senate Majority Leader has expressed his opposition to the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), despite the intention of President Obama to engage with Congress to pass the legislation providing for the renewal of the TPA. This opposition to the
See MoreUS: Republican Obama Care Abolition Plan Includes New Tax Credit
The recent healthcare reforms of the Affordable Care Act, known colloquially as Obama care, have been vehemently opposed by some sections of the US Congress. Three United States senators have now released a legislative outline of how the Republican
See MoreUS: publication on foreign tax credit for individuals
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the 2014 revision of Publication 514 (Foreign Tax Credit for Individuals). The publication of 24 January 2014 is intended for use in preparing 2013 tax returns. Publication 514 explains the
See MoreUS: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) opens 2014 Tax Season
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) opened the 2014 United States filing season for individuals on January 31, highlighted a growing selection of online services, and encouraged taxpayers to check out a variety of tax benefits, such as the Earned
See MoreUS: Case Made For Progressive Consumed Income Tax
In a recent editorial article the President and CEO of the American Council for Capital Formation called for consideration to be given to a change from the current income tax code to a "progressive consumed income tax" in the United States. He
See MoreUS: Public comments requested on withholding certificates for foreign persons
The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the US Treasury Department have issued a notice requesting comments on various IRS forms that are used as withholding certificates for foreign persons (i.e. certificates to claim reduced or zero withholding
See MoreUS agrees to tax talks with India under mutual agreement procedure
Following an approach by India the US tax authorities for finding a solution to tax cases of about 100 US companies that have opted for the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP), the US has now agreed for a meeting next month to discuss MAP, advance
See MoreTIEA between Canada and Liechtenstein entered into force
The Agreement between Canada and Liechtenstein for the Exchange of Information on Tax Matters entered into force on January 26, 2014. The Agreement was signed on January 13, 2013. The Agreement has effect in accordance with the provisions of
See MoreMexico settles issues with Maquiladoras
The President of the National Council of the maquiladora industry has commented that the sector has largely settled its differences with the Mexican government over tax issues, following the changes to the Mexican Government's tax reform bill which
See MoreFinland- TIEA with Panama entered into force
On 9 January 2014, Finland's Ministry of Finance announced that the cabinet of ministers approved regulations ratifying the tax information exchange agreement between Panama and Finland. Certain provisions of the treaty come into effect from 20
See MoreEthiopia intends to negotiate a tax treaty with Canada
Following a meeting held on 27 January 2014, Ethiopia has expressed its intentions to negotiate and sign a Double Tax Treaty (DTA) with Canada. In recent years Ethiopia has been one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. The country is one of
See MoreEstonia – Six new DTA in effect
From 1 January 2014, six new Double Tax Treaties (DTA) were added to Estonia’s income tax treaty network. The treaties are with Bahrain, Thailand, Cyprus, Mexico, Turkmenistan, and
See MoreEstonia Approves Draft Agreement to implement FATCA
On 23 January 2014, the government of Estonia approved a draft agreement to implement the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). According to a press release, the agreement is scheduled to be signed by the Estonian Tax and Customs
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