Japan issues tax reform plan for 2018
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan accepted a tax reform package on 14 December 2017. Based on the draft, a tax reform bill (The Bill) will be drafted. The bill will be submitted to Parliament and is expected to enter into force by the end
See MoreNew Zealand: A tax bill regarding BEPS introduces in Parliament
A tax bill which will counter base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) by multinational companies has been introduced into Parliament on 6th December 2017. The bill would implement the government’s policies concerning BEPS matters. The proposals
See MoreNew Zealand: A tax bill to counter tax avoidance introduces into Parliament
On 6 December 2017, a tax bill to counter tax avoidance has been introduced into New Zealand’s Parliament by multinational companies and Minister of Revenue also published its commentary on the bill. Most provisions would enter into effect July
See MoreKorea passed the budget for 2018
The Government passed the 2018 budget on 6 December 2017. Under the budget, the threshold of the new highest corporate income tax rate of 25% has been increased from KRW 200 billion to KRW 300 billion. A 10% local income tax surcharge is also
See MoreAzerbaijan: VAT on Uber rides
Azerbaijan will apply a new VAT rate of 18% on Uber from 1 December 2017. The tax will be collected as a withholding tax on payments through bank
See MoreIndia clarifies position on acceptance of the MAP and bilateral APA
On 27 November 2017, the Indian Government has announced that the MAP for transfer pricing disputes and the bilateral advance pricing agreement (APA) process would be available to taxpayers even where Article 9(2) or the equivalent is not present in
See MoreHong Kong-Belarus tax treaty enter into force
On 30 November 2017, the income and capital tax treaty between Hong Kong and Belarus entered into force. The agreement was signed on 16 January 2017. It will be in effect in Hong Kong for any year of assessment beginning on or after April 1, 2018.
See MoreLatvia: Parliament approves protocol to tax treaty with Singapore
On 30 November 2017, the Latvian Parliament agreed to ratify the protocol to income tax treaty with Singapore. The protocol was signed on 20 April 2017 to amend the income tax treaty of 1999. The protocol will enter into force once both parties have
See MoreDouble tax treaty between Hong Kong and Pakistan enters in to force
On 24 November 2017, the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Hong Kong and Pakistan was entered into force after the completion of ratification procedures on both sides. The agreement was signed on 17 February 2017 with providing the
See MoreDouble tax treaty between Hong Kong and Latvia enters in to force
On 24 November 2017, the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Hong Kong and Latvia was entered into force after the completion of ratification procedures on both sides. The agreement was signed on 13 April 2016. The treaty provides for reduced
See MoreAustralia releases draft legislation to address hybrid mismatch
24 November 2017, Australia’s Treasurer released exposure draft legislation to address hybrid mismatch arrangements reaffirms the Turnbull Government’s continued focus on strengthening the integrity of Australia’s tax system, and stamping out
See MorePakistan: FBR publishes rules for documentation and CbC reporting requirements
On 16 November 2017, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan has published SRO 1191(1)/2017, which includes chapter VIA to the Income Tax Rules of 2002. The new Chapter (VIA) identifies the reporting entities, clarifies the reporting
See MoreAzerbaijan: New customs duties declare for import of wheat, rice and corn
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the “Commodity Nomenclature of Foreign Economic Activity, Rates of Import and Export Customs Duties”. According to that the customs duties for import of wheat, rice and corn will be changed from January 1,
See MoreHong Kong: Chief Executive announces new tax relief for SME & IT sectors
On October 11, 2017, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong proposed a new tax concession for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). According to the proposal, a new two-tier profit tax system that would reduce the corporate income tax rate to 8.25%
See MoreIndia: Government increases import tax on edible oils to highest in a decade
On 17 November 2017, the Indian government increased the import duties on various vegetable oils and soybeans oils through a notifications released on the website of the Central Board of Excise and Customs. The government has introduced these
See MoreChina passed a draft law to reinforce VAT reform
On 30 October 2017, the State Council executive meeting decided to abolish the business tax, which has been in force for over 60 years and decided to put an end to the provisional regulations on business tax and revise the provisional regulations on
See MoreChina: Tax benefits to boost small businesses
On 6 November 2017, according to a joint announcement by the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation, tax incentives will be expanded in China to reduce costs for agriculture-related and small-scale businesses, encouraging bank
See MoreChina publishes a circular to support technology industry
On 2 November 2017, China's State Administration of Taxation has issued Circular 79 of 2017 to expand tax incentives for advanced technology service enterprises. A 15% special corporate tax rate has been offered in 21 cities since 2014 on a pilot
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