China-Switzerland: Initialed tax treaty agreements
A new agreement had been signed between China and Switzerland for the avoidance of double taxation on 25 September 2013. The new treaty will replace the current agreement that was signed in 1990. The dividend withholding tax rate is reduced to 5%
See MoreKazakhstan – Czech Republic ICTT protocol authorized
It has been reported that the government of the Czech Republic has authorized the signing of the initialed amending protocol to the Czech Republic – Kazakhstan Income and Capital Tax Treaty (1998) on October 16,
See MoreProtocol to treaty between Brazil and India signed
Brazil and India signed an amending protocol to the Brazil – India Income Tax Treaty (1988), in Brasilia on 15 October 2013. Currently no further details of the protocol are
See MoreProtocol to tax agreement between Austria and Hong Kong enters into force
According to a press release of 18 October 2013, the amending protocol on Income and Capital Tax agreement between Austria and Hong Kong, signed on 25 June 2012, entered into force on July
See MoreProtocol and exchange of letters entered into force to treaty between Korea (Rep.) and Luxembourg
The amending protocol and exchange of letters, which was signed on 29 May 2012, the Income and Capital Tax Treaty between Korea (Rep.) and Luxembourg, entered into force on 4 September 2013. The protocol generally applies from 4 September
See MoreMalaysia – GST implementation to be delayed beyond 2014
The Malaysian Budget for 2014 which may be presented to Parliament in the near future is unlikely to include details of the GST, which is due to replace the existing Sales Tax and Service Tax of 10% and 6% respectively. Plans to introduce a Goods
See MoreKorea (Rep.): Tax Revision Bill 2013 approved
The Ministry of Strategy and Finance of Korea (Rep.) approved the Tax Revision Bill 2013 on 26 September 2013 with various changes. The Tax Revision Bill 2013 will mostly take effect from 1 January 2014. According to the approved bill receipts will
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 MoreIndia – Government has raised VAT processing charges
In India the fee for accepting and processing Indian VAT annual returns was previously a flat INR 800 irrespective of the values in the return. But recently the Indian central government has raised the charges for accepting and processing Indian VAT
See MoreIndia – Implications of GAAR from 2015
Recently, in India general anti-avoidance rule (GAAR) has been introduced which will become effective from 1 April 2015 (Financial Year 2015-16). The rules for application of the GAAR provide certain exceptions which clarify that the GAAR will not
See MoreChile-Thailand FTA signed
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has signed between Chile and Thailand on October 4, 2013. This follows a feasibility study by a Joint Study Group and further negotiation between the two countries. The agreement will remove 90% of tariffs on products
See MoreChina: Draft regulations relating labour dispatch
Recently, the government of China issued draft regulations relating to provisions of Labour Dispatch. Labour dispatch arrangements are supplementary arrangements for provision of labour and can only apply in respect of temporary positions of six
See MoreAustralia may limit employment-related tax benefits
Australia has made a decisive step towards imposing restrictions on certain employment-related tax benefits which may include reforms in fringe benefits tax (FBT) and superannuation provisions. The new measures would adjust the caps outlining
See MoreAustralia: Documentation of R&D activities
As like other nations, Australia gives tax relief to companies taking part in research and development activities. However companies need to hold satisfactory documentation to show that their activities fall inside the meaning of these activities
See MoreAustralia: Draft Bill to repeal carbon tax
The Australian Prime Minister and Environment Minister on 15 October 2013 announce that the government has released draft legislation to repeal the carbon tax for public consultation. As per the government, the first enactment they will table in
See MoreOECD: Welcomes Japanese tax increase
Recently, the Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister on 7 October 2013 that, the nation will increase its consumption tax from its current 5% levy to 8%
See MoreJapan: Published Fiscal Incentive Package
Japanese Prime Minister has confirmed on 4 October 2013 that, the Government is to provide a fiscal stimulus package to counteract the declining effects of a 3 percent consumption tax rate rise due next year. He also disclosed on 1st October
See MoreIndonesia-temporary tax payment relief
A new regulation providing a temporary cash flow relief for some taxpayers has been issued by The Ministry of Finance of Indonesia. The regulation is intended to sustain the positive cash flow of certain taxpayers for creating stable macro economy,
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