Qatar and Kyrgyzstan sign intergovernmental agreement on double taxation avoidance
The governments of Qatar and Kyrgyzstan signed an intergovernmental agreement on the double taxation avoidance and prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to income tax on first of June, 2014. The agreement aims to avoid the tax double payment in
See MoreNew Zealand: Tax Reform Bill Passed
Tax reform bills has been presented to the Parliament, by the Revenue Minister, on June 19, 2014 in order to introduce new legislation which measures to explain the tax rules for businesses and remove distortions in the existing rules and ensure
See MoreNew Zealand: Approved new tax rate on employer loans
The Revenue Minister has approved the new interest rate on employer’s loan, which will be 6.13% (previously it was 5.90%). This new interest rate will be effective from 1 July of
See MorePhilippines- to issue Advance Pricing Agreement (“APA”) procedures
First APA procedures to be released by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (“BIR”) in the Philippines. In order to meet the criteria for tax collection targets, the BIR is making considerable resources available in order to develop transfer pricing
See MoreAzerbaijan: Transition to the Modern Model of the Concept of Tax Partnership Tax Control System with Horizontal Monitoring
The costly traditional tax control system is based on the principles of taxation established 55-60 years ago. The traditional tax control system is costly since closely exerting control in pursuit of reassurance of compliance imposes a great
See MoreIndia: Income-tax Appellate Tribunal found that no adjustment given taxpayer’s minimal risks, limited functions
Recently, in the case of Marubeni Corp., Japan (ITA No: 5397/Del/2012) The Delhi Bench of the Income-tax Appellate Tribunal held that, a transfer pricing adjustment with respect to a taxpayer performing what were found to be low-end mediation
See MoreCanada -Australia ITT regarding income of employee on a short-term secondment
The Australian Taxation Office has published Interpretative Decision ATO ID 2014/20 on May 30, 2014 regarding the income of a non-resident individual engaged by a resident employer resident in Canada is taxable in Australia despite that the employee
See MoreTaiwan- FATCA Agreement Expected In June 2014
Taiwan is expecting to finalize a FATCA agreement with the US by end of June 2014. The FATCA Act requires the IRS to gain information about accounts of US citizens and residents with foreign financial institutions. To ensure that this can be done
See MoreTaiwan Approves 45 Percent Top Income Tax Rate
Tax reforms passed in Taiwan include a 45% rate of income tax on incomes above TWD 10 million per annum. Also included in the reform is an increase in the basic income tax threshold to TWD 90,000 for single taxpayers and TWD 180,000 for married
See MoreSwitzerland and Singapore sign OECD agreement against tax evasion though banking secrecy
Forty seven countries participated in the Declaration on Automatic Exchange of Information in Tax Matters, adopted by the OECD on 6 May 2014. These countries included Switzerland and Singapore, two financial centers that have in the past been
See MoreSouth Korea Prioritizes FTA Talks with China and Vietnam
South Korea is continuing to discuss free trade agreements (FTAs) with China and Vietnam. In relation to the negotiations with China safety measures are being drafted in respect of fisheries and agriculture which are very sensitive sectors in South
See MoreNew Zealand to increase Tobacco Taxation
New Zealand is to reduce the duty-free allowances for tobacco and raise its excise duty in a move described as an attempt to reduce the amount of smoking. The move will also increase government revenue from excise tax on tobacco, at least in the
See MoreNew Zealand Funding Increased Tax Compliance Drive
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is to receive an additional NZD132m in government funding over five years to increase its tax compliance drive. Some of this is for investing in compliance enforcement, while some will cover tax that must be
See MoreJapan Takes Action on Some BEPS Items
Japan’s Cabinet Office Tax Commission has given its attention to four base erosion and profit sharing (BEPS) items, including the controversial Action 13 which relates to transfer pricing documentation. The other items under consideration by Japan
See MoreIndonesia: Copper Miners Hit Back At Export Tax
From the beginning of 2014 the Indonesian government is charging an export tax on mineral concentrates. The aim is to raise the amount of domestic value added and increase domestic economic activity associated with the mineral sector. The government
See MoreChina: Issues circular to clarify corporate income tax incentive
On 25 March 2014, China’s Ministry of Finance and State Administration of Taxation (SAT) jointly issued a circular, Caishui No. 26 (Circular 26) to clarify the criteria for the 15% preferential corporate income tax (CIT). A lower 15% incentive
See MoreHong Kong: FATCA Agreement Nears Conclusion
Hong Kong and the United States are nearing a conclusion to negotiations for an inter-governmental agreement (IGA) to pave the way for Hong Kong financial institutions to comply with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The FATCA is due
See MoreAustralia Confirms Superannuation Tax Changes
A reform is to be undertaken of the taxation of excess superannuation contributions. Some taxpayers are paying contributions at a rate that is considered excessive by many people in Australia. Currently non-concessional contributions exceeding the
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