Bangladesh, US begin negotiations for FTA
Bangladesh and the US have begun discussions on a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with a focus on enhancing trade and investment. A Bangladeshi delegation recently met with officials from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) to
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Taiwan: Ministry of Finance makes available interest-free extension, installment plan for business affected by US tariffs
In response to the impact of the US “Reciprocal Tariffs” policy on various industries, the National Taxation Bureau of Kaohsiung states that taxpayers who are unable to pay the full amount of tax in a single payment during the income tax return
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Cambodia, France resumes tax treaty negotiations
Cambodian and French officials met from 12–13 May 2025 to resume negotiations for an income tax treaty between the two nations. Earlier, officials from Cambodia and France conducted the third round of negotiations on 2 January 2025. If an
See MoreTaiwan: MOF clarifies that businesses with minor tax overdue can still offset profits and losses
Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced that profit-seeking businesses with minor outstanding tax payments may still request to offset profits and losses. This clarification was made by the Ministry on 6 May 2025. The National Taxation
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US, Vietnam negotiate amending protocol to income tax treaty
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance announced that the US and Vietnamese officials discussed various updates to the 2015 tax treaty between the two countries, including amending protocols to the agreement on 13 May 2025. The proposed protocol would
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US lowers “de minimis” tariff on small Chinese parcels, China lowers tariffs on US imports for 90 days
The White House released a joint statement, on 12 May 2025, announcing that the US will lower the "de minimis" tariff on low-value shipments from China to 30%, easing tensions in the trade war between the two largest economies. The order relieves
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Hong Kong, Philippines to start tax treaty negotiations
The Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department announced on 13 May 2025 that Hong Kong and the Philippines will hold their first round of income tax treaty negotiations from 21 to 23 May 2025. The representation should reach the Inland Revenue
See MoreTaiwan allows foreign residents to file income tax online without household registration
Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance announced that foreign nationals who stay in the country for at least 183 days within a taxable year are considered residents of Taiwan for tax purposes, even without household registration, and are eligible to file
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Australia: Victoria proposes extension of off-the-plan stamp duty concession
Australia’s Victorian government announced on 14 May 2025 that it will extend its stamp duty concession for eligible “off-the-plan” homes for another 12 months. The Victorian Budget 2025-26 will invest AUD 61 million to slash stamp duty for
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Australia: Northern Territory presents tax measures for 2025 budget
Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) newly elected Country Liberal Party has presented its 2025-26 budget for the province on 13 May 2025. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Treasurer Bill Yan have emphasised key priorities in the budget,
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ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand’s revised free trade agreement goes into effect
An upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) agreement came into effect on 21 April 2024. It covers a market of over 703 million people with a combined GDP of more than USD 5.6 trillion. The agreement is expected to enhance
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Philippines issues VAT guidelines for cross-border digital services
The Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 47-2025 on 9 May 2025, offering guidance through FAQs on applying VAT to cross-border digital services. The Circular also states that nonresident providers of
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China commits to signing tax treaty with Peru
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that China and Peru officials convened on 12 May 2025 to discuss bilateral cooperation, including plans to negotiate and sign an income tax treaty. This treaty seeks to prevent double taxation and tax
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Singapore issues guidance on key GST audit focus areas and compliance risks
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has released guidance on the key areas of GST compliance audits, outlining the consequences of non-compliance on 13 May 2025. Current Areas of Audits GST is a self-assessed tax. IRAS conducts
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EU, Singapore sign landmark digital trade agreement
The European Union ( EU) and Singapore have taken a significant step forward in their bilateral trade relations with the signing of a landmark Digital Trade Agreement (DTA). Signed by Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič
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New Zealand releases draft on taxing overseas transfers for residents
New Zealand's Inland Revenue has released a draft Interpretation Statement (PUB00494) to clarify the tax treatment of money or property received by New Zealand tax residents from overseas, including inheritance. The document, issued on 5 May 2025,
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China and Russia sign IPA
China and Russia signed an investment protection agreement (IPA) in Moscow on 8 May 2025. Investment Promotion Agreements (IPAs) are designed to protect investors by requiring national governments to minimize risks such as currency controls,
See MoreBangladesh to raise mandatory minimum corporate turnover tax
The Bangladeshi government is preparing to raise the minimum tax on company turnover from 0.6% to 1% in the upcoming budget. The minimum rate may also rise from 0.25% to 1% for individual taxpayers. These changes are reportedly driven by pressure
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