Australia: ATO releases PCG on simplified transfer pricing record-keeping
On 22 February 2017 the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) released Practical Compliance Guideline (PCG) 2017/2 dealing with simplified transfer pricing (TP) record-keeping options and assisting taxpayers in complying with relevant tax laws. The PCG
See MoreSingapore: Competent authority agreement on automatic exchange of information with Australia enters into force
The Competent Authority Agreements (CAA) agreements to exchange financial information for tax purposes under the Common Reporting Standard between Singapore and Australia entered into force on 27 February 2017. According to the agreement, the Inland
See MoreAustralia: Alerts on tax incentives for R&D
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS) have released two new taxpayer alerts as a warning to those not being careful enough in their claims or seeking to deliberately exploit the Research &
See MoreAustralia: DPT Bill includes updated transfer pricing guidelines
On 9 February 2017, the Australian Government introduced legislation into the Parliament to implement the new Diverted Profits Tax (DPT), which will prevent multinationals shifting profits made in Australia offshore to avoid paying tax. The Diverted
See MoreAustralia, Austria Social Security Agreement expected to be entered into force
On 1 March 2017, the Social Security Agreement between Australia and Austria along with its administrative arrangement will enter into force that was signed on 2 August 2016. The agreement and the administrative arrangement will apply from 1 March
See MoreAustralia: Consultation paper regarding whistleblower protections
The Review of tax and corporate whistle-blower protections in Australia consultation paper is seeking public comments to assist the Government with the introduction of appropriate protections for tax whistle-blowers and in assessing the adequacy
See MoreAustralia may increase penalties for significant global entities
According to 2016-17 Budget, the Government of Australia announced that it would increase administrative penalties imposed on companies with global revenue of $1 billion or more who fail to adhere to tax disclosure obligations. This measure forms
See MoreTIEA between Australia and Switzerland enters into force
The Tax Information Exchange Agreement between Australia and Switzerland was concluded through an exchange of notes entered into force on 1 January 2017. Furthermore, this agreement was signed on 14 December 2016 by Australia and on 8 December 2016
See MoreAustralia releases guidance on related-party marketing hubs
On 16 January 2017, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issued a Practical Compliance Guideline which sets out the ATO's compliance approach to transfer pricing issues related to the location and relocation of certain business activities and
See MoreAustralia releases Q&A of CbC reporting
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) released a guidance in the form of questions and answers (Q&As) in respect of compliance with country-by-country (CbC) reporting requirements. The guidance reflects the transitional administrative practice of
See MoreThe 16th Round of RCEP Negotiations Held in Tangerang
On December 1-10, the 16th Round of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Negotiation was held in Tangerang, Indonesia. Attending were 10 countries of ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India and the Secretariat
See MoreAustralia and New Zealand sign revised Social Security Agreement
On 8 December 2016, Australia and New Zealand signed a revision to the Social Security Agreement by which pensioners who segregates their lives between Australia and New Zealand will face changes from July 2017. The revised agreement provides for
See MoreAustralia: Exposure Draft issues for imposing GST on low value imports
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) treatment for importing of low value goods (LVG) valued at less than AU$1,000 has led to various reviews over many years but the Government of Australia is now preparing to legislate the “destination principle”.
See MoreDTA between Australia and Germany entered into force
The Income Tax Treaty (2015) between Australia and Germany has been entered into force on 7 December 2016. The treaty generally applies in Germany from 1 January 2017 and in Australia from the following dates: For withholding tax on income that is
See MoreAustralian government asking for comment on diverted profits tax legislation
In the 2016-17 Budget, the Australian Government announced that it would implement a Diverted Profits Tax (DPT) to impose a 40% penalty tax on profits that have been artificially diverted from Australia by multinationals. This exposure draft Bill
See MoreAustralia: Draft taxation ruling on timing for PE
On 12 October 2016, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) released for comment Draft Taxation Ruling TR 2016/D2 that provides guidance on applying the participation test in Subdivision 768-A when working out whether an equity distribution received by
See MoreAustralia: Electronic Local Files template finalized
Taxpayers that fail to adhere to their tax disclosure obligations like submitting local file will be exposed to administrative penalties of AUD 4,500. The Government proposes revised penalties amounting to AUD450, 000 from 1 July 2017 for failure to
See MoreAustralia: Tax incentives for early stage innovation investors
On 6 May 2016, the Tax Laws Amendment Bill 2016 received Royal Assent, enacting additional income tax incentives for new investments in Australian early-stage innovation companies (ESICs). From 1 July 2016, investment in a qualifying early stage
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