UK: Exchange of Letters signed to update tax information agreements
The UK government has recently been updating the arrangements for the exchange of tax information with some of its territories. An Exchange of Letters with the Isle of Man updated the 1955 agreement between the UK and the Isle of Man. An Exchange of
See MoreExchange of information agreement between Finland and Niue signed
According to media reports, Niue has recently signed tax information exchange agreements with a number of countries, including New Zealand and some Nordic countries. On 16 October 2013, Niue signed exchange of information agreements relating to tax
See MoreEU: Standard VAT return proposed
The European Commission announced on 23 October a proposal for a standard value added tax (VAT) return. As indicated by the new rules, the VAT return would have a uniform set of prerequisites for businesses when documenting their VAT returns.
See MoreECJ: Advocate General opines on VAT exemption for transferable cards
A Court in the Netherlands had referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) the question of whether it was possible to exempt from VAT the issue and sale of transferable cards that can be used to pay for goods or services. The advocate general
See MoreECJ: Advocate General opines on consortium relief issue
The advocate general has issued an opinion on a consortium relief issue referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) by the First Tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) in the UK. The issue concerned a residence requirement imposed on the link company as
See MoreBelgium: Rules to calculate the notional interest deduction
The Belgian tax law is going to be amended to revise to the method of calculation of the notional interest deduction. Responding a judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), the Belgian tax rules are being amended. This judgment
See MoreTreaty between Slovenia and United Arab Emirates signed
It is reported that Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates signed a tax treaty on 12 October 2013, during the annual meeting of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in Washington D.C. The treaty is expected to further the development
See MoreTreaty between Luxembourg and Singapore signed
The Luxembourg – Singapore Income and Capital Tax Treaty (2013) was signed on 9 October 2013 in Washington DC. The treaty is based on the OECD Model Tax Convention. When it will force and in effect, the new treaty will switch the
See MoreTreaty between Germany and Luxembourg enters into force
The Income and Capital Tax Treaty between Germany and Luxembourg entered into force on 30 September 2013. The treaty generally applies from 1 January 2014. From this date, the new treaty generally replaces the Income and Capital Tax Treaty
See MoreGuernsey and Poland: Signed a tax agreement
The Guernsey - Poland Individual Income Tax Agreement (2013) was signed, in London, on 8 October 2013. This agreement relates to certain income of individuals under the income tax of Guernsey and the personal income tax of Poland. The agreement
See MoreSweden –tax audits require due process
In a recent ruling, the Administrative Court in Stockholm held that it was the duty of Swedish tax agency to communicate documents to the taxpayer in a case relating to the taxation of carried interest. The due procedures had not been followed by
See MoreSpain –Proposal to bring VAT provisions in line EU rules
Recently, Spain has suggested some changes to its VAT provisions so that they are more in line with those of the European Union. The changes are expected to be started during calendar year 2014 and included removing the special deadline for filing
See MoreSpain: New Law to Support Entrepreneurs
The government of Spain recently enacted a law which is commonly known as the “Entrepreneurs Law.” The main objective of the law is to promote self-employed business owners and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to expand their business
See MoreSpain – Cash accounting to be introduced
Spain will introduce an optional VAT cash accounting scheme for businesses with turnover less than EUR 2 million effective from 1 January 2014. On 27 September 2013, the new Spanish cash accounting scheme was approved by Law 14/2013. The main
See MoreThe United Kingdom and South Africa set to work together to tackle offshore tax avoidance
The Ministry of Finance of South Africa issued a media statement on 12 October 2013, stating that United Kingdom and South Africa have agreed to work together to tackle offshore tax avoidance including through pressing for better international
See MoreSlovak Republic: Changes to Tax Procedure Code
On the basis of the recent amendments to the Tax Procedure Code, new rules related to the communication and submission of documents to the tax authorities will be applicable in the Slovak Republic and this will be effective from January 1, 2014. By
See MoreTax Certificates for residence issued by Czech tax authorities should have an apostille
The Russian Ministry of Finance has published Letter No. ОА-4-13/7891 on October 14, 2013, issued on April 29, 2013, clarifying the requirements for certificates of tax residence issued by the Czech tax authorities for the purposes of application
See MoreRomania: Negotiation of Tax Agreement with Bermuda
Recently the Romanian government has announced its intention to commence negotiations for a tax information exchange agreement with Bermuda. This agreement when signed will allow Romania to gain more information about the activities of Romanian
See More