Portuguese Parliament (AR) adopts the Budget for 2014
The country’s State Budget for 2014 (OE 2014) is adopted by the Portuguese Parliament (AR). The budget deficit is reduced to 4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) is ensured by the fiscal consolidation measures, in connection with the
See MorePortugal: VAT rate need not be reduced on restaurant trade
There is no need for a cut from the standard 23% rate to the reduced 13% rate. This is indicated by the latest positive estimates of Portuguese VAT restaurant receipts points. VAT rate on restaurant services in Portugal raised from 10% to 23% in
See MoreNetherlands Welcomes Court Ruling on Business Succession Tax Break
The Netherlands Supreme Court has ruled in recent proceedings that the country's business succession rules, provided for in the inheritance and gift tax law, are not contrary to the principle of equality. Under Dutch business succession regulations,
See MoreNetherlands – New transfer pricing decree unifies rules
The Dutch Deputy Minister of Finance has issued a new decree that generally unifies and clarifies prior transfer pricing guidance, and withdraws and cancels prior decrees from 2001 and 2004. The new decree is effective from 27 November 2013. The
See MoreLuxembourg: Rejection of a tax on FTT
A recent report confirmed that Luxembourg’s clear rejection of a tax on financial transactions (FTT). Luxembourg will carry on ruling out the idea of such a tax, as currently envisaged by eleven EU member states, within the structure of enhanced
See MoreJoining of Six More Countries with the Tax Information Exchange Pilot of G5
UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy (the G5) planed for a multilateral program in April which was based on the automatic exchange of tax information. Participants of 37 jurisdictions have expressed their intention to join. Luxembourg,
See MoreLuxembourg: Automatic exchange of tax information
Jean-Claude Juncker, the prime minister of Luxembourg declared that the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg will adopt the automatic exchange of information foreseen in the European Union Savings Directive and that will effect from first January 2015. The
See MoreFrance – Status of Transfer pricing proposals in the Draft Finance Bill for 2014
The French Senate rejected part 2 of the draft finance bill for 2014 on 16 December 2014. The bill is scheduled on 19 December 2013 for a final consideration. The draft bill changes the penalty provisions for those taxpayers who fall under article
See MoreNew Grand Coalition of Germany Ruled out Tax Rises
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party has finally signed a coalition agreement with the Social Democrats (SPD), in which both parties pledge their commitment to no new debt or tax rises, as well as to
See MoreGermany: Enormous number of Voluntary Tax Declarations
The number of voluntary tax declarations received by the German tax authorities submitted by German residents so far this year is already more than doubles the 2012 total. It has been reported by the business newspaper Handelsblatt based on
See MoreFrance: Independent Worker Union Criticizes Corporate Land Tax Reform
The government of France proposed reform to the corporate land tax contribution (CFE) under the framework of the finance bill of 2014- PLF 2014. But the independent worker union UNAPL has strongly criticized the proposal. The PLF 2014 presents
See MoreCzech Republic-Kosovo DTA signed
The Czech Republic and Kosovo has signed a double tax agreement (DTA) on November 26, 2013 and it tends to follow the ideas of the OECD Model. The definition of a permanent establishment contains the provision of services in the other contracting
See MoreDTA between Austria and Slovenia
Austria completed its domestic ratification procedures on 26 November 2013, in relating of the amending protocol to the double tax agreement (DTA) signed with Slovenia, and the protocol entered into force on that date. The protocol includes detailed
See MoreCyprus disagree with OECD forum report regarding “Non-Compliant” Tax Rating
The OECD forum released a compliance ratings report on Tax Transparency and Exchange of Information assessing the legal and regulatory frameworks in the jurisdiction and how these are executed. The meeting was held in Jakatra focusing 50
See MoreBelgium: Cornerstones of savings tax reform is unveiled
A draft banking law is introduced by the Belgian Finance Minister.The Minister also confirmed has a plan to extend the favourable tax regime which is currently benefiting savings account interest in order include other types of savings and
See MoreBelgium increases withholding tax exemption for SME employers
A draft Royal Decree is approved by the Council of Ministers. It is relating to an increased exemption from professional wage-withholding tax (précompte professionnel) only for employers in the small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. For
See MoreBelgium: Documentary proof for intra-community VAT exemption is clarified
The Belgian VAT office is compelled to change its guidance regarding the requirements for the application of the VAT exemption on intra-community supplies. To enable suppliers of goods or services a number of conditions are set out under the EU
See MoreJapan – Signing of the Protocol Amending Tax Convention with the United Kingdom
Japan and the United Kingdom Signing of the Protocol Amending Tax Convention with the United Kingdom on 17 December 2013 which amending the current income tax treaty between the two countries. Before it enters into force the Protocol must be
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