Ukraine – VAT bonds introduced by the parliament
Ukraine has passed a new measure to clarify the procedure for obtaining VAT refunds through VAT bonds (Law No 4575). The new law clarifies that VAT bonds will cover refunds claimed before 1 January 2014 but these bonds are only available in respect
See MoreEuropean law used in Turkish transfer pricing case
Turkey has taken a step towards improving the rights of taxpayers by implementing a decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in a transfer pricing ruling. The transfer pricing case involved allegations by the tax administration that a
See MoreSwitzerland – Peru DTA
The double taxation agreement (DTA) between Switzerland and Peru which was originally signed on 12 September 2012 entered into force on March 10, 2014. The agreement raises the standard of tax information exchange between the two countries to the
See MoreSwitzerland – Kazakhstan DTA Protocol
On March 25, 2014 Switzerland confirmed that the protocol to the double taxation agreement (DTA) with Kazakhstan has entered into force. The protocol amends the DTA to provide for the exchange of tax information between the countries. The exchange
See MoreRussia Plans Crimean Special Economic Zone
Russia has confirmed that the process of making the Crimea a part of Russia is likely to require amendments to the tax system and this may involve the provision of temporary tax incentives for companies located in the Crimea. Other changes would
See MoreRussia: Condition related to Financial Services
According to the transfer pricing rules, interest that is not disallowed may be subject to the thin capitalization provisions. Certain specialized provisions may apply where one of the parties to a transaction is a
See MoreSwiss Parliament Passes Media Tax
Switzerland has introduced a new media tax which replaces the license fee previously charged in respect of radio and television. This is charged on large companies and households whose annual income or turnover exceeds EUR 500,000. The introduction
See MoreRussia – Investment in Russian SEZs Increases in 2013
The Special Economic Zones (SEZs) set up by Russia attracted an increased amount of investment in 2013, totalling RUB 30.2 billion in the year. Revenues of RUB 50 billion were earned in the zones, and 3,145 new jobs were created. The Russian
See MoreEU- To Cut Tariffs On Ukrainian Exports
The European Union (EU) is to temporarily cut tariffs on Ukrainian exports until November 1, 2014. The EU has announced that it hopes in the meantime to sign the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement with Ukraine. The College of
See MoreBrazil and Norway Sign Protocol to DTA
Brazil and Norway signed a Protocol to their double tax agreement on February 20, 2014. No further details are currently
See MoreUS: DTA Protocols between the United States and various countries
The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held talks on February 26, 2014, on the double taxation agreement (DTA) Protocols between the United States and Switzerland and Luxembourg, and DTAs with Hungary and Chile, as part of the nation's
See MoreSwitzerland urged to approve IHT agreement with France
The French Finance Minister has informed Switzerland that France will not renegotiate the revised inheritance tax (IHT) agreement the two countries have drafted if it is rejected by Swiss lawmakers. The revised Franco-Swiss IHT accord was signed in
See MoreGuernsey expects to sign a DTA with Austria
According to the Guernsey Government, Guernsey expects to sign a double taxation agreement (DTA) with Austria on May 14, 2014. No further details are currently
See MoreSwitzerland – trade association warn against Fuel Surtax Hike
Swiss trade association has warned the Swiss Government against a rise in the mineral oil surtax imposed on motor fuels. The Swiss Federal Council has previously indicated that raising the levy is one of the options available to place the financing
See MoreSwitzerland: Revised guidance on taxation of principal companies
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (SFTA) has provided the cantonal tax authorities with revised guidance on how to apply rules that affect the taxation of principal companies, which will impact both existing and new principal company rulings. The
See MoreSwitzerland – Committee rejects Flat Tax Initiative
The Swiss Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxes of the National Council (CEAT-N) has recommended that the popular initiative calling for an end to the flat tax regime currently benefiting wealthy foreigners in the Confederation be rejected. The
See MoreSwitzerland Considers New Cross-Border Tax Deal with Italy
Swiss Finance Minister has pledged to re-negotiate the bilateral cross-border tax agreements with Italy, to ensure that the provisions are more favorable to the Swiss canton of Ticino in future. The agreement is important because of the number of
See MoreIceland enacted its own transfer pricing legislation
Iceland has recently enacted its own transfer pricing legislation, which became effective from January 1, 2014. The transfer pricing rules are now regulated by Article 57 of Act No. 90/2003 on Income Tax based on the arm's length standard. There
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