Treaty between Malawi and Norway enters into force
The Malawi - Norway Income Tax Treaty (2009) entered into force on 10 December 2012. The treaty generally applies from 1 January 2013 for Norway and from 1 July 2013 for Malawi. From this date, the new treaty generally replaces the Malawi -
See MoreSwitzerland: Budget Surplus despite Revenue Dip
The Swiss Federal Department of Finance released that the Confederation is forecasting the excess budget of this year CHF0.3bn (USD0.33bn) on 1 November 2013. Switzerland’s budget presented for a shortage of CHF0.4bn in 2013. Revenues are expected
See MoreFor Far-East region Russia has sanctioned Federal Law
Russia’s President has signed Federal Law No. 267-FZ on September 30, 2013 to provide incentives for completing regional investment program within the Far East regions. In order to raise financing in the economy of the far-east region, the law
See MoreIMF recommends that Ukraine postpone its plan to implement lower tax rates in 2014
According to a Ukrainian government press release issued on 28 October 2013, delegates from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have recommended that Ukraine postpone its plan to implement lower value-added tax rates and income tax rates in 2014.
See MoreCanada-Switzerland: Exchange of letters to treaty enters into force
The exchange of letters, signed by Switzerland on June 28, 2012 and by Canada on July 23, 2012, to the Canada - Switzerland Income and Capital Tax Treaty (1997), as amended by the 2010 protocol, entered into force on October 31, 2013 and generally
See MoreSwitzerland: Terminates Tax Rebate Committee
It has been announced that, the Swiss Federal Council has issued plans to eliminate the Federal Committee (CFR) responsible for federal direct tax rebates. The Federal Council is establishing new provisions for federal direct tax rebates. The CFR is
See MoreCzech Republic-Switzerland tax treaty protocol enter into force
The protocol to the agreement regarding the avoidance of double taxation between Czech Republic and Switzerland has entered into force on October 11, 2013 and the real double taxation agreement was signed on December 4, 1995. The protocol covers
See MoreExchange of information agreement between Costa Rica and Norway approved by Costa Rican Congress
On 21 October 2013 the Costa Rican Congress approved on first debate the Costa Rica - Norway Exchange of Information Agreement (2011). When it enters into force the agreement will enable increased cooperation between the tax authorities of Costa
See MoreUkraine withdraws VAT cut plans
Ukraine had previously planned to decrease its VAT rate along with lowering its corporation tax rate. However since Ukraine is struggling with a weak economy, the government is now considering shelving plans to cut corporate tax and VAT next year to
See MoreChina-Switzerland: Initialed tax treaty agreements
A new agreement had been signed between China and Switzerland for the avoidance of double taxation on 25 September 2013. The new treaty will replace the current agreement that was signed in 1990. The dividend withholding tax rate is reduced to 5%
See MoreSwitzerland: Signs multilateral convention against BEPS
Switzerland signed the multilateral convention on mutual administrative assistance in tax matters on the 15 October. This agreement is seen as an important tool in the fight against international tax evasion as it provides for cooperation between
See MoreRussia: Deductibility of taxes, duties and other charges paid by Russian taxpayers in other states
The Russian Ministry of Finance has issued a Letter No. N 03-03-06/2/41278 regarding the deductibility of taxes, duties and other charges paid by Russian taxpayers in other states. By this letter, the Ministry of Finance confirms its new position
See MoreNorway: New government publishes its tax plans
The leaders of Norway's new minority government announced a common general tax platform for the next 4 years, on 7 October 2013. The main plans are summarized below. Individual taxation The new government plans to reduce the tax burden on
See MoreBudget for Norway- 2014 presented to parliament
The Budget for 2014 was presented to parliament on 14 October 2013. Details of the Budget in respect of direct taxation, which will generally apply as from 1 January 2014, if adopted, are summarized below. Corporate taxation The proposals
See MoreIceland Releases Tax Changes in 2014 Budget Proposal
Iceland’s ministry of finance released the 2014 budget proposals, which include tax cuts for individuals and companies on 1 October 2013. The proposed measures are expected to increase real disposable income by 0.3% in 2014. To narrow the gap
See MoreThe Exchange of information agreement between United Kingdom and Uruguay was signed in London
The Exchange of Information Agreement between United Kingdom and Uruguay was signed in London on 14 October 2013. The exchange of tax information between the two countries will now be up to international standards. Uruguay is now categorized by the
See MoreCyprus and Ukraine finalize the procedures to bring new treaty into force
The Inland Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Cyprus issued Circular No. 2013/16 on 23 September 2013, expressing that Cyprus and Ukraine have both completed all the procedures required to bring into force the new Double Tax Treaty
See MoreSwitzerland-US: Exchange of notes to FATCA agreement
The Swiss parliament sanctions a changed Implementation Act on 27 September 2013, concerning the Switzerland and United States FATCA Agreement (2013) of 14 February 2013. The Swiss financial institutions have to impose FATCA which is effecting
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