EU: Free trade agreement with Japan enters into force
The EU-Japan free trade agreement has been ratified by both parties and enters into force on 1 February 2019. Under the agreement certain goods originating in Japan for import into the EU or originating in the EU for export to Japan may be eligible
See MoreJapan: MLI enters into force
On 1 January 2019, the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty-Related Measures to Prevent BEPS (‘Multilateral Instrument’ or ‘MLI’) entered into force in respect of Japan. The MLI was signed by Japan on 7 June 2017. As of 1 October
See MoreJapan proposes tax reform plans for 2019
On 14 December 2018, Japan's ruling coalition party has approved a package of tax reform proposals for 2019. The proposal includes amendments to Japan’s controlled foreign company (CFC), interest expense limitation, and general transfer pricing
See MoreJapan: Tax authorities publishes the synthesized text with Israel, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden and the UK
Recently, the Japanese tax authorities published the synthesized text of the Japanese tax treaties with Israel, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK) as modified by the MLI. The synthesized text reflects the agreement
See MoreIMF report considers the fiscal position of Japan
On 4 October 2018 the IMF released a report following the conclusion of talks with Japan under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The IMF notes that Japan’s economy is growing above its potential but there are more downside risks
See MoreJapan: Diet passes Bill on the Multilateral Instrument (MLI)
On May 18, 2018, the Japanese legislature passed the Bill on the Multilateral Instrument (MLI). This means that Japan has completed the national process of ratifying the MLI. The next step is for Japan to deposit its instrument of ratification,
See MoreJapan: Parliament legislates tax reform plan for 2018
On 28 March 2018, The Diet (Japan’s parliament), enacted the tax reform plan for 2018. The tax law enforcement orders, which are regulations provided by the Government to supplement tax law, were also published in the Official Gazette on 31 March
See MoreJapan: Cabinet approves tax reform plans for 2018
Japan's Cabinet has approved a tax reform plan for the next fiscal year and includes a move to cut the corporate tax rate to 25% for companies that raise their employees' wages by 3%. For companies investing in improving their productivity or
See MoreJapan: DTA with Iceland signed
On 15 January 2018, the Japanese Ministry of Finance issued a press release announcing that the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Iceland signed the Convention between Japan and Iceland for the Elimination of Double Taxation
See MoreJapan issues tax reform plan for 2018
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan accepted a tax reform package on 14 December 2017. Based on the draft, a tax reform bill (The Bill) will be drafted. The bill will be submitted to Parliament and is expected to enter into force by the end
See MoreBelgium approves DTA with Japan
On 19 October 2017, the Cabinet of Belgium approved the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with Japan for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Once in force and effective, the new treaty
See MoreJapan: DTA with Denmark signed
On 11 October 2017, the Japanese Ministry of Finance issued a press release announcing that the Government of Japan and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark signed the Convention between Japan and the Kingdom of Denmark for the Elimination of
See MoreJapan publishes guidance for taxpayers on the MAPs
Recently, the National Tax Agency of Japan has released a guidance on mutual agreement procedures (MAP) on their website. This guidance has been prepared based on the recommendation 2.1 indicated in the final report on Action 14 (Making Dispute
See MoreJapan: DTA with Russia signed
The Japanese Ministry of Finance on 7 September 2017 issued a press release announcing that the Government of Japan and the Government of the Russian Federation have signed a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA). The agreement provides for the avoidance
See MoreJapan: DTA with Estonia signed
The Japanese Ministry of Finance on 30 August 2017 issued a press release announcing that the Government of Japan and the Government of Estonia have signed a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) in Tallinn. The agreement provides for the avoidance of
See MoreDTA between Japan and Estonia approved by Estonia
The Estonian government approved the agreement between Estonia and Japan on 24 August 2017, to avoid double taxation and handed over the power to the finance minister to sign the agreement on behalf of Estonia. In addition, the government also
See MoreDTA between Japan and Slovenia will enter into Force
The Japanese Ministry of Finance on 26 July 2017 issued a press release announcing that the double taxation agreement (DTA) between Japan and Slovenia, signed on 10 September 2016, will enter into force on 23 August 2017. The Treaty contains
See MoreIMF report comments on economic position of Japan
The IMF issued a report on Japan’s economic position on 31 July 2017 following the conclusion of discussions under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of association. The report notes that Japan’s economy is growing above potential with positive
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