UK: Think tank urges government to scrap entrepreneurs’ tax relief
In the autumn budget to be announced later in 2018 the UK government is expected to increase government spending in certain areas including health. This has given rise to speculation as to what tax increases might be required to provide the extra
See MoreUK Chancellor Considering Tax on Revenues of Online Retailers
In an interview published on 10 August 2018 the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that large online retailers should be subject to a new tax on their revenues in the UK. This would aim to ensure fair taxation between high street retailers and
See MoreUK: Statistics on transfer pricing and diverted profits tax
On 1 August 2018 HMRC released a document showing the latest statistics relating to transfer pricing and the diverted profits tax (DPT). The transfer pricing rules and the DPT are seen by HMRC as an important part of the range of measures in place
See MoreIndia: CBDT signs first ever substantive revision to India-UK Bilateral APA
Recently, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) signed the first ever substantive revision to an India-U.K. Bilateral advance pricing agreement (APA) due to certain changes in the way a particular transaction was being conducted. The changes were
See MoreUK: Provisions of updated tax treaty with Cyprus
The updated UK-Cyprus Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) signed on March 22 2018 aligns the provisions more closely with the OECD Model. Withholding tax The new treaty when in effect will provide for zero withholding tax on dividends unless they are
See MoreUK: Income tax has increased more for the highest earners
Data issued by the UK tax authority HMRC appears to show that the UK’s highest earners paid 9% more in income tax in 2017/18 than in 2016/17. The main reason for this increase appears to be limits introduced to the amount of tax deduction for
See MoreUK: Government signals that taxes could rise
The UK prime minister has indicated that extra funding to be provided to the health service will be partly raised by tax increases. No comment has been made on which taxes will rise except that this will be done in a fair and balanced way. Part of
See MoreUK: Tax Gap Statistics Published
A press release by the UK government on 15 June 2018 confirmed that the tax gap for 2016/17 was an estimated GBP 33 billion or 5.7%. The tax gap is the difference between the tax that the government considers should have been paid and the actual
See MoreUK published draft order to bring BEPS MLI into Effect
UK HM Treasury has laid before the House of Commons the draft Double Taxation Relief (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) Order 2018. After the order is approved, the UK must then deposit its ratification instrument to enter into force in the
See MoreUK: Consultation discusses the use of cash in tax evasion and financial crime
On 13 March 2018 the government issued a call for evidence entitled “Cash and digital payments in the new economy”. HMRC notes that the use of cash can present problems with tax compliance because people dealing in cash may have problems
See MoreUK: Use of taxation or other charges to reduce plastic waste
The UK has set a goal to eradicate all avoidable plastic waste by 2042 and is examining how economic incentives can be used to encourage sustainable behaviour. A number of measures have already been taken to reduce waste such as the Landfill Tax;
See MoreUK: update on corporate taxation and the digital economy
In March 2018 the UK has issued an updated position paper on corporate taxation and the digital economy, following an earlier consultation on the issue. The UK government considers that the engagement and participation of users is important for
See MoreUK: Chancellor delivers 2018 Spring Statement
The Chancellor delivered the Spring Statement on 13 March 2018. As the main budget announcements have now been moved to autumn, the spring statement gave a summary of the economic position and indicated areas on which the government is consulting
See MoreIMF Report Calls for More Efficient UK Economy
An IMF assessment of the UK economy published on 14 February 2018 concludes that the UK economy must become more efficient. The UK economy is being held back by uncertainty following the decision to exit the EU. The weaker pound has caused higher
See MoreUK: Review of the corporate intangible fixed assets regime
At the Autumn Budget in November 2017 the UK government announced a review of the corporate intangible assets regime. This regime introduced in April 2002 allows companies tax relief for the cost of acquisition of intangible fixed assets and
See MoreUK: HMRC wins case on employment status
HMRC has won a case concerning employment status and the IR35 rules. The IR35 legislation aims to ensure that in defined circumstances individuals working for an intermediary such as a personal service companies pay the same tax as an employee
See MoreUK: Research on knowledge and use of VAT partial exemption
HMRC commissioned a telephone survey of almost two thousand VAT registered businesses representing 17 different industry sectors. The aim was to explore their knowledge and use of VAT partial exemption and to gain information on rates of VAT
See MoreUK: Research on small producers and importers of soft drinks
The introduction of an industrial levy on the production and import of sugary drinks was announced in the 2016 Budget and is to come into force in April 2018. In connection with the planned levy on sugary drinks HMRC commissioned research on small
See More