Tax Relief
What Is Tax Relief?
Tax relief refers to any government program or policy designed to help individuals and businesses reduce their tax burdens or resolve their tax-related debts. ... - Continue reading
Category: Tax Credit
The Pillar Two model rules: a train wreck in the making
On December 20, 2021, the OECD issued model rules for Pillar Two—the 15% global minimum tax. It is a brutally complex 70-page package and introduces two fundamental changes to the October 2021 OECD framework: a new Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-Up tax (QDMTT) and a significant rewrite of the Undertaxed Payment Rule (UTPR). ... - Continue reading
How to help clients as HMRC cracks down on overseas assets
‘International data sharing and anti-money laundering regulations are only likely to get tighter’ ... - Continue reading
7 Ways You’re Accidentally Committing Tax Fraud
Not every fraud artist is a sketchy identity thief or faux Nigerian prince from the dark corners of the internet. In fact, you might end up committing accidental tax fraud or accidental tax evasion yourself if you don’t pay careful attention during this tax season. ... - Continue reading
Canada: Don’t Let Your Dream Vacation Home Become A Tax Nightmare
Renting your foreign property may require you to disclose information to the Canada Revenue Agency (the "CRA"). A Foreign Income Verification Statement is required to be filed with the CRA where the adjusted cost base of the property exceeds CDN $100,000. ... - Continue reading
Revenue-neutral incentives proposed for capital market growth
Proposals from the Pakistan Stock Exchange for the upcoming budget. ... - Continue reading
Canada: A Canadian Tax Lawyer’s Introduction To Tax Filing For International Students
All about residency, education and tax filing in Canada. ... - Continue reading
Tracking Economic Relief Plans Around the World during the Coronavirus Outbreak
Updates on countries offering tax relief all over the world. ... - Continue reading
Ukraine: Ukraine Ratifies Protocol Amending Double Taxation Treaty Between Ukraine And Switzerland
On 18 September 2019, the Parliament of Ukraine ratified a protocol (the Protocol) of amendments to the double tax treaty between Ukraine and Switzerland (the DTT) which had been signed by the states on 24 January 2019. ... - Continue reading
Canada: Canada Ratifies The Multilateral Instrument
On June 7, 2017, Canada along with numerous other jurisdictions signed the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD”) Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (the “MLI” or “multilateral instrument”). The multilateral instrument is the culmination of work undertaken as part of the OECD/G20 BEPS Project to equip governments with domestic and international instruments to address tax avoidance. ... - Continue reading
Luxembourg: Luxembourg Government Submits Bill To Parliament Implementing The EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive 2 Into Domestic Law
Luxembourg corporate income taxpayers, including Luxembourg permanent establishments of foreign entities, will be subject to the Draft Law as from 1 January 2020. In addition, provisions targeting reverse hybrid mismatches will be applicable to Luxembourg transparent partnerships that would be treated as opaque by their nonresident owners as from 1 January 2022. ... - Continue reading
A Huge Tax Break Went to a Politically Connected Company in New Jersey Despite Red Flags
Holtec International told New Jersey regulators that Ohio was competing for its new headquarters. But officials there stripped the firm of past tax awards for failing to create the jobs it promised.n January 2014, as Holtec International explored sites for a new national headquarters and high-tech manufacturing center, the New… – Continue reading
HMRC to be made preferred creditor in tax avoidance crackdown
A range of measures designed to crackdown on tax avoidance and evasion with a view to raise £2bn over the next five years have been announced by the government. HMRC will be made a preferred creditor in insolvencies, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced today. The government will end the practice of… – Continue reading
Tax Deregistration in China: New Rules Simplify Process
On September 18, China’s State Administration of Taxation (SAT) issued the Circular about Further Optimizing Tax Deregistration Procedures for Enterprises (Shui Zong Fa [2018] No. 149) to further improve its business environment. The notice introduces tax clearance certificate exemption, optimizes the tax deregistration service, and simplifies the documentation required and… – Continue reading
India Resident Foreign Companies to Pay 40 Percent Tax: Latest POEM Guidelines
In June this year, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) came out with final clarifications regarding the rules on Place of Effective Management (POEM). POEM is an internationally recognized test for determining the residence of a company incorporated in a foreign jurisdiction with a view to assessing its tax… – Continue reading
New GST returns may remove the leeway given to companies with less than Rs 1.5 cr turnover
This guideline will, however, help the system move towards invoice matching, which can check tax evasion The new single-page return and the transition process approved by the GST Council in the May meeting is a step in the right direction as it tries to iron some of the difficulties faced… – Continue reading
Amazon Inc. Paid Zero in Federal Taxes in 2017, Gets $789 Million Windfall from New Tax Law
From a decades-long strategy of exploiting state sales tax loopholes to its ongoing “HQ2” sweepstakes, Amazon’s leaders have rarely turned down a chance to use the tax system as the source of their competitive advantage. The online retail giant has built its business model on tax avoidance, and its latest… – Continue reading
Singapore Urged To Enhance Tax Offering
Ernst and Young Solutions LLP, Singapore, has released its wish list for the Singapore Budget 2018, calling for reforms to sharpen the territory’s competitiveness. The firm said that Singapore should maintain its 17 percent corporate income tax (CIT) rate, which is one of the lowest in the world, but recommended… – Continue reading
Republicans Reveal US Tax Reform Law
On October 2 the US Government released the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, setting out in legislation its plans for comprehensive reform of the US tax code. For businesses, the bill will bring about a landmark shift to a territorial corporate tax system, replacing the current worldwide tax basis regime… – Continue reading
Foreigners in Sri Lanka Treasury bonds may not have to pay tax
ECONOMYNEXT – Foreign investors in Sri Lanka’s rupee bonds may not have to pay taxes after April 2018, Deputy Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said, amid some uncertainty in markets how a new Inland Revenue law will be interpreted. Sri Lanka lifted a 10 percent withholding tax government bonds from… – Continue reading
Enhancing diplomatic and economic ties: Ghana-Czech Republic Double Tax Agreement to come into force in 2018
Ghana signed another Double Tax Agreement (DTA) with the Czech Republic on 11 April, 2017. Ghana already has DTAs in force with Denmark, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Italy, South Africa, Switzerland, Netherlands, France and Germany. DTAs with Mauritius, Singapore and the Czech Republic are in the process of being ratified… – Continue reading
Income Tax 2017: Last minute guidelines to avoid common tax filing mistakes
Only a few days left for this financial year to end and tax filing deadline is striking the calendar. Indian Government has already taken many initiatives to simplify the tax filing process by introducing new ITR forms, online filing facility etc. Yet many taxpayers tend to make silly mistakes while… – Continue reading
Understanding the taxation of international and expatriate assignments
(Second of two parts) In last week’s article, we discussed how or why taxpayers working on international assignments have to consider the impact of different tax jurisdictions on their individual tax obligations. We also explained how most companies implement a tax equalization (TEQ) arrangement for the employees so that they… – Continue reading
Obamacare Repeal Would Benefit High-Income Taxpayers: Think Tank
The repeal or delay to tax increases in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will “overwhelmingly benefit high-income households,” according to the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Centre (TPC). The House Ways and Means Committee has already approved the Republican’s proposals to repeal elements of ACA, commonly known as Obamacare. The TPC estimates… – Continue reading
Increasing tax revenue: Is a new approach required?
The importance of taxation to a nation’s economic wealth and development cannot be overemphasised. However, the achievement of this goal is often undermined by tax evasion and deliberate attempts by multinationals to shift profits from one jurisdiction to another, amongst others. Over the years, Nigeria has attempted to use taxation… – Continue reading
IRS warns of ‘Dirty Dozen’ tax scams
MARTINSBURG — The Internal Revenue Service has started releasing this year’s top 12 scams targeting consumers known as “The Dirty Dozen.” The annually compiled list features a variety of scams the agency says are common and that taxpayers could encounter anytime, but especially during peak filing season. Phishing schemes lead… – Continue reading
Tax Evasion upto Rs 2 Crore Bailable Offence, decides GST Council
New Delhi: The GST council has decided that tax evasion up to Rs. 2 crore will be a bailable offence. To make the Goods and Services Tax or GST regime less onerous, the centre and states have decided to water down the penal provisions to ensure a trader gets immediate… – Continue reading
Moving towards a simplified tax regime
As per the Economic Survey 2016, the ratio of Indian taxpayers to voters is 4%; ideally it should be roughly 23% at existing levels of economic and political development. The tax to GDP ratio at 16.6% is well below the emerging market economy norm of 21% and OECD average of 34%…. – Continue reading
The favourable tax regime of new Italian residents
The 2017 Budget Law introduced (starting from fiscal year 2017) favourable provisions for people wishing to become tax residents in Italy. It is aimed at wealthy individuals who wish to bring in new capital resources. The regime is inspired by the non-domiciled resident regime which is in force in the… – Continue reading
South African Tax Bills Approved By Parliament
South Africa’s Ministry of Finance has published the 2016 Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB), which has received parliamentary approval and gives effect to the tax changes announced in the Budget in February this year, together with legislation confirming the final details of the Special Voluntary Disclosure Program (SVDP). With changes… – Continue reading
Tax benefits of using Malta as an IP regime
For myriad reasons, Malta has over the years established itself as an ideal jurisdiction to hold intellectual property rights. The country offers many tax benefits on income derived from Intellectual Property. Apart from the tax exemption on income derived from patents, copyrights and trademarks as will be further explained below,… – Continue reading
Common Base Could End EU Patent Box, Transfer Pricing Disputes
Adoption of legislation for a common consolidated corporate tax base by 27 EU member states would resolve current patent box conflicts and end transfer pricing disputes that cost multinational companies hundreds of millions of dollars in double taxation, according to EU and industry officials. Speaking at a Nov. 15 conference… – Continue reading
Significant Change In CRA Policy Harms Canadian Investors In US LLPs And LLLPs
Earlier this year the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) announced its new administrative position that limited liability partnerships (“LLPs”) and limited liability limited partnerships (“LLLPs”) formed under the laws of Delaware and Florida are properly viewed as corporations for Canadian income tax purposes. It is widely expected that LLPs and LLLPs… – Continue reading
Trump’s Corporate Tax Reforms: What CFOs Need to Know
While Trump wants to close loopholes, many of them stem from public policy concerns — not “special interests.” After a dramatic upset victory in one of the most bitterly contested presidential races in recent history, Donald Trump now has some serious work to do. His corporate tax policies—which are vital… – Continue reading
Australian Practitioners Urge Zero Withholding for Pooled Funds
Practitioners in the managed funds industry are calling for a zero-rate for withholding tax in Australia amid the government’s proposals for new tax concessions to boost it, saying the proposed measures don’t go far enough. The government released a consultation paper Nov. 3 on non-resident withholding taxes for pooled funds—or… – Continue reading
Ireland braced for new EU corporate tax plan
A new EU corporate tax proposal could fundamentally change how multinationals pay their tax bills in Ireland. It comes at a sensitive time for the State, following so closely after the commission ruled phone giant Apple tapped illegal tax breaks worth around €13bn. In proposals to be unveiled tomorrow, the… – Continue reading
Chinese dual tax burden relieved
An extensive tax treaty that would shield Chinese businesses operating in the Kingdom from double taxation, and vice versa, has been drafted and is expected to be approved imminently, according to a senior Cambodian tax official. Experts said yesterday the double taxation agreement (DTA) would create a clear legal framework… – Continue reading
IRS, Mexico Reach Tax Deal For Contract Manufacturers
U.S. companies operating contract manufacturers in Mexico can avoid double taxation between the United States and Mexico under a deal struck between their respective tax authorities and unveiled Friday by the IRS. So-called maquiladoras can avoid double taxation through a unilateral advance pricing agreement signed with the Servicio de Administración… – Continue reading
U.S. Citizens Retiring Abroad: “Tax Trigger” Situations and Related Disclosure Forms
The following is a bolded checklist of important situations that may “trigger” a tax review by a skilled United States tax professional. Many of these situations also require a simultaneous review by a foreign tax professional. It is generally best practice for these tax professionals to work together to minimize… – Continue reading
Foreign portfolio investors approach government to iron out Singapore Treaty, GAAR issues
MUMBAI: Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) are lobbying the government to resolve problems related to the India-Singapore tax treaty and general anti-avoidance rules (GAAR), worried about their investment in equities. FPIs fear after April 1, 2017, when both the renegotiated India-Singapore treaty and GAAR come into force, they will face challenges…. – Continue reading
Silicon Valley Issues Netherlands With Tax Warning
A coalition of Silicon Valley tech companies has urged the Dutch Government against making changes to the most “attractive” features of its corporate tax regime, warning that it risks damaging its traditionally strong tax competitiveness by doing so. The Silicon Valley Tax Directors Group (SVTDG), which includes more than 80… – Continue reading
Ireland: Holding Companies In Ireland – August 2016
Ireland has become a destination of choice for holding companies due to its capital gains participation exemption, generous foreign tax credit system, membership of the EU, ever expanding double tax treaty (“DTT“) network (72 signed, with 70 in effect), lack of controlled foreign companies legislation, thin capitalisation rules and the… – Continue reading
Republicans Take New Tack on Taxing Companies’ Overseas Profits
Democrats are likely to object to the House GOP’s and Donald Trump’s plans for sharply lower rates President Ronald Reagan once chided government’s approach to the economy as following this mantra: “If it moves, tax it.” Today’s Republicans are following Mr. Reagan’s ideas by trying the exact opposite approach. The… – Continue reading
Assessing the Hong Kong – Russia Double Taxation Agreement: Another Step Towards Amplifying China’s Eurasian Connection
Assessing the Hong Kong – Russia Double Taxation Agreement: Another Step Towards Amplifying China’s Eurasian Connection The long-awaited Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreement (CDTA) between Hong Kong and Russia entered into force on July 29, 2016. The agreement will take effect on April 1, 2017 in Hong Kong and January… – Continue reading
A Talk on the Benefits of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between Cambodia and Singapore
In May 2016, the Cambodian and Singaporean government authorities signed a new agreement to avoid double taxation with respect to taxes on income and on capital. What are the objectives and benefits of a double taxation avoidance (DTA) agreement? The “big-picture” objectives of the DTA between Singapore and Cambodia are… – Continue reading
Equalisation Levy seeks to cast Indian tax net wider
Budget 2016 introduced a new tax called Equalisation Levy (“EL”), aimed at taxing online transactions. EL was originally mooted by the OECD in Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project Final Report on Action 1 – Addressing the Tax Challenges of the Digital Economy (the “Report”). We will examine Equalisation… – Continue reading
EU anti-tax avoidance directive: Measures to be introduced aimed at curbing abuse
The European Union’s Anti-Avoidance Directive, which has to be put into national legislation by 2019,is aimed at plugging loop-holes in tax systems which allow large corporations to legally avoid paying tax. While Malta has been criticised for offering competitive tax rates, despite the openness and uniformity of such competitive rates,… – Continue reading
What Brexit is Likely to Mean for Taxes, Trade and More
Regardless of whether you were surprised, overjoyed, dismayed or showed any other emotion (perhaps anger as you saw world markets tank), Brexit is here. Yes, we’re talking about the British exit from the European Union. We are not sure why the media coined the term “Brexit,” when it’s not only… – Continue reading
