Transfer Pricing

What will President Trump’s tax policy mean for transfer pricing?

19 January 2017

BEPS - The calm before the storm

12 February 2016

In October 2015, two and a half years of frenetic activity culminated in the release of the Final Reports of the G20/OECD ‘Action Plan’. These outline the changes necessary to make the international tax framework ‘fit for purpose’ in the digital age.

UK - OECD delivers game changing tax measures

19 October 2015

Tax avoidance by large businesses is still a topic that attracts attention, with politicians keen to state that they will be tough on those that abuse the rules.

Chile: Tax Reform Law

12 October 2015

Undoubtedly, Tax Reform Law 20.870 is the largest break in Chilean tax history. The reform has the peculiarity that its implementation will take place over four years, from 2014 up to and inlcuding 2017, in order to minimise the effects of it on the economy and companies.

Europe: European Commission presented Action Plan on corporate taxation within the EU

21 July 2015

On 17 June 2015, the European Commission (EC) presented their five-tier Action Plan on a fair and efficient corporate taxation within the EU. The Action Plan sets out a series of initiatives to tackle tax avoidance, secure sustainable revenues and strengthen the Single Market for businesses. In particular this means that:

Austria: Tax Reform Act 2015

21 July 2015

On 20 March 2015, the Ministry of Finance of Austria published the first details of the planned Tax Reform. On 16 June 2015, the Austrian Government approved a draft version of the Tax Reform Act 2015. The reform will, in principle, be applicable from 1 January 2016. Corporate key elements of the reform are:

New Zealand Inland Revenue announce two year focus on multinationals

21 July 2015

The New Zealand Inland Revenue Department ‘IRD’ has announced a two year focus on multinational businesses. The IRD has also identified specific transactions that will be actively reviewed during this project.

Germany: German roll-over relief rules contrary to EU law

21 July 2015

In its judgement of 16 April 2015 the European Court of Justice held that the German tax legislation, which allows that capital gains realised from the sale of certain business assets (mostly land and buildings) may be ‘rolled-over’ to reinvestments into new assets if both the sold and the newly purchased assets belong to a German permanent establishment, violates

Europe: European Commission relaunches its work on a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base

21 July 2015

As part of its five-tier Action Plan on fair and efficient corporate taxation within the European Union (EU) the European Commission (EC) announced on 17 June 2015 that they will continue its work on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) by developing a completely new CCCTB proposal.

Germany: German taxation on transfer of assets to an EU-located permanent establishment compatible with the freedom of establishment

21 July 2015

In its judgement of 21 May 2015, the European Court of Justice decided that a tax legislation of a Member State which, in the case of a transfer of assets from a company located within the territory of that Member State to a permanent establishment of that company located within the territory of another Member State, provides for the disclosure of unrealised capita

UK cuts corporate tax rate again – to 18% by 2020

13 July 2015

The UK government announced yesterday that the main rate of UK corporation tax will be cut to 18% by 2020. It is currently 20% for the 2015 financial year which is the joint-lowest rate in the G20 group of countries. It will be reduced to 19% for the financial years 2017, 2018 and 2019 and then to 18% for 2020.

OECD: OECD releases public comments received on discussion drafts on cost contribution arrangements of BEPS – Action 8

15 June 2015

On 1 June 2015, the OECD published the comments it has received on this discussion draft. In the past, the OECD had invited comments from interested parties on a discussion draft on revisions to Chapter VIII of the Transfer Pricing Guidelines on Cost Contribution Arrangements (work that relates to Action 8 of the OECD’s BEPS Action plan).

Germany/Netherlands: Treaty between Germany and Netherlands – details

15 June 2015

On 15 May 2015, the Netherlands ratified the Germany–Netherlands Income Tax Treaty 2012. This new treaty will replace the Germany–Netherlands Income and Capital Tax Treaty of 1959. The Treaty is in line with the OECD Model tax treaty. The maximum withholding tax rates included in the treaty are:

Europe: New developments on the CCCTB

15 June 2015

On 27 May 2015, the European Commission held an orientation debate on how to develop a fairer and more efficient corporate tax system. Vice-President Dombrovskis of the European Commission held a speech afterwards to point out the main topics that were discussed:

Slovakia: New Transfer Pricing documentation guidelines published

15 June 2015

On 26 May 2015, the Ministry of Finance published new guidelines on transfer pricing documentation requirements. The Guideline will apply as of 1 January 2015 and replaces the previous guidelines of October 2014.

Europe: European Commission adopts the fourth Anti Money Laundering Directive

15 June 2015

On 20 May 2015, the members of the European Parliament adopted rules to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. This is one of the key actions in the European Security Agenda that was announced last month (28 April 2015).

Europe OECD: The OECD published the revised discussion draft on Action 7

4 June 2015

On 15 May 2015, the OECD released a revised discussion draft on Action 7. The revision is a follow-up to the discussion draft on Action 7 of 31 October 2014, which addressed a number of PE avoidance strategies and potential strategies to deal with these.

Poland: Proposed legislation on Country by Country reporting

4 June 2015

Poland proposed legislation on Country by Country (CbC) reporting and related transfer pricing reporting obligations. The proposed legislation reflects the reporting obligations as included in Action 13 of the OECD’s initiative on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting. To be more specific, Poland has introduced thresholds for the Local File, Master File and CbC-report.

Europe: European Commission publishes strategy on the Digital Single Market

4 June 2015

The European Commission (EC) published its strategy on the Digital Single Market on 6 May 2015. The strategy includes 16 initiatives to be delivered by the end of 2016 and is built on three pillars: Access, Environment and Economy & Society.

Netherlands/OECD: Impact of changes of OECD Model Commentary with respect to the articles 15 and 17

4 June 2015

On 23 April 2015, clarification on the impact of the changes of the OECD Model commentary on articles 15 and 17 was published in a special Decree (effective 2 May 2015). The Decree provides guidance with respect to termination payments and on the interpretation of the term 'personal activities' of artist and sportsmen.

Venezuela: Transfer Pricing

13 May 2015

From 1 January 2001, Venezuela changed its territorial income tax system to include non territorial income tax; in other words, a Worldwide Tax System.

Brazil: PIS/COFINS-Importation and PIS/COFINS on Financial Revenues

8 May 2015

In connection with a recent statement to increase revenue collection, the Brazilian Government published new rules related to PIS/COFINS. The main points are:

Uruguay: Uruguay meets international standards of fiscal transparency

8 May 2015

In March 2015, the Ministry of Finance reported that the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, the multilateral organisation in which international standards on transparency and tax cooperation are developed, approved unanimously the technical report referred to the Uruguayan case corresponding to Phase 2.

Warning shot fired at multinationals

11 December 2014

The UK Government has announced details of their crowd pleasing measure dubbed “the Google tax”. But not everyone is smiling. Baker Tilly, RSM International member firm in the UK, reviews the impact this will have on multi-nationals.

Uruguay: Financial Inclusion Law

26 October 2014

On 29 April 2014, Law No. 19,210 (or Financial Inclusion Law) was approved. The Law aims to promote access to banking services and the use of electronic means of payment, such as debit card, credit card and electronic transfers, by all the population.

Transfer Pricing News: China investigating service and royalty charges of past 10 years

16 September 2014

On 29 July 2014, the Chinese State Administration of Taxation issued an announcement ('ShuiZongBanFa 2014 No. 146') to strengthen its investigation on service and royalty charges from overseas related parties during the past ten years from 2004 to 2013.

Transfer Pricing News: Ireland OECD BEPS

16 September 2014

Since the start of the OECD’s BEPS project, Ireland has been very supportive of all initiatives. Already in October 2013, the Irish government broadcasted a so-called international tax strategy statement. This document contained Ireland’s objectives and commitments concerning the countering of international corporate tax policy issues.

Transfer Pricing News: UK legislation on countering avoidance schemes involving the transfer of corporate profits

16 September 2014

The legislation seeks to prevent profits being transferred to another group company by way of a payment of all, or a significant part, of the profits of a company.

Transfer Pricing News: Secondary adjustments again deemed to be treated as dividend or capital contributions in South Africa

16 September 2014

Since April 2012 secondary adjustments were treated as deemed loans, but this caused a lot of uncertainty and practical problems. This may be the reason that the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2014 (Draft), includes that secondary adjustments shall now be treated as deemed dividends or capital contributions, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.

Transfer Pricing News: Dutch State secretary of Finance on the arm's length principle

16 September 2014

Recently the Dutch State secretary of Finance reacted through a public letter on the statement ‘The OECD’s Arms Length Principle, which is based on comparable market prices that do not really correspond to reality, provides several loopholes through which MNCs avoid tax’. This statement was included in a report of Oxfam titled ‘Business among Friends – Why corporat

Europe: The Mini One Stop Shop for e-services, broadcasting and telecom services

1 September 2014

In January 2015 the VAT legislation providing for the place of taxation for e-services, broadcasting and telecom services will change. Although the actual change in legislation will be minimal, it will have a substantial impact on the providers of these services from a VAT compliance perspective.

Hungary: Advertisement Tax

1 September 2014

Act XXII of 2014 on Advertisement Tax enters into force on 15 August 2014. The new public burden does not only concern the publishers of press products and commercial television channels.

Hong Kong: Effects of the international tax framework

1 September 2014

The globalisation and development of the digital economy has fostered continuous growth of cross-border transactions. As different countries adopt different tax regimes, taxpayers may avoid taxation in their home countries by pushing activities abroad to low or no tax jurisdictions.

China: Corporate Income Tax Incentives

1 September 2014

In order to encourage investment in certain areas in the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the State Administration of Taxation (SAT) jointly published the notice Caishui 2014 No.

USA: New global tax and information reporting regimes create risks and burdens for businesses

1 September 2014

Emboldened by the plethora of new legislation and guidance passed by the United States, many countries are considering implementing a standardised global information reporting (GIR) system.

Panama: Still on grey listing

26 August 2014

At the end of 2009, the Panamanian government adopted a national policy with the purpose of being excluded from the OECD grey listing.

Argentina: Unconstitutionality of the Minimum Presumptive Income Tax. New pronouncement of the Supreme Court of Justice

26 August 2014

The Supreme Court ruled, once again, that the Minimum Presumptive Income Tax in the Diario Perfil SA c/AFIP-DGI case is unconstitutional, in line with the June 2010 ruling in the Hermitage SA case.

Transfer Pricing News - The Netherlands: New Decrees on Advance Pricing Agreements

14 July 2014

The State Secretary of Finance published new decrees that provide guidance on the various aspects of the regime that covers the Advance Pricing Agreement (APA) and replace the decrees of 2004.

Transfer Pricing News - Australia: Revenue Authorities serious about driving down SME compliance work?

14 July 2014

Following the recent release of draft rulings and practice statements by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) relating to the new transfer pricing legislation in Australia, the ATO recently invited comment from respected practitioners across the country to discuss practical, simplified and pragmatic measures for taxpayers in order to adequately, yet cost-effectivel

Transfer Pricing News - Slovakia: New developments in Transfer Pricing in Slovakia

14 July 2014

The Income Tax Act (ITA) has brought about a number of important changes that affect transfer pricing. In connection with the amendment to the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines in July 2010, the amendment to the ITA has abolished the hierarchy of transfer pricing methods.

Transfer Pricing News - Malaysia: Disclosure requirement in Income Tax return

14 July 2014

A new item has been included in the Income Tax Return for the Year of Assessment 2014 which requires the taxpayer to indicate whether transfer pricing documentation has been prepared by the taxpayer for the relevant year of assessment.

Transfer Pricing News - OECD: Base Erosion and Profit Shifting

23 June 2014

On 26 May 2014, the OECD held a webcast giving an update on the progress of the BEPS project. During this webcast the spokesmen of the OECD, Pascal Saint- Amans, declared the two-year BEPS project to be ‘on schedule’. The four discussion drafts that have been published so far contain 3,587 pages of commentary from 462 commentators spanning e.g.

Transfer Pricing News - Denmark: Transfer Pricing corrections

23 June 2014

On 31 March 2014, the Danish tax authorities published their Transfer Pricing report for 2013. The report contains an overview of transfer pricing corrections made by the Danish tax authorities. In 2013, the Danish tax authorities adjusted the taxable income of 77 Danish companies. These corrections amounted to well over EUR 2 billion.

Transfer Pricing News - Australia: Transfer Pricing Guidance Package

23 June 2014

On 16 April 2014, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) published its Transfer Pricing Guidance Package. It contains two draft taxation rulings and two draft transfer pricing statements. These documents are intended to provide guidance for the application of the new transfer pricing legislation that entered into force in July 2013.

Transfer Pricing News - Mexico: Pro rata cost allocation

23 June 2014

Following a ruling of the Mexican Supreme Court of Justice on 19 March 2014, pro rata payments made outside of Mexico to non-residents are deductible – given that certain conditions are met.

Germany: Transfer Pricing

17 June 2014

European countries are increasingly being confronted with the problem of double taxation of profits resulting from business relations with their associated enterprises based in so-called BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).

Italy: Company assets revaluation

17 June 2014

Law No. 247/2013 allows Italian companies that prepare their financial statement in accordance with the Italian Standard Accounts to revaluate the assets recorded in the financial statement as of 31 December 2012. The relevant benefits for the companies that adopt the revaluation are:

Europe: OECD BEPS

17 June 2014

The first action of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan consists of addressing the tax challenges of the digital economy. On 24 March 2014, the OECD released a discussion draft on this subject. The discussion draft contains four main issues:

Italy: Compliance

12 June 2014

n 1 January 2014, a new law entered into force providing additional regulations for the offsetting of tax credits relating to income taxes, withholding taxes, substitute taxes and the Regional Tax on Productive Activities (IRAP).

Venezuela: Taxation Regime on Dividends

8 May 2014

According to the provisions in the Income Tax Law, only those dividends arising from profits generated from 1 January 2001 shall be taxed. This means that dividends arising from profits prior to 1 January 2001 shall not be taxed. The methodology used by the Law is as follows:

El Salvador: Minimum Income Tax payment of 1% declared unconstitutional

8 May 2014

By the end of 2011, the Salvadoran Income Tax Law was modified by, amongst other things, requesting companies to pay their income tax based on the higher of (a) 30% of net profit or (b) 1% of annual taxable revenues. With the latter there is no possibility to deduct costs or expenses that were already part of the provisions in this same Law.

Nicaragua: New Tax Law in Nicaragua

8 May 2014

On 1 January 2013, the Government of Nicaragua passed Law Nº 822: 'CONCERTATION TAX LAW'(CTL). This Act and its regulations contain important changes in the tax regime.

Peru: Double Taxation Treaties: Mexico, Korea, Portugal and Switzerland

8 May 2014

On 27 and 28 December 2013, the Peruvian Congress approved four International Tax Treaties to avoid double taxation (Tax Treaties) signed by Peru with Mexico, Korea, Portugal and Switzerland.

Chile: Tax Reform in Chile

8 May 2014

In March 2014, the recently elected President of Chile submitted a Bill to Congress with the goal of performing several changes through a structural tax reform to generate revenues. This reform is focused on four clear objectives:

Germany: Treaty override provision

1 April 2014

On 11 December 2013, the German Federal Tax Court (FTC) submitted the question to the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) whether the treaty override provision (article 50d (10) of the Personal Income Tax Act) is unconstitutional.

New Zealand: Tax Risk and IRD Compliance for Multinationals

1 April 2014

In late 2013, the IRD released their Multinational Enterprises Compliance Focus Document. This document outlines the various areas the IRD will be focusing on for the next 12 months with regards to multinational enterprises (MNEs). This article summarises the must read sections of the document.

Europe: Freedom of establishment

1 April 2014

On 27 February 2014, the Advocate General (AG) of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued her opinion on the cases C-39/13, C-40/13 and C-41/13. These three cases were directed to the ECJ by the Dutch court in the light of prejudicial questions.

Europe: EU Savings taxation

1 April 2014

On 10 March 2014, the European Commission issued MEMO/14/172 (Memo) to answer frequently asked questions about the EU Savings Directive and the Savings Taxation Agreements with non-Member States. In this memo, the European Commission underlines the importance of a strong unified approach in tackling tax evasion.

Israel: Changes in Taxation of a Controlled Foreign Corporation

1 April 2014

On 25 December 2013, the Amendment of the Income Tax Ordinance Law (the “Law”) was published. As part of the Law, significant changes were made to some of the provisions of Section 75B of the Income Tax Ordinance (the “Ordinance”), dealing with the taxation of a controlled foreign corporation (the “CFC”).

United Kingdom: Crypto Currencies (bitcoins)

1 April 2014

Bitcoins have received their fair share of attention over the past couple of months. The volatility of the market price for bitcoins makes for a lot of potential profits. Therefore, it is not surprising that the crypto currency has been receiving more attention from the British tax authorities.

Europe: How European VAT impacts US companies

1 April 2014

When US companies deal with value added tax “VAT” challenges in Europe, whether newly established or well established, they often fall into the same avoidable traps.

Belgium: VAT

1 April 2014

On 3 March 2014, the Belgian Council of Ministers issued a press release concerning the new turnover threshold under which small businesses and associations qualify for VAT exemption. The turnover threshold will be increased from EUR 5,580 (current) to EUR 15,000 (announced).

Australia: Company PE Income may not be exempt from tax

1 April 2014

Australia’s tax law exempts from tax foreign income derived by a company “in carrying on a business, at or through a permanent establishment (“PE”)”. Capital gains are also exempt from tax where “the company used the asset wholly or mainly for the purpose of producing foreign income in carrying on a business at or through a PE”.

The Netherlands: Substance Requirements

1 March 2014

As of 1 January 2014, financial service entities must report in their annual corporate income tax returns whether or not they meet the new substance requirements.

Belgium: Foreign Tax Credits

1 March 2014

On 29 January 2014, the Belgian Constitutional Court ruled on the compatibility of the Belgian foreign tax credit rules with the Belgian constitution. The Constitutional Court ruled that denying the carry-forward or carry-back of an unused foreign tax credit is not unconstitutional. The same goes for not refunding an unused foreign tax credit.

Europe: Parent Subsidiary Directive

1 March 2014

On 25 November 2013, the European Commission (EC) proposed to change the European Parent Subsidiary Directive (PSD). The EC wishes to close certain loopholes in the PSD that multinationals may have started to use to avoid corporate taxes.

France: French Finance Bills

1 March 2014

The French parliament has approved the amended Finance Bill 2013 and the new Finance Bill 2014. The bills include changes to corporate taxation, individual taxation and indirect taxes. Some of these important measures are described below. Changes in corporate taxation

The Netherlands: Dividend withholding tax

1 March 2014

The Advocate General at the Court of Justice for the European Union (CJEU) recently published his opinion on two (joined) cases about Dutch entities distributing profits to their parent companies located on Curacao in 2005 and 2006.

Uruguay: Income Tax Exemption for marketing merchandise of foreign origin

28 February 2014

According to legislation in force in Uruguay, activities by foreign entities outside Uruguay; and those with goods in transit or deposited in customs facilities, port facilities, bonded warehouses and free trade zones of Uruguay, are exempt from income tax, when the merchandise is neither originated nor destinated to Uruguay.

Argentina: Taxation of gains from the transfer of shares and dividends

28 February 2014

Significant amendments have been introduced to Income Tax regulations, extending the tax scope to include certain financial gains, that were exempt from income tax and establishing an additional tax rate on dividend distributions and companies profits. Law 26.893 provides that as from 23 September 2013:

Costa Rica: New Transfer Pricing legislation

28 February 2014

On 13 September 2013, the Ministry of Finance published Decree 37898-Hthat establishes new legislation on transfer pricing for Costa Rican taxpayers. Much of the legislation is common to that used in other countries in the region but there are some particular considerations to this new legislation.

Mexico: Mexican legal framework - Year end tips

28 February 2014

2013 was a year full of changes in the business environment in Mexico. Perhaps the most significant one is derived from the changes made to the Mexican legal framework. Between 2013 and 2014 new legal provisions have been and will be enacted that will have great impact on the way we do business in Mexico. Appoint a “compliance officer”

USA: Cross Border Tax Enforcement and FATCA

28 February 2014

The U.S. government continues to view offshore tax evasion as a significant loss of potential tax revenue. As a result, the government has been increasing its international enforcement efforts and targeting US taxpayers with undisclosed foreign accounts or holdings with a number of punitive rules designed to force reporting compliance.

Italy: Advance tax rulings & permanent establishments

1 February 2014

On 23 December 2013, the Italian government published a decree concerning the Italian advance tax ruling procedures.

Greece: Thin capitalisation rules

1 February 2014

On 31 December 2013, the Greek parliament approved an amendment to the thin capitalisation rules. Greek thin capitalisation rules apply to all types of loans. This includes intragroup loans as well as third party loans, regardless of whether or not that third party is a certified financial institution.

United Kingdom: Tax Treaties

1 February 2014

On 27 December 2013 the protocol to the UK–India tax treaty entered into force. As a result of this protocol, several provisions of the treaty are altered, e.g. the recognition of partnerships for the application of the treaty and the dividend withholding tax rates. Furthermore, a limitation of benefits article has been introduced.

Sweden: Personal Income Tax

1 February 2014

An individual is considered to be a resident for Swedish tax purposes if the individual has a home at his disposal in Sweden. Any individual without such a real home within Sweden can also be treated as a resident for Swedish tax purposes, provided the individual resides in Sweden permanently.

Finland: Dividend withholding tax

1 February 2014

On 25 September 2013, the Finnish Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) ruled that interest must be paid when refunding Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT) that has been levied incorrectly from dividends intended for foreign entities. This was already the case for DWT levied from dividends intended for Finnish entities.

Germany: Corporate income tax

22 January 2014

In 2013 the German legislator renewed section 14, par. 1, no 5 of the German Corporate Tax Act (GCTA). The new rule limits the utilisation of tax losses in fiscal unities (the German group taxation system) in cross- border situations to avoid double-dips.

Luxembourg: Upcoming tax policy

22 January 2014

In December 2013, the new Luxembourg government announced its political program for the upcoming years. The announcement contains several direct and indirect tax measures.

Italy: 2014 Budget

22 January 2014

On 27 December 2013, the Italian 2014 Budget was approved by the Italian parliament as well as published in the official gazette. The 2014 Budget contains several changes, some of which may affect internationally active companies that operate in the Italian market.

Italy: New financial instruments

1 January 2014

provide a periodic analysis at least every six months of the value of the issued financial instruments. 4. The last financial statements of the company must be certified by an auditing firm. 5. The financial instruments may only be sold to qualified investors (as defined in DLgs no. 58/1998).

Europe: Changes to Parent Subsidiary Directive

1 January 2014

On 25 November 2013, the European Commission proposed to amend the European Parent Subsidiary Directive (PSD). Corporate tax avoidance has been at the top of the political agenda of EU and non-EU countries alike for over a year. Likewise, the G20 as well as the G8 have emphasized the urgency of countering corporate tax avoidance.

Australia: Domestic ship and aircraft tax

1 January 2014

Australia’s domestic tax law imposes a 5% tax on amounts paid to foreign owners or charterers of ships or aircraft for the carriage of passengers, live-stock, mail or goods shipped in Australia (section 129 of the Income Tax Assessment Act, 1936). Section 129 can apply irrespective of where the passengers or goods are discharged.

Germany: Updated tax policy

1 January 2014

On 27 November 2013, the German government published its tax policy for the upcoming four years. While not containing concrete, imminent measures the policy is a valuable insight into Germany's tax system actively countering base erosion and profit shifting.

Hong Kong: Inland Revenue Amendment Bill – Exchange of Information (EOI)

1 January 2014

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill (the Bill) was passed by the Legislative Council on 10 July 2013. It provides the legal framework to liberalise the Exchange of Information (EOI) regime in Hong Kong and enable Hong Kong to comply with the latest international standard of tax transparency. Difference between CDTAs and TIEAs

Finland: Cross-border mergers

1 January 2014

The Finnish Supreme Administrative Court applied to the Court of Justice for the European Union’s Marks & Spencer doctrine to a cross-border merger involving tax deductible losses. The final losses were determined in accordance with the Finnish Business Income Tax Act.

USA: Interest-Charge Domestic International Sales Corporations

1 January 2014

An interest-charge domestic international sales corporation (IC-DISC) can be a powerful tax savings opportunity for many companies exporting products. An IC-DISC is a domestic corporation that primarily engages in foreign sales and exporting activity. Many years ago, the U.S. government created this law as a means to promote U.S.

Germany: Depreciation of real estate

1 January 2014

Before 2009, non-resident companies directly holding German real estate were denied the higher depreciation rate of 3%. The Lower Fiscal Court of Cologne ruled that forcing non-resident companies directly holding German real estate to use the regular 2% depreciation rate is a breach of the free movement of capital.

United Kingdom: Upcoming tax policy

1 January 2014

On 5 December 2013, the British government published upcoming changes to the UK tax regime. These upcoming changes will be of particular importance to the employers of expats, as they will target dual contract arrangements and offshore intermediary employment structures. United Kingdom: Upcoming tax policy

Republic of Ireland: An Update

1 January 2014

1. General economic update

Italy: Compliance

1 January 2014

Under Italian tax law, companies are obligated to provide the Italian tax authorities with a list of the assets the company provided for use by its private individual shareholders, as well as loans and capital the company has received from its private individual shareholders. Failure to comply results in penalties.

Hungary: Final tax package 2014

1 January 2014

As it was apparent from the proposal put forward in October that the volume of changes brought by the tax package of 2014 is altogether less significant than that of similar packages of the previous years.

Spain: 2014 Budget

28 December 2013

On 26 December 2013, the Budget for Spain’s fiscal year 2014 was published in the official gazette. It contains several new tax measures as well as the extension of existing measures that are to increase Spanish tax revenues.

United Kingdom: Information Exchange Agreements

1 August 2013

Whilst governmental attacks on tax avoidance seem to be rarely out of the financial news, the UK Government is also tackling tax evasion by entering into information exchange agreements with a number of tax havens, many of which are British Crown Dependencies.

Peru: Tax Benefit with 'technical assistance'

1 August 2013

According to the general rule in Peruvian Income Tax (IT) Law, services rendered by non-resident individuals are subject to a 30% withholding income tax (WHT) rate. However, services that qualify as ‘technical assistance’ are levied with a 15% WHT rate applied on the Peruvian source income.

Uruguay: Benefits of Uruguayan Trusts

1 August 2013

Trusts in Uruguay are ruled under Law 17,703 which was published on 4 November 2003.

Mexico: Changes in Mexico's Federal Labour Law

1 August 2013

On 1 December 2012, important changes in Mexico’s Federal Labour Law (the 2012 amendments) came into effect.

Hong Kong: Beneficial Ownership

1 August 2013

This article aims to provide you with the salient points of Circular 165. 1. Circular 601

USA: Withholding under US FATCA rules delayed

1 August 2013

On 12 July 2013, the IRS issued Notice 2013-43 (the notice) that extends the date on which Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) withholding is to begin to 1 July 2014.

Germany: Tax Law Update

1 August 2013

On 29 June 2013, numerous changes to the German tax law were published in the Federal Law Gazette and are applicable as of that date unless indicated otherwise. The changes in the law mainly concern the areas below. Correspondent taxation extended to dividends

USA: New regulations modify rules governing outbound transfers

1 March 2013

On 18 March 2013, the IRS and Treasury published final, temporary and proposed regulations under Sections 367 and 12481 that address the treatment of outbound transfers of property by US corporations and other matters (“2013 Regulations”).

Netherlands: Five questions about aggressive tax planning

1 March 2013

In recent months, there have been several reports by journalists into the tax affairs of multinational corporations resulting in public anger and accusations of tax avoidance.

Australia: Transfer Pricing: Tax Laws Amendment Bill

1 March 2013

Further to the release of the Treasury’s exposure draft in mid-November, the Government has now introduced into Parliament stage two of the transfer pricing reforms, the Tax Laws Amendment (Countering Tax Avoidance and Multinational Profit Shifting) Bill 2013.

United Kingdom: New Controlled Foreign Company rules

1 March 2013

The UK’s new Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) legislation is effective for all accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. This represents a timely wholesale revision of the rules as over the last few years there has been numerous revision to the rules in reaction to various recent Court of Justice of the European Union cases.

Hungary: Allowances for special enterprise zones

1 March 2013

From 1 January 2013, the scope of tax allowances available to companies operating in special or free enterprise zones was extended in a number of tax types.

United States of America: The application of the US FATCA rules to International Investment Funds

1 October 2012

In July 2009, the United States Department of Justice announced that it had reached a settlement with Swiss bank UBS under which the bank agreed to disclose the identities of over 50,000 US customers who used UBS accounts to commit US federal tax evasion.

Argentina: Termination of Argentina-Spain double taxation treaty

1 October 2012

On 29 June 2012, the Argentine government notified Spain that it had terminated the Argentina-Spain tax treaty for the Avoidance of Double Taxation (the treaty).

United Kingdom: Proposed statutory residence test

1 October 2012

In June 2011, the UK Government launched a consultation document on the introduction of a statutory residence test which the government proposed to introduce in April 2012. This has now been delayed until 6 April 2013. The response to this consultation has recently been issued providing greater clarification.

Transfer Pricing: OECD Discussion Draft: Transfer pricing aspects of intangibles

1 October 2012

On 6 June 2012, the OECD published the first discussion draft for the revision of chapter VI of its transfer pricing guidelines.

Australia: Living Away From Home Allowance

1 October 2012

In an earlier edition of Border Crossing - 1st Quarter 2012 - we reported on significant and adverse changes to the Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA) provisions. Those changes have now been legislated, with effect from 1 October 2012.

UK: Worldwide Debt Cap

1 June 2012

Worldwide debt cap rules were introduced as an extension to the UK thin capitalisation rules to ensure that UK companies bear their fair share of group debt. It applies to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010.

Malta: High Net Worth Individuals Rules

1 June 2012

The High Net Worth Individuals Rules (the Rules) have recently been introduced to attract high net worth foreign individuals to take up residence in Malta and take advantage of the beneficial rate of tax. The Rules apply to both EU and third country nationals and will run in parallel to the current Residents Scheme Regulations.

China: Overseas Listed Companies ‘Share-based Incentive plans’

1 June 2012

On 20 February 2012, the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange (“SAFE”) issued Circular Huifa [2012] No.7 – ‘Notice regarding certain issues related to foreign exchange administration for individuals employed by domestic companies participating in share-based incentive plans of overseas listed companies’ (“Circular [2012] 7”).

Netherlands: New German-Netherlands tax treaty

1 June 2012

On 12 April 2012, Germany and the Netherlands signed a new tax treaty and protocol. The new tax treaty avoids double taxation and prevents fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on the income of residents. Furthermore, it regulates and improves the position of frontier workers. The new tax treaty has not yet been ratified.

Italy: Investment Funds Tax and Capital Gains Changes

1 June 2012

Introduction A new investment funds tax regime has been enacted in Italy meaning investment funds are no longer subject to tax on an accrual basis. Investors are instead taxed on a cash basis. Furthermore, from 1 January 2012 withholding tax and substitutive tax on interest, dividends and capital gains will be set at 20%.

USA: Proposed FATCA regulations

1 June 2012

On 8 February 2012, the IRS issued proposed regulations providing rules pursuant to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The proposed regulations are generally consistent with the guidance set out in prior Notices. However, there are significant modifications and refinements.

South Africa: Transfer Pricing – A Significant Change

1 January 2012

With effect from 1 October 2011, South African Transfer Pricing legislation was significantly changed by the implementation of an amended Section 31 to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 (”the Act”). The section has now further been amended in terms of the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill 19 of 2011 introduced by the Minister of Finance on 25 October 2011.

Australia: Removal of FBT Concessions for Foreign Executives

1 January 2012

The Australian Government’s latest revenue raising measures are again targeting international businesses. The ‘Living away from home’ allowance and other related benefits have been denied concessional tax treatment for international employees along with increased substantiation requirements for all others. Background

USA: Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate

31 December 2011

Is there a “best” way for a foreign individual to own U.S. real estate? When planning to acquire U.S. real estate, foreign individuals have a number of ownership alternatives to consider each of which offers its own advantages and disadvantages. There are other items a foreign investor should consider when evaluating the most advantageous method for holding U.S.

Australia: Cross-border transfer pricing reforms

12 June 2001

On 24 May, the Government introduced into Parliament the first piece of draft legislation in its reform of Australia’s transfer pricing provisions.

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