24.10.2024
Portugal introduces tax benefits for young people
Portugal plans to introduce tax breaks for young people under 35, including foreign workers.
23.10.2024
Cyprus takes care of transfer pricing
The Cyprus Tax Department has updated the frequently asked questions in English about transfer pricing.
17.10.2024
Croatia extends the validity period of the EU Blue Card
The country is preparing amendments to the Law on Foreigners: The EU Blue Card will become valid for 4 years, which will significantly increase the duration of stay of highly qualified foreign workers in Croatia.
10.10.2024
TOP cities in the world with the most overrated real estate
The large Swiss bank UBS has published the results of its annual real estate market survey UBS Global Real Estate Index for 2024.
09.10.2024
Turkey launches a new visa
The new Türkiye Tech Visa program is a 3–year work permit for technology professionals and entrepreneurs who plan to launch a startup.
04.10.2024
Canada makes changes for work permits
Canada's immigration system is undergoing major changes: by November 1, 2024, the Government of Canada plans to submit a new Immigration Levels Plan for the next 3 years.
01.10.2024
Dubai is adopting stricter rules regarding the marketing of crypto investments.
Dubai's cryptocurrency regulator has updated its recommendations on the marketing of virtual assets: new rules require companies to include a disclaimer explaining the risks of such investments.
30.09.2024
Bulgaria is preparing to switch to the euro
Bulgaria plans to switch from the lev (BGN) to the euro (EUR) in just over a year as part of its strategy to join the eurozone.
24.09.2024
The UK introduces electronic permits for holders of "golden passports"
The UK government has announced the introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - electronic travel permits to control border crossings, enhance national security and counter illegal immigration.
18.09.2024
SWIFT optimizes transfers
Interest in digital assets and currencies continues to grow, and the SWIFT International Financial Messaging System has decided to create its own infrastructure for transactions with digital assets.
10.09.2024
The best cities in Europe with the most favorable air quality
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has compiled a rating of cities with the most favorable air quality.
09.09.2024
Kyrgyzstan restricts payments
In order to ensure economic security and maintain the financial stability of the country, the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan prohibits payments from foreign countries without actual delivery of goods to the country.
04.09.2024
UAE launches a single platform for foreign workers
The UAE government has announced the launch of a single online platform for foreign specialists and the launch of the second stage of the Work Bundle program aimed at increasing the country's competitiveness and attractiveness as a leading global center.
23.08.2024
Work permit in France under new rules
A new immigration law in France aimed at tightening the rules for foreign workers will come into force on September 1, 2024.
22.08.2024
The "Golden visa" in the UAE becomes gold
For professionals working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who wish to obtain a golden visa for long-term stay, a minimum monthly salary of 30 000 dirhams (approximately 8 000 EUR) is established.
19.08.2024
In the UK, the issuance of visas to migrants is reduced
The latest UK government data shows a reduction in the number of work and student visas in 2024.
13.08.2024
Bulgaria simplifies the issuance of visas
The Bulgarian Minister of Tourism and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed plans to simplify the issuance of tourist and work visas.
01.08.2024
15 Best Countries for Digital Nomads
Consulting company Global Citizen Solutions has compiled a ranking of the best countries in the world for digital nomads, comparing relocation programs in 65 countries.
31.07.2024
Crypto Investors in Portugal will receive a "golden visa"
Portugal may become the first European country to offer foreigners a residence permit in exchange for investments made using a decentralized cryptocurrency such as bitcoin.
30.07.2024
G20 to support progressive taxation
The leaders of the G20 financial organizations meeting in Brazil are preparing a joint statement in support of progressive taxation, but do not support the proposal to introduce a global "tax on billionaires."
29.07.2024
Does Revolut break the rules?
The European Central Bank (hereinafter, the ECB) requires Revolut Ltd. to improve control over financial crimes after the audit.
26.07.2024
TOP 10 safest countries for travelers
According to a new study by Forbes Advisor, Singapore is recognized as the safest city in the world for tourists.
18.07.2024
The most livable small towns in the world
The Compare The Market AU portal has compiled a rating of small cities in the world in terms of quality of life for those who prefer a calm and measured lifestyle.
26.06.2024
Italy simplifies the rules for obtaining an EU Blue Card
Italy is striving to simplify the procedure and create more favorable conditions for attracting foreign specialists.
19.06.2024
The United States has suspended the agreement on avoidance of double taxation
The US Treasury Department has notified the Russian government of the decision to suspend the agreement on avoidance of double taxation from August 16, 2024.
13.06.2024
10 best universities in the world
The analytical company Quacquarelli Symonds has published an annual ranking of the best universities in the world. 1,500 universities from 104 countries participated in the study.
06.06.2024
Will Turkey join the BRICS?
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is on a visit to China, announced Turkey's desire to become a member of the BRICS.
23.05.2024
The EU will issue a single work and stay permit
From May 20, EU countries will issue a single work and stay permit.
21.05.2024
Bulgaria will not switch to the euro
According to Dimitar Radaev, chairman of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB), Bulgaria will not be able to meet all the requirements for joining the eurozone by the time the convergence report is published in June.
16.05.2024
Turkey Introduces Regulation of Crypto Assets
Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party plans to submit to parliament a bill on the control of transactions with crypto assets and regulation of this sphere in general.
14.05.2024
UAE simplifies obtaining resident visas
The Federal Office for Identity Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the simplification of procedures for obtaining resident cards (Emirates ID cards), as well as passports and residence permits.
13.05.2024
Dual citizenship in Lithuania
On May 12, 2024, the first round of elections of the President of the Republic of Lithuania took place, during which a referendum was held on the preservation of Lithuanian citizenship.
03.05.2024
UAE is on the European Commission's grey list
The UAE is still on the European Commission's grey list.
27.04.2024
The annual fee in Cyprus
In accordance with the Company Law Act (Amendments) of 2024 N.25(I)/2024, published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus on March 15, 2024...
25.04.2024
Finland is tightening up the acquisition of citizenship
The Government of the country has approved a number of amendments to the laws on immigration and citizenship.
23.04.2024
The 15 most expensive cities in the world to build
Economists at the Arcadis consulting company compared construction costs in 100 cities around the world and identified the most expensive megacities.
18.04.2024
Portugal - new plan until 2028
Portugal has approved a Government action plan for the period up to 2028, which will reduce Income Tax Rates (IRS) on income, which will lead to an overall tax cut of about €1.5 billion compared to last year.
16.04.2024
UAE - the best for a startup
According to a new study, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the best countries in the world where entrepreneurs will be able to launch their startup in 2024.
09.04.2024
Sri Lanka extends the issuance of free visas
The Sri Lankan government has decided to extend until April 30, 2024 a pilot project to provide free visas to citizens of six countries (China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan).
08.04.2024
Kazakhstan will issue IIN to foreigners in embassies
Kazakhstan will issue individual identification numbers (IINS) to foreigners at embassies and consulates from April 13 until the end of this year.
05.04.2024
New law on cultural “golden visa” in Portugal
The Portuguese Ministry of Culture has prepared and submitted to Parliament for approval a bill on the creation of a Fund for the acquisition of works of art for national museums and palaces.
04.04.2024
Caribbean Gold passports will rise in price
Caribbean "golden passports" are becoming more expensive, which is a response to pressure from the United States and the European Union to tighten the sale of citizenship.
28.03.2024
Cyprus plans to open an embassy in Kazakhstan
The authorities of the Republic of Cyprus have taken the initiative to open an embassy in Astana, as well as to offer a visa-free regime for citizens of Kazakhstan.
26.03.2024
The historic agreement between the Caribbean States.
The Caribbean States of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica and Saint Kitts and Nevis signed a historic Memorandum on the implementation of the Citizenship by Investment program.
25.03.2024
Does the EU stop visa-free travel?
The European Union plans to update the mechanism that allows suspending the visa-free regime for third countries whose citizens are exempt from visa obligations when traveling to the Schengen area.
20.03.2024
The 10 happiest and most unhappy countries in the world
The Sapien Labs research group has published an annual report on the mental State of the World.
19.03.2024
Romania: new conditions for EU blue cards
On March 8, 2024, new rules governing the use of EU Blue Cards and other work permits came into force in Romania.
12.03.2024
Croatia launches an innovative program
On March 6, 2024, Croatia launches the country's first foreign worker integration program.
04.03.2024
Almost 1 million people have become EU citizens
Eurostat conducted an analysis and made conclusions about obtaining EU citizenship in 2022.
01.03.2024
Hong Kong budget and key changes
Hong Kong's finance minister has unveiled the budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
29.02.2024
The EU has updated its blacklist again
The EU Council has excluded the Bahamas, Belize, Seychelles and Turks and Caicos Islands from its “blacklist” of jurisdictions that did not cooperate with the EU in the field of taxation.
28.02.2024
UAE announced fines
The Ministry of Finance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced the imposition of fines for late payment of corporate tax, as well as for late submission of an application for registration for tax payment.
27.02.2024
Bulgaria tightens citizenship criteria
The Bulgarian Parliament has voted to amend the Law on Citizenship, making knowledge of the Bulgarian language mandatory.
26.02.2024
Will Kazakhstan move on?
Since 2024, new rules for foreigners to obtain IIN and a number of other important documents, such as a residence permit, will begin to apply in Kazakhstan.
22.02.2024
Bermuda: Updated Tax Guide
Bermuda is updating its Corporate Tax Guide, including new questions most frequently asked by taxpayers.
21.02.2024
New changes to the UK Companies Act
The first package of amendments to the Companies Act will come into force in the UK on March 2024.
20.02.2024
New Zealand exchanges financial information
The New Zealand Taxation Office has updated the list of countries exchanging financial information in accordance with the Unified Reporting Standard for the Automatic Exchange of Financial Information.
16.02.2024
Quality of life in Europe for workers
According to the latest edition of the report published by the European Commission, Rostock in Germany ranks first in terms of job satisfaction among respondents: 85 percent of them have positive impressions of working in this German city.
15.02.2024
Jersey discusses changes to CRS and FATCA rules
The Island of Jersey has begun discussing possible changes to its rules for the automatic exchange of information on tax payments (AEOI), which comply with the OECD General Reporting Standard (CRS) and the American Financial Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).
14.02.2024
South Africa plans to introduce a visa for "digital nomads"
The South African government has announced changes to its visa policy. It is planned to introduce special visas for foreign remote employees and freelancers working for foreign companies.
12.02.2024
Is Hong Kong introducing a global minimum tax?
The Hong Kong government is starting to discuss proposals for a global minimum tax of 15% and a domestic additional tax, which are planned to be introduced from 2025 for international companies.
07.02.2024
Canada prohibits the purchase of real estate for foreigners
According to the statement of the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, foreign citizens and foreign companies will not be able to buy residential real estate in Canada until 2027.
06.02.2024
The EU will force the adoption of provisions on minimum corporate tax
The European Commission has begun to take measures against member States that have not yet fulfilled the requirements for the introduction of a 15% minimum corporate tax provided for by the international agreement of the OECD and G20 countries under Component 2.
05.02.2024
TOP 15 safest countries in the world in 2024
The Numbeo data aggregator website has compiled a rating of the world's countries in terms of security in 2024 among 146 countries.
04.02.2024
Malta has launched a new immigration program
In January 2024, Malta launched the Professionals Initiative (SEI), which provides an alternative immigration route for highly qualified third-country nationals.
01.02.2024
The UAE does not plan to introduce income tax
The UAE does not intend to introduce an income tax on individuals
30.01.2024
Cayman Islands leave the EU Grey list
The exclusion of the Cayman Islands from the list of EU jurisdictions with deficiencies in AML/CFT regimes (countering money laundering and terrorist financing – Approx.) will enter into force on February 7, 2024.
26.01.2024
On a golden UAE visa for each buyer of real estate?
Buyers of real estate in Dubai are no longer required to make a minimum down payment of 1 million dirhams to be eligible for a "golden visa", as the government has relaxed the requirements for real estate investors.
The consumer price aggregator website Numbeo has compiled a ranking of the world's cities by cost of living in 2024.
22.01.2024
Germany has adopted a law on second citizenship
The Bundestag discussed in the second and final, third reading and voted for the reform of the German citizenship law. At the request of the opposition, the vote was carried out by roll-call.
19.01.2024
The EU will ban cash payments over 10 thousand euros
The European Union will ban cash payments in the amount of more than 10 thousand euros.
18.01.2024
Corporate tax in Bermuda
Bermuda will introduce a corporate tax from January 2025.
12.01.2024
Global Minimum Tax
The OECD has released a working paper on the Global Minimum Tax.
11.01.2024
Greek golden visa at the old price
Greece has extended the validity of the Immigration Code until March 31, 2024.
10.01.2024
Is Saudi Arabia getting off the "oil needle"?
Saudi Arabia has placed $12 billion in dollar bonds. It was the kingdom's biggest release since 2017.
09.01.2024
Portugal changes the citizenship law?
The Portuguese Parliament has approved amendments to the country's citizenship law, which will allow residents to start counting down the required five years to obtain citizenship from the date of applying for a residence permit, rather than from the date of its approval.
27.12.2023
Residence permit and work permit in the EU at the same time?
The European Union will simplify the rules of employment for citizens of third countries. Now it will be possible to obtain a work permit and a residence permit at the same time.
20.12.2023
Ambiguity of American Corporate Transparency Act
On January 1, 2024, the Federal Law on Corporate Transparency comes into force in the United States, which obliges millions of legal entities to register their beneficial owners with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Agency of the U.S. Treasury (FinCEN).
14.12.2023
Turkey has launched investigation into speculation in the real estate sector
The Association of the Capital Markets Council (SPK) has launched an investigation into the real estate sector and organizations after large-scale facts of speculation were revealed, especially when selling real estate to foreigners wishing to obtain Turkish citizenship.
13.12.2023
Dubai introduces unified business license
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in collaboration with the Dubai Free Zones Council, announced the launch of the Dubai Unified License (DUL), a unique commercial identifier provided to all businesses in Dubai in order to simplify various business processes.
11.12.2023
Europe completes work on the AI bill
The EU member states and the European Parliament have reached an agreement on a law that regulates the use of artificial intelligence (AI). This was reported by the Spanish representation in the Council of the EU
08.12.2023
Lisbon – the innovative capital of Europe
The European Commission has announced the winners of the European Capital of Innovation Awards.
06.12.2023
The UK will tighten the conditions for expats to stay in the country
The UK government continues to fight migrants and has announced a new package of measures to reduce visitors to the country.
05.12.2023
Portugal cancels tax benefits for foreigners
Portugal is going to abolish the preferential tax regime (Non-Habitual Resident, NHR), which allows certain categories of foreigners to pay reduced taxes for 10 years after moving to the country.
04.12.2023
Top most expensive cities in the world
The analytical division of the British magazine The Economist (Economist Intelligence Unit, EIU – Approx.) has published a rating of the most expensive cities in the world.
30.11.2023
Cyprus will offer citizenship to "talents" from third countries
A bill on granting citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus to "talents" from third countries was submitted for a vote in the Parliament of Cyprus on November 30.
29.11.2023
Is unemployment rising – is inflation falling?
The US labor market is weakening. The government reported that the number of initial applications for unemployment benefits in the last week was 231,000, up 13,000 from the previous week and the highest in almost three months.
28.11.2023
Will the UAE support the introduction of a Global minimum tax?
The United Arab Emirates has published Law No. 60 of 2023, which amends some provisions of Law No. 47 of 2022 (Corporate Tax Law).
27.11.2023
Luxembourg has declared the wealth tax unconstitutional
The Constitutional Court of Luxembourg, in its decision of November 10, 2023, ruled that the wealth tax regime applied to enterprises contradicts the constitutional principle of equality before the law.
23.11.2023
The USA and Switzerland are moving to mutual automatic exchange
Switzerland and the United States have revised their agreement on the implementation of the American Foreign Account Taxation Act (FATCA).
13.11.2023
Cyprus cancels "golden visas"?
The Audit Service of the Republic of Cyprus has published a report on the results of the audit of the investment program for foreigners who bought real estate or shares of Cypriot companies in the amount of at least 300,000 euros
09.11.2023
Will Cyprus return the funds to the Russian depositor?
The decision of the Limassol District Court concerning the former depositor of Laiki Bank can be described as historic.
07.11.2023
Italy changes tax residency rules
The Council of Ministers of Italy has given preliminary consent to make significant changes to the definition of "tax residence" for both individuals and legal entities.
03.11.2023
EU countries against the Shell Companies Directive?
The directive proposed by the European Union (EU), directed against shell companies, formally being the third revision of the EU Directive 2016/1164 (Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive, ATAD), is becoming less likely to be adopted in in the planned form in the face of opposition from some participating countries.
18.05.2023
The Brazilian Tax Service pays attention to trusts
The Brazilian Government has published Interim Measure No. 1171/23 on the distribution of foreign trust assets. In fact, this measure changes the rules for taxation of income from foreign sources received by Brazilian residents from financial investments and controlled organizations.
13.04.2023
UAE - Corporate tax exemption rules
The UAE Ministry of Finance has adopted Decision No. 43 on exemption from tax registration for the purposes of the Corporate Tax Law.
01.02.2023
EU members did not meet the deadline?
Fourteen EU member States have missed the official deadline set for the implementation of the provisions of Council Directive (EU) 2021/514 (DAC7) into national legislation.
10.08.2022
Central Bank of Cyprus` warning
The Central Bank of Cyprus (hereinafter referred to as the "CBC") has warned that the Limassol–based Sabax Bank has absolutely no license to operate issued by the supervisory authority.
28.10.2021
New FATF "grey List"
The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) has announced that it is removing Mauritius and Botswana from its "grey list".
26.03.2021
Keeping Track of Your Sales Online
The European Parliament has decided to amend Directive 2011/16/EU on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation (DAC7).
23.03.2021
Synthesized Tax Convention with Great Britain Has Been Published
The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation has published a synthesized version of the double taxation convention with the United Kingdom on its website.
19.03.2021
Amending the Model Tax Convention on the Digital Economy
The United Nations Tax Committee has published an update on the process for amending the UN Model Tax Convention regarding the digital economy.
09.03.2021
Changes in the Accreditation Procedure for Representative Offices and Branches
The Federal Tax Service has published on its website information on forthcoming changes in the procedure for foreign representations and branches to receive accreditation in Russia.
25.02.2021
Replenishment in the black list of the European Union
The European Union is once again updating its list of tax havens. The EU Council has decided to update the list of territories that do not cooperate on tax issues and do not disclose their beneficiaries.
18.02.2021
Ukraine establishes the procedure for cross-country reporting
In early February of this year, the Ministry of Justice of the Ukraine registered an Order of the Ministry of Finance establishing procedures for cross-country reporting (Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on the Exchange of Country-by-Country Reports, hereinafter CbC), which was introduced in 2020.
15.02.2021
Germany: We will exchange information with you
In early February of this year, the Ministry of Finance of the Federal Republic of Germany published an updated list of countries and territories with which the state will automatically exchange information on financial accounts until September 30, 2021.
10.02.2021
You can't hide from us: the law on digital financial assets in the Russian Federation
On January 1, 2021, Federal Law No. 259 "On Digital Financial Assets, digital Currency and on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” came into force.
18.01.2021
Cyprus: We will reveal your beneficiaries
According to the 4th and 5th Directives on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering and terrorist financing (AML) adopted by the European Union, the participating countries are obliged to implement the provisions of these acts in their legislation, as well as to ensure that companies, trusts, foundations and other legal entities disclose their beneficial owners to a specially authorized body.
15.01.2021
Changes in the tax regulation of CFC in the Russian Federation
Since January 1, Russia has changed the tax regulation of controlled foreign companies (CFC).
13.01.2021
United Kingdom: Brexit is not a hindrance to trade
Recall that since January 1 of this year, Britain has fully completed the Brexit process and left the ranks of the EU members, in connection with which the state needs to build its own trade policy, but not as a member of the EU.
12.01.2021
Malta has revealed the names of the holders of the « golden passports»
The government of Malta has published a list of more than three thousand people who received citizenship in 2019 in exchange for investment.
18.12.2020
Cyprus Parliament approves tax breaks for foreigners
The Parliament of the Republic of Cyprus has approved a bill on granting tax benefits to foreign citizens. The document was developed by the Ministry of Finance of Cyprus.
08.12.2020
Saxo Bank has published "shocking predictions" for 2021
Denmark's Saxo Bank has published its annual "shocking predictions", which mainly concern unlikely and underestimated events, but if they happen, they threaten to have a strong impact on financial markets.
07.12.2020
Denunciation of the Agreement with the Netherlands
The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation begins to denounce the agreement on the avoidance of a double taxation with the Netherlands.
04.12.2020
The US requires Switzerland to comply with FATCA
The Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America (IRS) sent a group request to Swiss banks that previously provided a customer information in accordance with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which indicated that it was also necessary to disclose all the details of customer accounts that were not provided at the time of the request.
23.11.2020
New rules for issuing "golden passports" in Malta
The Government of Malta has developed and introduced new rules for granting citizenship to foreigners in exchange for investment. No more than 400 applicants per year will now be able to obtain citizenship.
11.11.2020
Introduction of a fixed income tax CFC in the Russian Federation
On November 9, 2020, the Federal Law was published, which amends Parts one and two of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation. The adopted amendments directly affected the issue of taxation of controlled foreign companies (hereinafter referred to as CFC).
09.11.2020
Russia and Luxembourg: changes in the tax agreement between the countries
On November 6, the protocol on amendments to the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation between the Russian Federation and Luxembourg was signed.
03.11.2020
Iceland is excluded from the FATF grey list
On 23 October 2020, the Government of Iceland announced its removal from the FATF Grey List, which is a list of States under enhanced monitoring.
30.10.2020
In Russia increase Personal Income Tax rate
In the State Duma passed the first reading Draft law on raising taxes on the income of individuals with the current 13% to 15% on the income that exceeds 5 million rubles a year has passed. It is planned that this Draft law if it is accepted will start working from 1 January 2021.
27.10.2020
The European Commission has launched an investigation into Cyprus and Malta
Last week, the European Commission began the investigation into Cyprus and Malta over citizenship for investment programs in the national economy.
15.10.2020
New tax regime for CFC holders in Russia
The RF Ministry of Finance proposes to amend the Tax Code and establish a new tax regime for controlled foreign companies. On October 15, the executive body sent the proposed amendments to the Government.
01.10.2020
Expanding the access of the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation to banking secrecy
On the website of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, the project "Main directions of budget, tax and customs tariff policy for 2021 and the planning period 2022-2023" was posted, which was submitted to the State Duma on Wednesday, September 30.
22.09.2020
UK reforms Companies House
On September 18, the UK government announced plans to reform Companies House in an effort to curb fraud and increase the company's credibility in transactions.
15.09.2020
The Dutch government has published a tax plan for 2021
The Dutch Government has published a tax plan for 2021, including additional measures to stimulate the economic growth during the crisis. The previously announced reduction in the corporate tax rate will be canceled and the rate will remain at the same level - 25%. The freed up funds will help to strengthen the economy.
07.09.2020
"Golden Passports" of Cyprus
The Cypriot newspaper Politis has published a list of holders of "golden passports" who received citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus in exchange for investments in the period from 2008 to 2012. The publication included 34 citizens of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and Syria in the list of persons with suspicious passports.
04.09.2020
Shareholders meetings will be held remotely in the Russian Federation
On September 1, 2020, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation introduced a bill to the Federal Law “On Joint Stock Companies”. The amendments were developed according to the account of the continuing threat of the spread of coronavirus. If the Amendments are adopted, then joint stock companies will be able to hold meetings in a remote form.
20.08.2020
Information about integration of EU instruction against tax evasion
On August 19, 2020, the European Commission published the first report on the implementation of EU Directive 2016/1164 of 12 July 2016 (Council Directive (EU) 2016/1164 of 12 July 2016), which includes rules for the fight against tax evasion.
19.08.2020
The first cryptocurrency credit was issued in Russia
For the first time in Russia, a deal with digital assets was conducted – the first credit, secured by blockchain tokens, was issued.
14.08.2020
USA adopted some new measures countering money laundering
On August 14, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service and the US Treasury released amendments to the already published rules to combat tax base erosion and abuse of tax treaties.
13.08.2020
Russian Federation is planning to revise tax agreements
On August, 11, 2020 Deputy Prime-Minister of Russian Government announced a possible reconsider of Agreements for avoidance of double taxation with Switzerland and Hong-Kong.
12.08.2020
UK Resumes Forced Deregistration of Companies
From October 10, 2020, the UK will resume the procedure for the forced deletion of companies from the public register. The voluntary liquidation process will be available from September 10th. This statement was published on the state portal on August 10, 2020.
11.08.2020
Island of Aphrodite or the new agreement
After another negotiation, that took place between Russian and Cyprus parties concerning agreement for avoidance of double taxation between Russian Federation and Cyprus Republic, Cyprus agreed to increase the withholding tax rate to 15 % regarding to dividends and interest. The new changes will be enshrined in the Agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.
10.08.2020
Malta – Luxembourg – Russia
On August 09, 2020 it became known that Malta and Luxembourg agreed to increase the withholding tax rates on dividends and interest transferred from Russia.
11.03.2020
Decline taxes in Great Britain
According to last changes, published on the website of Tax Service Great Britain main rate of corporate tax on the 2020 is established in amount of 17%.
17.02.2020
European Comission sends legal warnings regarding anti-money laundering laws
The European Commission has sent legal warnings to Cyprus, Portugal, the Netherlands and five other EU states over their delays in applying new anti-money laundering rules
14.02.2020
UK aims to launch freeports
The UK government has launched a consultation on creating up to 10 freeports with special tariff and duty status – an idea ministers argue will fuel growth but critics say could encourage money laundering and other crimes.
12.02.2020
Ukraine approved the amendments regarding the BEPS plan
The Government of Ukraine announced the adoption by Parliament the bills to improve tax administration and the implementation of several measures from the action plan regarding domestic tax base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS).
11.02.2020
UK verifies legality of real estate acquisition
On February 5, the High Court of London rejected the appeal of Zamira Hadzhieva, the wife of Jahangir Hadzhiev, who was a head of International Bank of Azerbaijan from 2001 to 2015 and is now jailed in Azerbaijan for fraud.
10.02.2020
Jersey's Royal Court fines Abu Dhabi Commercial bank
On 5 February 2020, the Royal Court sentenced Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, Jersey Branch (ADCBJ) to a fine of £475,000, and awarded costs of £25,000, for failing to comply with the requirements of Money Laundering (Jersey) Order 2008.
07.02.2020
Russian Ministry of Finance improves transfer pricing
The Ministry of Finance of Russia has proposed amendments aimed at improving the control of transfer pricing.
06.02.2020
The central banks agree on the issue of digital currencies
The heads of the central banks of the European Union, Great Britain, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden and Japan are now agreeing to hold a meeting in mid-April to agree on their digital currencies.
05.02.2020
The company Erich Krause could not cancel the additional charge of taxes
The Arbitration Court of the Moscow District upheld the judicial acts of two lower instances, which confirmed the legality of the decision of the tax authority, which obliged Erich Krause Finland to pay about 45 million rubles in taxes and fines to the Russian budget.
03.02.2020
Cyprus’ future amendments to the law on investment citizenship
Currently, according to the process of deprivation of citizenship announced at the end of last year for investments of 26 people, no proceedings have been undertaken.
31.01.2020
OECD publishes the statement following a meeting of 137 countries
On January 31, 2020, the OECD issued a statement following a meeting of representatives of 137 countries that have already joined the BEPS plan on taxation of profits of international companies in the digital economy.
30.01.2020
Bank of China settles money laundering case for $4 million
The Bank of China agreed to pay a large fine to the French tax authorities.
29.01.2020
Reduce of personal income tax rate for non-residents
Experts from the Ministry of Finance are working on the adoption of a law by which the tax on income of non-resident individuals will be reduced to 13%.
27.01.2020
Cyprus and Saudi Arabia deposit their instruments of ratification for the MLI
On January 23, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia deposited with the OECD documents confirming the ratification of the Convention.
24.01.2020
Unified Identification System within the EAEU
On January 21, 2020, the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission approved a draft agreement on a unified system of identification of participants in foreign economic activity (FEA) within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
23.01.2020
The Queen signs Brexit act
The prime minister's Withdrawal Agreement Act was signed off by the Queen on Thursday after completing its journey through parliament. Now the deal has officially become UK law.
21.01.2020
Netherlands add new countries to the “low tax list”
On December 30, 2019, the Dutch Ministry of Finance added Barbados and Turkmenistan to the list of low tax countries.
20.01.2020
OECD initiatives on the international taxation rules
In October 2019, the OECD published for public discussion its proposals for Pillar One as a part of the implementation of the Program for the development of an agreed solution to tax issues arising from the digitalization of the economy, approved by the G20 at the Japan Summit in June 2019.
17.01.2020
Record number of anti-money laundering penalties
In 2019 there were 58 anti-money laundering (AML) penalties totaling $8.14bn, representing double the amount, and nearly double the value, of penalties handed out in 2018 in the world.
15.01.2020
Case of Metkombank
On October 31, 2011, a loan agreement was concluded between PJSC Metkombank and E3 OCM-Asset LLC, and in 2014 the Metkombank was notified of the conclusion of the assignment agreement between the LLC and the defendant, WINTERLUX LIMITED (Company), a company registered in Cyprus.
14.01.2020
Panama approves bill on beneficial owner register
On December 19, the Panama Legislative Assembly approved a bill introducing the Register of Beneficial Owners of Companies (Bill No. 169).
27.12.2019
Mandatory exchange of information in cross-border arrangements
On July 1, 2020 the EU Council Directive 2018/822 comes into force.
25.12.2019
Bermuda publishes new economic substance laws
On 24 December 2019, the Bermuda Minister of Finance released changes to Bermuda’s economic substance laws and related guidance, including the Economic Substance Amendment (No. 2) Act 2019 (“ESA”), the Economic Substance Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 2019 (“Regulations”), and the final version of the General Principles Guidance Notes (“Guidance Notes”).
18.12.2019
Offshore Companies Disclosure Bill
A bill was submitted to the State Duma introducing the requirement of mandatory disclosure of information about the founders (participants) and beneficiaries of offshore companies when registering with the Unified State Register of Legal Entities (initiated by deputies G. Zyuganov and others).
16.12.2019
Switzerland Redrafts Double Tax Treaty Law
The Swiss Government has released new legislation governing Switzerland's application of provisions in its network of double tax agreements.
International corporations may begin to publish in open sources data on taxes paid in each country.
06.12.2019
Changes in Structure of the Group ABLV Bank, AS
There were changes in the structure of the Group of ABLV Bank, AS in liquidation in early December 2019.
05.12.2019
Tax-free regime in St. Vincent comes to the end
After June 30, 2021, international commercial companies (IBCs) registered in St. Vincent will automatically be recognized simply as commercial companies (BCs) and will be taxed at a rate of 30% of all global income (received in St. Vincent and outside the jurisdiction).
04.12.2019
France adds Seychelles to blacklist of tax heavens
France has added Seychelles to its tax-haven blacklist because the island state did not provide full information about some French offshore entities acting on Seychelles.
03.10.2019
New rules of tax residency in Russia
The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation has suggested to strict rules of tax residency in its Draft Law of National budget on 2020-2022.
01.10.2019
Negative rates in foreign currency deposits in the Russian Federation
Central Bank of Russia got an offer to introduce negative rates on foreign currency deposits from Russian banks.
25.09.2019
Ukrainian authorities reduce pressure on business
On September 18th, 2019, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the law “On Amending the Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Criminal Procedure Code, regarding the reduction of pressure on business”.
24.09.2019
Dutch tax plans for 2020
On September 17th, 2019, a draft tax amendment for 2020 was introduced to the House of Representatives of the Netherlands.
12.09.2019
Ukraine ratifies the FATCA
On September 6th, 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved a bill ratifying the FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) agreement between Ukraine and the United States.
11.09.2019
Taxes can be paid with a foreign bank card in Russia
On September 6th, 2019, the Federal Tax Agency of Russia on its official website launched a service called “Payment of taxes by a foreign bank card”.
04.09.2019
Sweden plans to introduce a tax for banks on defense against the Russian Federation
The Swedish government plans to introduce a new tax in the financial industry in order to increase defense spending to counter Russia's buildup of military power in the Baltic Sea. This was announced by Minister Magdalena Anderson in the interview with Bloomberg.
03.09.2019
Deripaska is not an oligarch?
On September 2nd, 2019 Oleg Deripaska’s lawyer, Eric Ferrari, has filed a new petition with the District of Columbia District Court to declare the inclusion of Deripaska in the sanctions list illegal, explaining why his client is not an oligarch. Thus, the billionaire does not abandon attempts to get out of the personal sanctions of the United States Treasury.
02.09.2019
Luxembourg extended the registration terms of beneficiaries register
On August 29th, 2019 on the official website of the Luxembourg Register of Beneficiaries it was announced the extension of the deadline for filing registration applications
26.08.2019
Switzerland has released a guide for the blockchain company
On August 26th, 2019, the Swiss Financial Market Authority (FINMA) issued a guide with the requirements on combating money laundering for blockchain companies.
21.08.2019
For the first time Switzerland will provide data on automatic exchange with the Russian Federation
On August 14th, after a meeting of the Swiss Federal Council, it was officially confirmed that in September Switzerland will exchange information on bank accounts of foreign residents for the first time under CRS with 33 partner-countries for automatic exchange.
20.08.2019
Bank of America will launch a cryptocurrency wallet
The American bank, one of the four largest financial conglomerates in the USA, has patented a multi-level system for storing digital money.
16.08.2019
PNB Bank suspended the implementation of financial transactions
Since August 15th, 2019 PNB Bank suspended the implementation of financial transactions by decision of the Latvian Finance and Capital Market Commission.
14.08.2019
Monitoring of BEPS plan reports
On August 13th, 2019, the OECD published inspection reports of Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States on the implementation of BEPS recommendations for dispute resolution.
12.08.2019
A register of beneficiaries has been introduced in Liechtenstein
Since August 1st, 2019, the Law on the Beneficiary Register entered into force in the Kingdom of Liechtenstein.
08.08.2019
Switzerland and New Zealand update double taxation avoidance agreement
August 08th, 2019 Switzerland and New Zealand signed a protocol updating the Double Taxation Treaty between the two countries.
06.08.2019
UBS will give the French authorities information about their customers
On July 26th, 2019, the Swiss Federal Court ruled in the UBS case.
29.07.2019
Regulation of cryptocurrency in the Russian Federation
The chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market of the Russian Federation, Anatoly Aksakov declared that the Law on Digital Financial Assets could be adopted before October 1 of the current year.
24.07.2019
Swiss banks pay extra for loans?
A number of Swiss banks, notably Zuger Kantonalbank and Graubündner Kantonalbank, have started to lend to their customers at a very low or even zero rate.
22.07.2019
A unified database of citizens will be created in Russia
On July 22nd, 2019, the Government of the Russian Federation introduced a bill to the State Duma on the creation of a unified federal database containing information about the country's country population.
18.07.2019
Visa-free for Russian citizens on the Maldives
On June 6th, 2019, the Government of the Russian Federation published the Decree of the Government on signing the Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Maldives on mutual abolition of visa requirements for Russian citizens and citizens of the Republic of Maldives on its official website.
17.07.2019
Bulgaria is actively strengthening relations with the OECD
On June 5th, 2019, the Prime Minister of Bulgaria presented an Plan of actions to improve public policy, as well as to develop a program of reforms that meet OECD standards.
16.07.2019
Morocco signed a Memorandum of understanding in the framework of the OECD
On June 25th, 2019, the Government of Morocco signed the Memorandum of Understanding to renew the Country Programme on a 3-year period in the OECD framework.
15.07.2019
The French Parliament has approved the digital tax
On July 11th, 2019, the both houses of the French Parliament have approved the digital services tax.
11.07.2019
The State Duma adopted amendments to currency regulation
On June 11th, 2019, the State Duma adopted amendments to the Federal law "On currency regulation and currency control" concerning the requirements for the repatriation of export revenues in the first reading.
09.07.2019
Croatia enters the Eurozone
On July 4th, 2019, Croatia notified the EU of its intention to join the ERM II mechanism (European Exchange Rate Mechanism) in its official letter.
08.07.2019
Unified platform for KYC in Scandinavia
The six largest Scandinavian banks decided to set up platform for handling Know Your Customer (KYC) data.
05.07.2019
OECD produces international system of information disclosure for the purposes of the CRS
On 27th June the OECD published administrative and operational mechanism for the exchange of information collected in accordance with Standard rules of the OECD mandatory disclosure of information (MDRs) in order to support the automatic exchange of information collected in accordance with Common Reporting Standards (CRS).
03.07.2019
The companies can be compulsory liquidated in Latvia
According to the Law “On combating money laundering and financing of terrorism”, which entered into force in Latvia on 29th June 2019, companies registered in Latvia and owned by foreign citizens must submit information about their ultimate beneficiaries /beneficiaries to the Latvian Register of Enterprises.
02.07.2019
The Treaty on Fundaments of Relations between Russian Federation and the Commonwealth of Dominica
On June 26th, 2019, the Federation Council approved the law on ratification of the Treaty on the basis of international cooperation with the Commonwealth of Dominica.
01.07.2019
Countries submit instruments of ratification to OECD in the framework of a Multilateral Convention
As of 28th June, 2019, Multilateral Convention to implementation Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent BEPS had been signed by 89 jurisdictions, ratified and deposited instruments of ratification by 29 jurisdictions.
28.06.2019
FATF has published a guide to the legal settlement of cryptocurrency
The FATF has published a Guide to the application of state control over virtual assets for 37 states, including the Russian Federation on its official website.
27.06.2019
Ratification of the Convention with Belize
On June 26th, 2019, the Federation Council has approved the draft law of ratification of the Convention on international cooperation with Belize.
26.06.2019
Panama and San Marino will be excluded from the "black" list
The Federal Tax Service of Russia plans to exclude Panama and San Marino from the list of States and territories that do not provide information exchange for taxation with the Russian Federation.
25.06.2019
EU has published a modified "black" list of jurisdictions
On June 14th, 2019, the EU published an updated black list of non-cooperating tax jurisdictions on its official website.
24.06.2019
The Commonwealth of Dominica is not in the "black" list
On June 14th, 2019, the EU published an amended “black” list of tax jurisdictions on its official website.
11.06.2019
OECD has published a report on the disclosure of tax information
June 7th, 2019, on the official website of the OECD were published data about the results of financial information disclosure in accordance with the general reporting standard CRS.
10.06.2019
Russia signed an agreement with bitwise Antigua and Barbuda
On June 7th, 2019, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov and Gaston Brown, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, have signed an agreement to waive visa formalities for travel of citizens of their countries.
07.06.2019
Terms of limitation on tax disputes in the Russian Federation will increase?
The Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation is preparing a resolution which can extend the statute of limitations on tax crimes.
04.06.2019
Switzerland introduces automatic exchange of tax information
On May 29, 2019, the Swiss Federal Council signed agreements on the automatic exchange of tax information with 19 more jurisdictions:
03.06.2019
Changes of Companies House in United Kingdom
On May 5th, 2019 on the official website of the English registry Companies House there was published a new package of possible reforms, which provides:
31.05.2019
Switzerland introduces automatic exchange with another 19 countries
Currently, more than 100 countries have committed themselves to adopt the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) standard, which is aimed to prevent tax evasion and increase tax transparency.
30.05.2019
Russia passed a law on the third stage of capital amnesty
On May 30th, 2019 The President of the Russian Federation signed a package of laws on capital amnesty.
29.05.2019
UAE will participate in the automatic exchange
On May 29th, 2019, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) deposited its instrument of ratification of the Multilateral Convention on the Implementation of Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (MLI) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
21.05.2019
EU approved new «blacklist» of jurisdictions
On May 17th, 2019, the EU revised «the blacklist» of jurisdictions, excluding Aruba, Barbados and Bermudas from it.
20.05.2019
Criminal case against LLC "TC "Vyatich"
In Kirov, law enforcement authorities opened a criminal case over illegal foreign exchange transactions worth more than EUR 3.8 million, which were committed by the top management of “TC “Vyatich” , which was engaged in the sale of products of the “Vyatich” brewery in Kirov.
16.05.2019
The European Commission fined a number of large banks for cartel conspiracy
The European Commission fined five banks for participating in cartel agreements in the foreign exchange market.
15.05.2019
Austria introduces digital tax
The Government of the Republic of Austria is planing to introduce a digital tax.
14.05.2019
The European Parliament adopted a new resolution on fair taxation
On March 26th , 2019, the European Parliament approved a tax resolution aimed at ensuring of efficient and fair taxation, as well as combating the financing of terrorism.
07.05.2019
Adjustments to the Convention on the avoidance of double taxation between Russia and Austria
The President of the Russian Federation signed the law on ratification of the protocol to the convention between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Austria on the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and capital.
06.05.2019
Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man published a joint guide to economic presence
On April 26, 2019 Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man released a joint guide to economic presence (“Guidance on aspects in relation to the economic substance requirements as issued by Guernsey, Isle of Man and Jersey”).
26.04.2019
British Virgin Islands - economic presence to be
On April 22, 2019, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) published a draft Economic Substance Code.
25.04.2019
Federal Tax Service of Russia will launch a risk register
By the end of the year, the Federal Tax Service of Russia will launch the Risk Register - an integrated system that will allow the creation of assessment models, as well as industry cards for timely informing taxpayers of possible risks.
23.04.2019
European countries continue to enter the register of beneficiaries
In the spring of 2019 Cyprus, Ireland, Slovakia and Belgium announced the introduction of open beneficiary registries.
18.04.2019
The Finance Ministry has developed a transferring of the 5 non-tax payments in tax collections
On April 2, 2019, the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation published a bill to expand the list of Federal tax collections.
16.04.2019
Luxembourg ratified BEPS
On April 9th, 2019 Luxembourg has ratified the Tax Treaty Related Measures To Prevent Base Erosion And Profit Shifting (MLI BEPS) Agreement; it will enter into force since August 1st, 2019.
12.04.2019
Exporters of services will be provided with a tax deduction in the Russian Federation
Companies selling goods as well as providing services abroad will be able to receive a tax deduction on value added tax (VAT), which they will pay in Russia when purchasing materials or equipment.
11.04.2019
The foreign companies will be able to open accounts in Ukrainian banks
The National Bank of Ukraine has provided an opportunity to open accounts for subjects of the financial market of Ukraine - non-resident legal entities, including foreign investment funds and asset management companies that act on behalf of such funds.
10.04.2019
International Court of Justice for resolving investment disputes in the EU
On March 20th, 2018, the EU Council approved the adoption of the Directive on the creation of an International Court of Justice for the resolving of investment disputes.
08.04.2019
The European Commission examines foreign investments
The EU will adopt a new framework for the verification of foreign investments for security providing and regulation of public order.
05.04.2019
EU has postponed plans to adopt the digital tax
Currently, the EU has refused to introduce a tax on digital services in the near future, after the Finance Ministers once again failed to agree on proposals.
04.04.2019
In Singapore amendments to the BEPS agreement has entered into force
The Singapore Internal Revenue Service reported that the Multilateral Convention on the implementation of measures relating to tax agreements, in order to counter the erosion of the tax base and the withdrawal of profits from taxation (MLI BEPS) entered into force on April 1st, 2019 for several jurisdiction agreements concerning avoidance of double taxation.
03.04.2019
The ban on the maintenance of Shell-companies in Cyprus
The Central Bank (CB), being the Financial Regulator of Cyprus, has established a ban on the service of shell companies (dummy companies).
01.04.2019
The registry of beneficiaries in Cyprus will be introduced on January 1st, 2020
Since January 1st, 2020, a register of final beneficiaries will be introduced in Cyprus, in accordance with 5th Anti-Money Laundering EU Directive entered in force in July, 2018
22.03.2019
Global Forum on the definition of beneficial owners
On March 20th, in the framework of the OECD Global Forum together with the Inter-American Development Bank a toolkit was prepared to assist law enforcement agencies in ensuring forum standards and as well as assistance in accessing to reliable information on identifying the ultimate beneficial owners of companies.
21.03.2019
Section about foreign companies on the website of the FTS of the Russian Federation
The Federal tax service has created a special section "Controlled foreign companies and controlling persons" on its website.
18.03.2019
Did the exchange with the UK stop?
On March 15th, 2019 Great Britain excluded Russia from the list of engaged in the automatic exchange of financial information, according to «The Bell».
14.03.2019
EU updated the list of "not cooperating" tax jurisdictions
On March 12th, 2019 the European Commission updated the list of non-cooperating tax jurisdictions.
13.03.2019
OECD updated the list of countries
The official OECD website has published list of countries which joined to the expanded BEPS cooperation program by March 2019.
11.03.2019
Nepal and Bangladesh have signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation
On March 6th, 2019, Nepal and Bangladesh have signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.
11.03.2019
Nepal and Bangladesh signed double taxation avoidance agreement
On March 6th, 2019, Nepal and Bangladesh signed a double tax treaty.
07.03.2019
Ratification of the Protocol on Amendments to the Agreement with Sweden
On March 6th, 2019, the President of the Russian Federation signed the Law on ratification of the Protocol to the Convention between the Russian Federation and Sweden on the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income.
04.03.2019
Americans track implementation of BEPS Plan
On February 21st , 2019, the inter - American Center of Tax Administration (CIAT) published a database reflecting the status of 36 participating countries in the implementation of agreements to combat the erosion of the tax base and the financing of terrorism within the framework of BEPS.
01.03.2019
Cyprus changes its citizenship by investment program
On February 13th, 2019 the Cabinet of Ministers of Cyprus has made a number of changes to the citizenship by investment program (Cyprus Investment program).
28.02.2019
Penalties for UBS
The Paris Сourt found the Swiss Bank UBS guilty of tax fraud.
28.02.2019
Fines for UBS?
A Parisian court found Swiss bank UBS guilty in tax fraud.
21.02.2019
Armenia has joined OECD special program
“The Inclusive Framework Program” is a project of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with respect to the regulation of the erosion of the tax base and the withdrawal of income from taxation (BEPS).
18.02.2019
Panama introduces criminal liability for tax evasion
On January 31st, 2019, the President of Panama signed the Law on Criminal Responsibility for Tax Evasion.
14.02.2019
The European Commission has approved a new “black list”
The European Commission approved a new list of 23 countries with deficiencies in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
07.02.2019
Switzerland and Ukraine - amendments to the agreement on avoidance of double taxation
On January 24th, 2019, Ukraine and the Confederation of Switzerland signed the Protocol on amendments to the agreement on avoidance of double taxation dated 30.10.2000.
28.01.2019
The Netherlands has created a «black list»
On December 28th, 2018 the Dutch government has published a national list of jurisdictions with low tax rates, which will be used as a tool to combat cross-border schemes to dilute the tax base and remove income from taxation.
25.01.2019
Owners of British offshore will be revealed not earlier than 2023 year
The UK government specified the deadline for launching public registries of beneficiaries of companies established in the Overseas Territories.
24.01.2019
Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis have joined the OECD BEPS agreement
On January, 18th, 2019, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis have joined the BEPS program on base erosion and profit shifting.
23.01.2019
The EU has made changes in the VAT system for Internet companies
The European Council has adopted new rules designed to facilitate Internet companies to trade within the EU.
17.01.2019
The National Bank of Ukraine has completed the exchange control regulations
In early January 2019, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) approved the regulations for a proper operation of the new currency regulation system.
09.01.2019
Law on economic substance in the BVI
On January 1st, 2019, Economic substance (Companies and Limited Partnerships) AСT, 2018 entered into force in the British Virgin Islands.
21.12.2018
Malta and Singapore have ratified the Multilateral Convention
On December 21st , 2018, Malta and Singapore deposited their instruments of ratification with the Secretary-General of the Organization for economic cooperation and development, reaffirming their positions on the provisions of the Convention for the implementation of the BEPS Plan.
19.12.2018
Baltic International Bank has been recognized as the best Bank in the CIS and Baltic countries
On December 17th , 2018, Baltic International Bank received the SPEAR’s Russia Wealth Management Awards 2018 as the best Bank in the CIS and Baltic countries in the private banking and wealth management industry.
18.12.2018
Control over cash withdrawals is introduced in the Russian Federation
On December 18th, 2018, the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted in the third reading the amendments to the Federal Law “On counteracting the legalization (laundering) of criminally obtained incomes and the financing of terrorism”.
14.12.2018
Plan of the FTS for 2019
On December 14th, 2018 the Federal Tax Service (FTS) of the Russian Federation published its Plan of activities for 2019 on the official website.
13.12.2018
The country-to-country exchange reporting between the US and Germany
The USA and Germany signed a statement on the implementation about the exchange country-to-country On December 13th, 2018, reporting during period from 2017.
12.12.2018
Tax residency of companies in the BVI
On December 4th, 2018, the Government of the British Virgin Islands announced the approval of a bill introducing a requirement for companies to have an «economic substance».
11.12.2018
Foreign investors are required to disclose beneficiaries
The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation signed three resolutions establishing the procedure for disclosing information on the ownership structure of foreign investors planning transactions with Russian business entities, including those of strategic importance for ensuring the country's defense and state security.
05.12.2018
Blockchain-companies in Switzerland will accept deposits
The Swiss financial market supervision authority (FINMA) will grant a fintech-license to companies under section 1b of the banking Act.
04.12.2018
Public access to the register of Directors is closed in the Seychelles
On 30th November, 2018, amendments to the International Business companies Act were adopted in the Seychelles.
03.12.2018
The Federal Tax Agency of the Russian Federation has posted information about companies’ debts
The Federal Tax Agency of Russia has published new sets of the opened data about sums of arrears and debts as per taxes and fees of organizations formed before December 31st, 2017 and not paid till October 1st, 2018.
28.11.2018
Danske Bank is accused of money laundering
On November 28th, 2018, the Danish Prosecutor’s Office for Major Economic and International Crimes filed charges against Danske Bank for violating the Money Laundering Prevention Act.
23.11.2018
OECD reported about results of the first automatic exchange
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has published the report about the results of the first automatic tax exchange in which 86 countries have participated.
09.11.2018
Geneva’s ICO Guide
On October 17th, 2018 the General Directorate of the Swiss Canton of Geneva has published an updated version of the Initial Coin Allocation Guide (The Initial Coin Offerings).
08.11.2018
The Central Bank of Cyprus issued a circular on working with shell companies
On November 2nd, 2018, the Central Bank of Cyprus published a circular for all credit and payment organizations related to working with shell companies.
02.11.2018
CIS countries will begin the exchange of information
On November 2nd, 2018, the CIS member countries signed the Protocol on the electronic exchange of information between the CIS members states for tax administration.
30.10.2018
Belgian Financial Regulator included crypto companies into the black list
The operation of the financial services and markets of Belgium (FSMA) made the black list of crypto companies, whose quantity is 99.
19.10.2018
Cryptocurrency exchange will receive a license in Gibraltar
The London cryptocurrency exchange Coinfloor plans to obtain a license in Gibraltar.
18.10.2018
Switzerland has implemented the first international information exchange
Switzerland reported that the Federal Tax Administration (FTA) has implemented the first exchange of financial information about accounts to EU countries, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Norway and South Korea.
17.10.2018
OECD: Citizenship by investment as a means of tax evasion
On 16th October, 2018, the Organization for economic cooperation and development published a list of countries (21 States) that, as members of the Multilateral Convention on the automatic exchange of financial information for tax purposes, provide foreign citizens with the opportunity to obtain citizenship or residence permit for investment.
16.10.2018
Singapore has activated the automatic exchange of tax information
On January 15th, 2018, Singapore announced the start of an automatic exchange of tax information with 61 countries to prevent tax avoidance and tax crime.
16.10.2018
Regulation of cryptoexchanges in Hong Kong
On October 15th, 2018, the head of the Securities and futures Commission in Hong Kong announced that the Commission does not intend to impose a ban on the activities of cryptocurrency trading platforms.
12.10.2018
New Zealand: current issues of taxation
On September 20th, 2018, the New Zealand Government's working group on taxes and taxation has published the Report "Taxation in the future".
02.10.2018
EU has revised offshore «black» list
On October 2nd, 2018 the Council of the European Union has revised the legislation of the states included in the «black» list of offshore companies of the EU once again.
01.10.2018
Ministry of Finance of Ukraine introduces BEPS
On October 24th, 2018, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine together with the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) published a bill on the implementation of the BEPS action Plan.
20.09.2018
Calculation methods for operations with cryptocurrency in the Russian Federation
The Federal Tax Agency of the Russian Federation gave an explanation of how organizations should calculate the income tax received as a result of transactions with cryptocurrency.
18.09.2018
Saudi Arabia has signed the OECD International Convention
On September 18th, 2018, Saudi Arabia has joined the International Convention of the OECD for the tax agreements aimed at preventing the erosion of the tax base and removing profits from taxation.
10.09.2018
Automatic exchange between Hong Kong and continental China
On September 6th, 2018, an Agreement on the automatic exchange of financial information for tax purposes between Hong Kong and continental China has entered into force.
07.09.2018
OECD: general results of tax reforms
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development published a report on the results of tax reforms over the past two years in various countries.
06.09.2018
Duty to pay a fee for radio and television in Switzerland
On August 30th, 2018, the Swiss Federal Tax Administration published an information letter explaining in which cases foreign companies, paying VAT and having a legal address in the country, are required to pay a fee for using radio and television.
05.09.2018
Uzbekistan legalized crypto exchanges
On September 2nd, 2018, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan issued a Decree “On measures concerning organizing the activities of critical exchanges in the Republic of Uzbekistan”.
29.08.2018
Tracking system for cryptocurrency operations in Russia
Rosfinmonitoring signed a contract with the Moscow Institute for Security and Information Analysis to create a tool for analyzing and detecting illegal activities using cryptocurrencies.
28.08.2018
Canada's largest crypto-exchange plans to enter the EU market
Cryptocurrency market regulated in Canada has stated its intention to enter the European market and provide the opportunity to conduct transactions with bitcoin, bitcoin cash, ethereum, litecoin, XRP, dogecoin, and dash "according to the security standards corresponding to canadian" to its new customers.
27.08.2018
The United Kingdom leaves the EU without an agreement
On August 23rd, 2018 the UK Government has published 25 guiding explanations regarding to key areas of the country’s economy, providing explanations on further functioning concerning leaving the EU without an agreement.
22.08.2018
The OKE introduces compulsory verification of users
Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency market OKE is preparing to apply new rules, under which all users will need to pass verification if they want to be able to withdraw funds.
21.08.2018
The bank from Liechtenstein issues its own cryptocurrency
Union Bank AG will be the first fully licensed and regulated bank in the world to issue its own Union Bank coins in accordance with the requirements of the FMA Liechtenstein regulatory authority.
20.08.2018
Federal Tax Agency of the Russian Federation revised the "black list" of countries
The list of countries with which Russia does not exchange tax information has been reduced by six positions.
17.08.2018
The issuance of "golden passports" will be limited in the European Union
The European Commissioner for Justice called on EU authorities to tighten the rules for provision of citizenship and residence permits in exchange for investments or real estate purchases.
13.08.2018
The World Bank release the world's first blockchain-bonds
The World Bank appealed to a major participant of the financial services Market- Commonwealth Bank of Australia with offer to issue the world's first bonds on the Ethereum blockchain platform.
10.08.2018
The deadlines for submitting notifications were extended for Russian banks
The Federal Tax Agency of Russia is continuing to receive information from financial market organizations, despite the fact that formally the deadlines for submitting reports ended on July 31.
07.08.2018
The blockhchain courts will appear in Dubai
On July 30th, 2018 International financial center of Dubai has announced about the formation of blockchain courts.
26.07.2018
The State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted a law on the creation of international companies
On June 26th, 2018, the State Duma of the Russian Federation approved in third reading the Federal Law on International Companies.
25.07.2018
Employees of the Federal Tax Service stopped looking for due diligence
In a letter dated December 28, 2017 N ED-4-2 / 26807, the Federal Tax Service explained the provisions of Article 54.1 of the Tax Code on unjustified tax benefit.
20.07.2018
The Bloomberg’s rating of countries for the purchasing of citizenship
Bloomberg has published a list of countries whose citizenship can be acquired through direct investment in real estate or local business.
20.07.2018
The Bloomberg’s rating of countries for the purchasing of citizenship
Bloomberg has published a list of countries whose citizenship can be acquired through direct investment in real estate or local business.
16.07.2018
Tax service of Great Britain has published clarification on VAT
On July 13th, 2018, the Tax service of Great Britain issued a Notice on VAT No. 700/22, which explained the rules of application of the system of electronic quarterly tax reporting on VAT.
06.07.2018
Nearly 100 countries are ready to exchange information on offshore accounts
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published data on agreements for the automatic exchange of information on offshore accounts.
04.07.2018
OECD has created a database on tax revenue
The Organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD) has published opened database, (Global Revenue Statistics Database).
02.07.2018
Common consolidated corporate tax base in the EU
On June 19th, 2018, the Mezeberg Declaration was signed between France and Germany, aimed at regulating migration, ensuring the competitiveness of the economy, as well as strengthening the euro area.
28.06.2018
Brexit received the approval of the Queen of Great Britain
On June 26th, 2018, the Bill Withdrawing the UK from the EU (The EU Withdrawal Act), took effect after being approved by the Queen.
27.06.2018
Cyprus and Kazakhstan signed the agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation
On June 20th, the Cyprus Ministry of Finance reported that on May 30th, 2018, the final round of negotiations with the Republic of Kazakhstan on the signing of an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation was successfully completed.
21.06.2018
Cryptocurrencies began to be accounted for in accordance with international standards
The Canadian Certified Professional Accountants Association (CPA Canada) has introduced new cryptocurrency accounting guidelines in accordance with international financial reporting standards.
20.06.2018
The Swiss Bank will open a corporate account for crypto firms
Dukascopy Bank has become the second Swiss financial institution opening corporate accounts for crypto firms.
14.06.2018
Cyprus begins the fight against offshores
On June 14th , the Central Bank of Cyprus issued an internal instruction announcing new requirements for business relations with companies.
13.06.2018
Data on customers of banks of the Russian Federation will be reduced to one register
Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia Olga Skorobogatova at the International Financial Congress spoke about the emergence of a single platform for customer identification - a registry of information for mandatory KYC procedures in the banking sector (“know your client”).
08.06.2018
Anti-money laundering in the EU
On June 7th, 2018 the Council of Europe has adopted the additional norms to the Directive on the prevention of the financial system using for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing.
05.06.2018
OECD releases first country report
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development presented the first review of the situation with the introduction of a country reporting regime in accordance with the recommendations of its own plan to combat the erosion of the tax base and the transfer of profits (BEPS).
04.06.2018
Paraguay joined to the OECD International Convention
On May 29th, 2018, Paraguay signed the International Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters.
29.05.2018
Register of beneficiaries in DubaiRegister of beneficiaries in Dubai
Dubai International Financial Center (free economic zone in Dubai) has published a bill on disclosure of information on beneficial owners.
24.05.2018
Foreign investors in UAE companies
On May 20th, 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) decided to grant foreign investors the right to own a 100% shares in companies in the UAE.
23.05.2018
The Convention between the Russian Federation and Belgium for the avoidance of double taxation
On May 23rd, 2018 Russia has ratified the Convention with Belgium for the avoidance of double taxation.
18.05.2018
Cryptocurrency transactions in Ireland
On May 15th, 2018, the Irish tax authority published Guidelines on the application of tax laws to cryptocurrency transactions.
11.05.2018
Malta has ratified the OECD Multilateral Convention
On April 27th, 2018 Malta has ratified the OECD Multilateral Convention of Implementation of the BEPS plan.
10.05.2018
New rules for Australia's crypto-exchanges have been published
Australia's crypto-exchanges are required to comply with the new provisions of the anti-money laundering and terrorist financing Act.
04.05.2018
Customers will be able to rehabilitate in banks of the Russian Federation
After numerous complaints about overzealous actions of banks in relation to the control of suspicious transactions, the law "On combating legalization (laundering) of proceeds from crime and financing of terrorism" there were made amendments which are providing for a mechanism of «rehabilitation» for clients.
03.05.2018
British offshore companies will reveal the names of their owners
Members of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom Parliament have obliged the British Overseas Territories to disclose the names of offshore account holders.
26.04.2018
The Latvian banks aren’t allowed to service shell-companies
On April 26th, 2018 the Sejm of Latvia adopted amendments to the Law Anti-Money Laundering.
24.04.2018
The auditors will be fined for mistakes in Britain
The Financial Reporting Council of the UK heeded the recommendations of the independent opinion of the court of Appeal judge on disciplinary action taken against professional standards-violating audit firms.
23.04.2018
Cryptocurrency will equal to property in New Zealand
The Tax Authority of New Zealand has published a guide under which the cryptocurrency will be treated as a property.
20.04.2018
The implementation of BEPS plan in the UK
The Tax Authority of the UK has published several amendments concerning agreements for avoidance of double taxation.
19.04.2018
The EU imposes the verification of the owners of the cryptocurrency
The European Parliament approved a package of measures to combat money laundering in the cryptocurrency market.
17.04.2018
OECD publishes new transfer pricing reviews
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published new transfer pricing surveys for Australia, China, Estonia, France, Georgia, Hungary, India, Israel, Liechtenstein, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Uruguay, increasing their number to 44.
The citizen, appointed by the liquidator of the LLC, even before the filing of the documents with the registering authority, was a participant and a liquidator of other inactive companies with debts, in which his bad faith was manifested.
13.04.2018
Okex crypto exchange enters the Maltese market
On Thursday Okex (Hong Kong cryptocurrency exchange) announced that it plans to expand and open its branch in Malta.
11.04.2018
Russian auditors will be required to report illegal transactions
The State Duma adopted in third reading the bill on amendments to the Federal Law “On counteracting the legalization (laundering) of proceeds from crime and the financing of terrorism” in part regarding audit activities.
09.04.2018
The US Offshore Disclosure Program
On September 28th, 2018 the US Tax Authority announced Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP).
04.04.2018
UK launches VAT accounting system for implementing firms
The UK government has launched the Due Diligence Fulfillment (FHDDS) system, which is designed to ensure that online procurement firms (order executors) report VAT payments.
02.04.2018
OECD Report for G20 Leaders
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published a tax report on the application of the new tax rules in the digital economy for G20 finance ministers and central bank governors.
29.03.2018
ICO regulations in Bermuda
On March 19th, 2018, the Minister of Finance of Bermuda announced the publication of a bill to regulate the Initial Coin Offering (ICOs).
28.03.2018
Hong Kong and India signed an agreement on avoidance of double taxation
On 19th March Hong Kong and India signed an agreement on avoidance double taxation and reducing tax rates on passive income at source.
26.03.2018
The OECD Multilateral Convention enters into force
The multilateral Convention on the implementation of tax agreements to prevent the erosion of the tax base and the removal of profits from taxation will enter into force on July 01st, 2018.
16.03.2018
Changes in Hong Kong regulatory legislation company faces
According to the latest amendments to the law “On the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2018”, which entered into force on March 1st, 2018, new requirements are established for persons having a significant impact on the company.
15.03.2018
Three jurisdictions removed, three added to EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions
On 13 March 2018, the Council of Europe removed Bahrain, the Marshall Islands and Saint
Lucia from the list and added the Bahamas, Saint Kitts and Nevis and the US Virgin Islands.
12.03.2018
ABLV Bank Luxembourg, S.A. recognized as stable
On March 9th, 2018, the Luxembourg Commercial Court ruled that the regulator refused to start the liquidation process of ABLV Bank Luxembourg, S.A. and appointed external administrators who will work at the bank in the next six months before finding a new investor.
07.03.2018
In the UK have increased penalties
The UK Tax and Duty Administration (HMRC) has warned taxpayers about the proximity of the cut-off date for disclosure of offshore assets.
06.03.2018
Federal Tax Service of Russia will conduct international negotiations on automatic exchange
The Russian government authorized the Federal Tax Service to conduct bilateral negotiations with the competent authorities of foreign states on the conclusion of agreements on the automatic exchange of financial information and country reporting and to sign such agreements.
05.03.2018
In the UK the purchase of real estate must be proved
The new procedure of checking the sources of financing for the purchase of real estate “Unexplained Wealth Order” (UWO) entered into force in the UK on January 31st, 2018.
15.02.2018
Tax Free system is introducing in Russia
The government has started the gradual introduction of the tax free system in Russia — on February 12th, Dmitry Medvedev announced the signing of resolutions on the start of the pilot project.
13.02.2018
ABLV Bank denied FinCEN's money laundering charges
On February 13th, 2018, the financial crimes enforcement Agency of the United States Department of the Treasury (FinCEN) published a conclusion and report proposing to ban the opening or maintenance of correspondent accounts in the United States for ABLV Bank.
12.02.2018
Hong Kong implements OECD agreements in its legislation
On February 02nd, 2018, the Hong Kong Tax authority published a Decree, according to which amendments to the automatic exchange of information on financial accounts for tax purposes will come into force on January 01st, 2019.
09.02.2018
EU signed an Agreement concerning VAT cooperation with Norway
On February 06th, 2018, in Sofia an Agreement was concluded between the European Union and Norway to expand cooperation to ensure the proper calculation of value added tax.
On January 23rd, 2018, the OECD announced the start of a preliminary International Compliance Assure Programme.
30.01.2018
Six States Signed The BEPS Multilateral Instrument
On 24 January 2018 Barbados, Cote d'Ivoire, Jamaica, Malaysia, Panama, and Tunisia signed the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.
25.01.2018
The draft of Federal Law “About digital financial assets”
On January 25th, 2018, the Ministry of Finance published a draft federal law “About digital financial assets”.
22.01.2018
In the electronic service it is possible to confirm the status of a Russian tax residence
Since January 16th, 2018, the electronic service of the Federal Tax Service of Russia “ To confirm the status of a tax resident of the Russian Federation” was launched.
12.01.2018
Gibraltar has introduced licensing of activities using blockchain technology
Starting since 01 January 2018 all firms conducting business activities in Gibraltar, with the use of blockchain technology for the storage or transmission of values to others must obtain the permission from the Commission of Gibraltar for regulation of financial services market.
11.01.2018
New Regulation on the activities of tax agents in the UK
The UK tax and customs administration has updated the Regulation on the activities of tax agents, which sets minimal standards for tax agents and advisers in the provision of services to British taxpayers.
10.01.2018
Changes in the Laws on transfer pricing of Hong Kong
On January 10th, 2018, amendments to Hong Kong's legislation aimed at consolidating the principles of transfer pricing in the Law on internal taxation of Hong Kong and the minimum standards of the BEPS plan came into force.
09.01.2018
Control over transfer pricing in Ukraine
On 03rd of January 2018, the Government of Ukraine included Singapore, Mauritius and also 17 other countries in the list of jurisdictions under which control of transfer pricing purposes is realized.
06.12.2017
EU put 17 countries in its tax heaven blacklist
The European Union made the first blacklist of tax heavens and put 17 countries in it.
02.11.2017
Malta will establish a beneficial ownership register
Malta's Ministry for Finance will publish legislation regulating the managing of beneficial ownership register.
03.10.2017
Black lists of clients of Russian banks
Rosfinmonitoring, the Central Bank and banks since October 2, 2017 began to exchange information about dubious customers, which financial organizations refused to serve under the "anti-laundering" legislation.
22.09.2017
Austria introduces the Register of Beneficiaries
The Austrian Parliament passed a law providing for the introduction of the Beneficial Ownership Register.
15.09.2017
Caymans - the best in the ranking of The Banker
The English monthly magazine The Banker, dedicated to international finance, which is owned by The Financial Times, for the ninth time recognized the Cayman Islands as the leader among financial centers.
11.09.2017
Russia and Japan signed the Convention on the Avoidance of Double Taxation
In Vladivostok, representatives of both countries signed the Convention on the Elimination of Double Taxation on Income and on the Prevention of Evasion of Taxes.
06.09.2017
According to the FATF, Russia has achieved success
The FATF, the Financial Action Task Force on
Money Laundering (FATF), is an intergovernmental organization that deals with
the development of world standards in the field of combating money laundering
and the financing of terrorism, and also assesses the conformity of national
systems of states to these standards.
05.09.2017
Japan and Estonia signed an agreement on avoidance of double taxation
Japan and Estonia signed the Agreement on
Avoidance of Double Taxation in International Trade and Investment (hereinafter
referred to as the "SAP") on August 30, which was signed on March 16,
2017.
04.09.2017
Does it comply with international standards?
On August 21, 2017, the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Tax Information for Tax Purposes published a report containing the results of a meeting of the expert commission with the characteristics of countries' compliance with the OECD international standards of tax transparency.
24.08.2017
Belize tightened the regulation of foreign companies
On July 21, 2017, the Belizean Parliament
adopted a number of ambitious amendments to the International Business
Companies Act.
23.08.2017
The Saeima of Latvia change a tax policy
The Latvian Saeima passed final laws on tax reform. As of 2016, there were 16 taxes and 103 state duties in the country.
21.08.2017
The UK tax authority specified the procedure for providing CbS reporting
The UK's Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
has published a guide to preparing CbC (country-by-country) reporting.
The Bank of Russia issued an information letter dated 04.08.2017 N-015-28 / 41, explaining that the availability of profits from the JSC is not a prerequisite for the adoption at the general meeting of shareholders of a decision on the payment of remuneration to members of the board of directors.
17.08.2017
In the UK, the regime "On controlling persons of companies" was changed
In accordance with the regime, most companies and partnerships with limited liability (hereinafter referred to as SLP) must create and maintain a register of persons who are PSC (people with significant control) controllers.
16.08.2017
British Virgin Islands: the Beneficial Ownership Secure Search System (BOSS)
The Law on the Beneficial Ownership Secure Search System (BOSS) entered into force on June 30, 2017 as part of the BVI's fulfillment of its obligations to the UK to immediately exchange information on beneficial ownership.
15.08.2017
"Pacific Switzerland" actually loses the status of offshore
Under the influence of global trends in counteracting tax crimes and money laundering, New Zealand introduced new rules for the Look-Trough Company regime ("viewed" companies, LTC).
14.08.2017
An online business support service has been launched in the UK
Since August 1, the UK Tax and Customs Administration has launched a new service to provide business advice and support.
10.08.2017
Switzerland and Belgium began to exchange tax information
The Federal Council of Switzerland announced the entry into force of the rule on the exchange of tax information with Belgium under the treaty on avoidance of double taxation.
09.08.2017
In the UAE adopted a new tax law
In the UAE, the federal law No. 7 of 2017, which is fundamental for tax procedures, was signed.
07.08.2017
Latvian ABLV Bank issued "Annual Report 2016: Fortitude"
The largest independent private bank of Latvia has issued "Annual Report 2016: Fortitude".
03.08.2017
The law on the Registry of beneficiaries entered into force in Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands in the run-up to the automatic exchange of tax information implement international standards of transparency.
18.07.2017
Singapore and Switzerland signed an agreement on the automatic exchange of information
On 17th of July 2017, on a working meeting of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of information for tax purposes in Geneva Singapore and Switzerland signed an agreement on the automatic exchange of information.
27.06.2017
Pacific Agreement: elimination of barriers
On June 14, 2017 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia announced the signing of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations
The Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation published the Letter of 14 June 2017 N GD-4-14/11209@.
15.06.2017
International Chamber of Commerce issued Statement on Substance Requirements for Transfer Pricing
The Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS Convention) was signed by 68 governments not long ago.
02.06.2017
The Republic of Belarus: electronical certificates of tax residence
The Prescript of Tax and Duties Ministry of the Republic of Belarus № 42 of the 24h of December, 2014 fixed a set of documents which shall be given by alien company to the Ministry for tax benefits according to double taxation agreement.
23.05.2017
China and Georgia sign a free trade agreement
On the 13th day of May, 2017 China and Georgia signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
13.03.2017
Nordea’s and DNB’s bank to be named Luminor
Nordea and DNB banks have concluded an agreement on merger of activities in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
16.02.2017
Singapore and Estonia signed an agreement on automatic exchange of information
February 14, 2017 the Government of Singapore and the Government of Estonia signed an agreement on the automatic exchange of financial information.
06.02.2017
Four countries joined BEPS
Kazakhstan, Côte d'Ivoire, the British Virgin Islands and Bermuda have confirmed that they will implement the standards BEPS.
23.01.2017
New EU Regulation establishing European Account Preservation Order procedure
The provisions of the EU Regulation establishing the new European Account Preservation Orders (Regulation No. 655/2014) came into force on 18 January 2017.
27.09.2016
Russian citizens will remain Individuals – Russian currency control residents forever
Ministry of Finance of Russia has prepared a new bill on foreign exchange restrictions.
31.08.2016
Evasion of taxes will become the theme of the G20 Summit
4 – 5 September 2016 года in Hangzhou, China, the G20 Summit will be held.
30.08.2016
Illegal tax benefits for Apple in Ireland
The European Commission decided that Ireland has provided to illegal tax benefits the company Apple in the amount of £ 13 million.
24.08.2016
Bahamas will join the exchange of information
By the end of September 2016, the Bahamas intends to sign the law and the Directive on the automatic exchange of information in accordance with OECD Common Recording standard.
19.08.2016
Rules on disclosure of information on the beneficial owners in Russia will be stricter
The rule on the obligation of legal entities of all legal forms to disclosure on beneficial owners and to take measures to obtain this information was introduced by amendments to the Federal Law № 215-FZ "On combating Money laundering and the financing terrorism" of 23 June 2016.
08.08.2016
Canada joins the exchange of information
Department of Finance in Canada released budget proposal for 2016.
29.07.2016
Now Panama signs a tax agreement
26.07.2016
G20 has engaged in drawing up a blacklist
By summer 2017 G20 is planning to draw up a blacklist of states, not participating in the Automatic Exchange of Information.
18.07.2016
Russia introduced to Google tax
The Federal Tax Service of Russia will create a service for foreign companies, who will have to pay VAT at the rate of 18% since January 1, 2017.
11.07.2016
Jersey and Cyprus have signed a tax agreement
Jersey has signed a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with the Republic of Cyprus. It is the Island’s twelfth tax agreement to the international standard.
08.07.2016
The Bill of the Cayman Islands on Information Disclosure
The Legislative Assembly of the Cayman Islands received a Bill repealing the law on confidential relations.
07.07.2016
The Cypriots stand for abolishment of sanctions against Russia
In June four Italian regional parliaments, as well as the Senate of France approved resolutions about the abolishment of sanctions against Russia.
05.07.2016
Companies in the Bermudas as in Delaware State
Dr. The Hon. E. Grant Gibbons, Minister of Economic Development in the Bermudas, 1st June held negotiations for the enactment of Limited Liability Company Act 2016. The Act regulates creation of the first commercial structure in the Bermudas in more than 100 years.
01.07.2016
Slovakia has taken over the baton of the Presidency of the Council of the EU
July 1 Slovakia took over the baton of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, one of the most important EU institutions.
30.06.2016
Russia’s tax agency will publish publicly available information by July, 2017
June 1 2016 Federal Act № 134-FZ «About the amendments in Article 102, Part 1 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation» entered into force.
28.06.2016
Since July 1 the banknotes of Belarus will be renewed: «four zeros» will be removed
July 1 revaluation in proportion 10000:1 will be held in Belarus. Thus the currency of Belarus will lose four zeros: 10 000 «old» Belarusian rubles will equal to one «new» ruble.
On June 22 representatives of federal ministries and agencies at the working session in the Presidential Council on Civil Society and Human Rights discussed the possibility of providing public services for those citizens who can’t register their place of residence.
07.06.2016
Alterations in the procedure of getting «Blue Card» for highly-qualified migrants
European Commission has taken an Action Plan to support the integration of third countries’ citizens and their economical and social impact on the European Union, as well as to reform the rules of the «Blue Card» for highly-qualified workers coming to the European Union.
06.06.2016
The Republic of Singapore and the French Republic have entered into a tax Convention
The Republic of Singapore has concluded the Convention for the avoidance of double taxation with the French Republic.
03.06.2016
Hong Kong imposes extra deduction of interest payable on money borrowed by a corporation
Hong Kong’s Government has gazetted Inland Revenue (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 2016, which enables the deduction of interest payable on money borrowed by a corporation registered in Hong Kong and carrying an intra-group business.
02.06.2016
Great Britain switches to plastic notes
Bank of Great Britain Governor has introduced the first plastic note in the state.
01.06.2016
Switzerland will freeze illicitly acquired assets
June 1 the Foreign Illicit Assets Act will come into force. The law will cover the issues of freezing, appropriation and restitution of illicitly acquired assets.
26.05.2016
Audit of Latvian banks comes to an end
During almost all spring period Latvian banks have been subject to numerous audits both by international organizations and the public authorities.
04.02.2016
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement was signed
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement was sighed at the meeting of TTP Ministers in Auckland, New Zealand.
02.02.2016
The Federal Tax Service of Russia approved the "black list"
The Federal Tax Service of Russia has published a list of jurisdictions that don’t exchange information for tax purposes with the Russian Federation.
27.01.2016
31 countries joined the automatic exchange of information
Today 31 countries signed the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) to raise the transparence of cross-border cooperation on tax matters.
15.04.2015
Mass media have blown about the taxation of individuals’ currency exchange operations
After the participation of the Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in the board meeting of the Russian Finance Ministry on 14 April 2015 with the proposition of further development of questions related to the practical application of norms on the taxation of incomes from the currency trade operations mass media started to spam with various unfounded information.
14.04.2015
International trade volumes are far from perfect
WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo has held a speech on the tendencies of the international trade development.
10.04.2015
Italy will not increase taxes for 3 years
Italian Council of Ministers has approved the country’s Economic and Financial Document (DEF), which supplements its 2015 Budget Law.
08.04.2015
Canada cares about taxpayers
On the 8 of April as a part of support of small and medium-sized businesses policy, carried by the Canada Revenue Agency, the Minister of National Revenue – Kerry-Lynne D.
03.04.2015
Everyone can contribute to the rules about CFC
On the 3 of April an OECD project document on the strengthening of rules about controlled foreign corporations was presented for the public discussion within the action plan on BEPS.
02.04.2015
The legislative framework for the reform of corporate taxation is ready in Switzerland
Swiss Federal Council announced that the third package of legislative proposals for the reform of corporate taxation in the country is almost ready.
01.04.2015
ABLV Bank now accepts 5 more currencies
Since the 1 of April ABLV Bank accepts payments in 5 more foreign currencies - the Armenian dram (AMD), Georgian lari (GEL), Hong Kong dollar (HKD), the Turkish lira (TRY), Thai baht (THB).
30.03.2015
The economy of Luxembourg won through the global crisis
According to the OECD estimations the economy of Luxembourg has passed the global economic crisis quite well, although the Government can still make a number of steps towards economic diversification and strengthening of the financial sector.
16.03.2015
OECD surveilles the compliance with the international standards for exchange of tax information
The OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes presented 9 new reports on estimation of international progress in implementation of the unified standard for exchange of tax information.
13.03.2015
New Zealand awaits tax modernization
New Zealand Minister of Revenue proposed a governmental program on the tax policy for 2015-2016, whose leading motif is the modernization of tax authorities.
11.03.2015
ECB buys up the assets of Eurozone countries
European Central Bank (ECB) started to directly buy up Eurozone countries’ bonds and other securities.
02.03.2015
Notification about CFC may be postponed
According to the source of the newspaper “Vedomosti” lodgment date of an application of notification about Controlled Foreign Companies may be adjourned for the 1st of September.
26.02.2015
OECD commended Latvian economy
The Latvian economy is one of the fastest growing ones in Eurozone. This is a conclusion of researchers, who prepared an Economic Report on Latvia for OECD.
25.02.2015
Tax reliefs in the new Hong Kong budget
Within the new Hong Kong 2015-2016 budget were introduced a number of measures, which are designed to reduce the tax burden and maintain economic stability.
19.02.2015
UK simplifies financial statements
Following the decision of the British Government to implement the EU Accounting Directive the United Kingdom Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued its proposals on the amendments of accounting standards.
17.02.2015
British Columbia directs all efforts to alleviate the tax burden of the media industry in Canada
The budget of British Columbia, one of the states of Canada, for 2015 contains very attractive provisions about tax credits for small businesses and companies operating in the media and resource extraction spheres.
The European Parliament (EU Parliament) on its plenary session has discussed the struggle of the European Commission (EC) against tax evasion realized by multinational corporations.
12.02.2015
The International Monetary Fund will allot money to Ukraine on tax reforms
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced about understanding on additional financing of tax reforms, which will take place in Ukraine.
09.02.2015
The countries of EFTA and Georgia are considering the possibility of free trade between the states
The second meeting of the joint committee, where the delegations of EFTA countries and Georgia were present, took place in Tbilisi.
06.02.2015
Switzerland and Liechtenstein renew tax relations
The negotiations between Switzerland and Liechtenstein on the question of the signing of a new double taxation agreement (DTA) are over.
05.02.2015
EurAsEC has ceased to exist
The President has signed the Federal law “On Ratification of the Agreement on Termination of Activities of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC)”.
04.02.2015
Surprises in the USA 2016 budget
The President of the United States of America proposed a tax on the foreign incomes of American companies. This suggestion became fairly unexpected for the American business.
03.02.2015
The European Commission has reached tax system of Belgium
The European Commission has started comprehensive examination of Belgium tax legislation, which allowed groups of companies severely reduce their tax burden in Belgium.
02.02.2015
Ireland announced the tax amnesty
The Ireland tax authority has explained that the Finance Act 2014 offers the taxpayers, engaged in so-called tax avoidance schemes, an opportunity of an amnesty.
30.01.2015
The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has reduced the key rate
On 30th of January 2015 Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation made a decision to lower the key rate from 17 to 15 %, taking into account changes in the balance between risks of higher consumer prices and cooling of economy.
29.01.2015
Hong Kong and Singapore take the lead over the whole planet
As it was twenty years ago Hong Kong has taken the first place at rating of The Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom, which determines the most natural and free economics of the world.
27.01.2015
It will be impossible to use EU countries for tax schemes?
The Council of the European Union has adopted the amendments to the Directive on parent-subsidiary companies that are aimed at the prevention of the tax avoidance and aggressive corporate tax planning.
26.01.2015
The reduction of Russia's investment rating
The Standard&Poor’s rating agency has lowered the sovereign rating of Russia from the investment BBB- to speculative BB+, with “negative” forecast.
23.01.2015
New form of company in Luxembourg
The government of Luxembourg submitted a bill number 6777, which brings changes to the law of the Grand Duchy “On commercial companies” of 1915.
22.01.2015
Great Britain and Scotland are dividing tax competence
The British government has promulgated the project of legislative provisions, which will provide the Scottish government with competence on matters of income tax, air transport levy and obsolete equipment tax. This legislative leadership clarifies regulation of VAT-revenue distribution between the governments of Great Britain and Scotland.
15.01.2015
Swiss franc’s free flight
The Swiss National Bank announced the discontinuation of minimum exchange rate of CHF to Euro, which until today used to be fixed at 1:1,2.
14.01.2015
Switzerland is determining forms and procedure of information interchange
Swiss Federal Council has started two consultations on the issues of international exchange of tax information.
27.11.2014
Bank of Cyprus published a statement on first nine working months this year
Bank of Cyprus published report about results of financial group activity in first nine months of 2014.
06.11.2014
Slovakian Economy has bright perspectives, says OECD
Secretary General of OECD together with the Prime-Minister of Slovakia presented the report, which the main attention is given to the country’s fast recovery from economic crisis. Slovakia is one of the strongest countries in Europe as to this measurement.
05.11.2014
ECB became the supervision body of EU
Since the 4th of November, 2014 European Central Bank became the supervision body for European banks.
28.10.2014
Bank of Cyprus showed successful performance in the ECB stress-tests
Bank of Cyprus successfully completed the Comprehensive Assessment by European Central Bank. The evaluation followed the 1 billion euro increase of the bank’s capital in September, 2014.
23.10.2014
Czech Republic lows VAT rate
Czech Senate approved the Bill which provide for another VAT rate of 10%.
22.10.2014
The Bill on CFC was passed in Russian State Duma
Group of senators introduces the Bill “On amending of Parts One and Two of Tax Code of Russian Federation (in the part of taxation of the profits of controlled foreign companies)” in State Duma of Russian Federation.
21.10.2014
Income tax on dividends may increase in Russia
Russian State Duma adopted in the first hearing the Bill of Federal Law No. 605370-6 «On amending Tax Code of Russian Federation and other legislative acts of Russian Federation».
17.10.2014
Hong Kong and SAR concluded Agreement for avoidance of double taxation
Hong Kong concluded an agreement on avoidance double taxation with SAR. This agreement is the 31st such agreement for Asian jurisdiction.
14.10.2014
The end of bank secrecy in EU?
Council of EU in ECOFIN formation found consensus on the creation of EU Directive on fighting tax avoiding and fraudulent activities in taxation sphere.
06.10.2014
St. Kitts and Nevis economy is growing
The condition of economy is improving in Republic of St. Kitts and Nevis since 2013 allowing country to take a leading position amongst the member-countries of Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).
02.10.2014
Latvia stops issuing residence permits to Russian citizens
The Bill on amending the law “On Immigration” was approved at the meeting of the Latvian Seimas.
24.09.2014
BVI celebrates 30-years Anniversary of IBC Act
Authorities of British Virgin Islands hold celebrations with regards to the 30-year anniversary of International Business Companies Act, which was adopted in 1984.
15.09.2014
ABLV Bank led one of the biggest deals this year in Latvia
ABLV Bank participated in successful carrying out the transaction for the sale of shares of the capital terminal for transshipment of liquid ammonia «Ventamonjaks», located in the Freeport of Ventspils.
10.09.2014
Ukrainian President signs the law “On Sanctions”
President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, signed the law “On Sanctions”. The announcement was published on the website of Verkhovna Rada.
09.09.2014
Global Finance determines the safest banks of the world
Global Finance Magazine organized webinar in connection to the completion of the ranking list “World’s Safest Banks”. The list was concluded based on the ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch, and consists of almost 1000 banks from all over the world.
08.09.2014
EU and Canada are leading towards the partnership agreement
European Union (EU) and Canada completed negotiations preceding the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). The Agreement will legally regulate economic relations between two countries.
05.09.2014
ECB additionally lows all key rates
The decision to lower all main rates was adopted at the meeting of Governing Council of European Central Bank (ECB). Thus, interest rate on main refinancing operations in Eurosystem was lowered by 10 basic points and will be 0, 05%.
04.09.2014
Denunciation of American citizenship becomes 5 times more expensive
US State Department announced about changed governmental fee, which should be paid for denunciation of American citizenship.
03.09.2014
IMF emphasizes the low VAT rate in Slovakia
Despite the slowdown in 2013, Slovakia's economy, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is gaining its momentum, thanks to a strong export sector and recovery in domestic demand, as well as the country's participation in Eurozone.
01.09.2014
Switzerland and Estonia change the treaty on the double tax avoidance
Swiss Federal Council and Estonian Government signed the agreement amending the treaty of double taxation avoidance, which was concluded between states on the 11th 2002.
29.08.2014
Switzerland supports EU sanctions
Swiss Federal Council adopted a decision, which will prevent the circumvention of sanctions, adopted by European Union with regards to Russia.
28.08.2014
New rules for Russian international passports
Russia is now following the international standards of the name and surname transcription in international passports of its citizens.
26.08.2014
New requirements for residence permit in Cyprus
Article 18ΦΕ(7) of the Aliens and Immigration Law (Cap.105) as well as article 4 of the Aliens and Immigration (Amending) (No.2) Law [Ν129(Η)/2014, O.G. Annex.Η(Η) No. 4456] are set into force.
25.08.2014
Hong Kong market rises in July, 2014
The Census & Statistics Department of Hong Kong published a report, in which it summarized the statistical data over the trade in July, 2014.
22.08.2014
Shares of VTB and Rosselhozbank will be acquired with the funds of FNB
Russian Government issued a Decree №839 “On acquiring of privileged shares of credit organization with funds of Fund of national welfare”.
20.08.2014
Russian Government affirms the agreement on taxation information exchange
Government of Russia adopted the model agreement on the exchange of information concerning the taxation matters, which can be concluded with governments of another states.
19.08.2014
OFAC changes the definition of “blocked person”
The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) revised guidance on companies that owned by the persons whose property rights or/and interest in property were blocked.
August 17 came into force an Order of the Federal Migration Service (FMS of Russia) from July 28, 2014 N 450 "On approval of forms and procedures for notification by a citizen of the Russian Federation on other citizenship or a residence permit or other valid document confirming the right to its permanent residence in a foreign country."
15.08.2014
Switzerland improves legislation
Economic Affairs and Taxation Committee of the National Council (EATC-N) thinks that it is not right that persons, who transfer the client information stolen from financial institutions, are not criminally liable.
14.08.2014
Ministry of Finance of Russian Federation initiated the imposition of the additional sales tax
Russian Ministry of Finance proposed to the Government a project of the law on imposing of additional sales tax. Supposedly this tax shall be imposed since the beginning of the next year.
13.08.2014
Banks will be able to know everything about their clients
Central bank of Russia proposed the Bill, according to which banks will be able to know about the level of income of their potential borrowers.
12.08.2014
Independence will improve Scotland’s economy
Scottish Government published “A Jobs Plan for Independent Scotland”, where it described in details which measures will be taken in the country as soon as it becomes independent from the British crown.
11.08.2014
New Regulation of the Supreme Court of Russia Federation is adopted
In accordance with the paragraph 13 part 3 article 5 of the FKZ from the 5th of February, 2014 “On the Supreme Court of Russian Federation” №3-FKZ, Plenum of Supreme Court of Russian Federation adopted a Decree, which affirmed and enabled into forse since the 6th of August, 2014 new Regulation of the Supreme Court of Russia.
08.08.2014
Cypriot Supreme Court allows the sale of FMBE Bank
Central Bank of the Republic of Cyprus announced that the Supreme Court dismissed FBME application for suspension of decree on the sale of operations of the Cypriot branch of the bank.
07.08.2014
Nordea Bank Danmark A/S closes non-residents’ accounts
According to clients, bank Nordea started sending of informational letter about the chages in its strategy. In a letter bank states that in the future Nordea is planning to focus on the clients that have a connection with Nordea’s principal markets, i.e. Scandinavian countries.
05.08.2014
Opposition asks for the decrease of corporate tax in New Zealand
New Zealand’s main opposition party, “ACT Party”, introduced its plan on improvement of country’s economy. The main goal is to increase country’s GDP on one third.
04.08.2014
Ireland affirms its corporate tax at the same low level
Irish Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation published policy statement on Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Ireland. Head of the Department, Richard Bruton, stated that Ireland shall improve regulation of FDI for international corporations.
01.08.2014
New sanctions against Russian Federation
In response to the annexation of Crimea Europe imposed new sanctions, which come into force on August 1, 2014 (Council Regulation of 31 July 2014 No. 833/2014).
31.07.2014
FTA Agreement comes into force between EFTA, Costa Rica and Panama
Free Trade Area (FTA) Agreement has been already signed between EFTA countries, Costa Rica and Panama in June, 2013.
30.07.2014
IMF proposes to reform the taxation of UK
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended a series of tax reforms in the UK, including a complete overhaul of the system of property taxation.
29.07.2014
EU toughens sanctions against Russia
The European Union (EU) has reached an agreement to tighten sanctions against the Russian Federation.
25.07.2014
CBR raises key rate
On the 25th of July the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has decided to increase the key rate to 8.00% per annum.
24.07.2014
ECB contacts information is stolen
European Central Bank (ECB) announced that from its web site information containing e-mails and other contact information of the bank contacts was stolen.
23.07.2014
The activity of Cypriot branch of FBME Bank Ltd is suspended
A short announcement published on the web-site of the Central Bank of the Republic of Cyprus said that the ability of the Cypriot branch of FBME Bank Ltd to follow its obligations is suspended for 2 days starting with afternoon of 23rd of July, 2014.
22.07.2014
Personal data of Russians shall be stored only in Russian Federation
President of Russian Federation signed Federal law from 21.07.2014 №242-FZ “On amendments to the certain legal acts of Russian Federation for the purpose of specifying processing of personal data in in information and telecommunications networks”.
21.07.2014
OECD creates global standard for tax information exchange
New standard for exchange of tax information was published on the OECD web-site on the 21st of July, 2014.
17.07.2014
UK Revenue Service publishes the list of tax evasion schemes
Her Majesty Revenue Service (HMRS) published the list of schemes which are used by taxpayers in order not to pay taxes. The list consists of three pages with different numbers, each of which is attributed to the one scheme.
16.07.2014
Transatlantic Trade and Invest Partnership between USA and EU
The sixth round of negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Invest Partnership (TTIP) between USA and EU started this week.
14.07.2014
Citigroup fulfills USA treasury
The Attorney General of USA talked about the biggest fraud unveiled lately at the press conference in Washington.
11.07.2014
ECB: the implementation of Single Supervisory Mechanism is going according to the plan.
Press service of European Central Bank (ECB) interviewed Daniele Nouy, the Chairman of supervisory board of Single Supervisory Mechanism, which should start its work this autumn.
10.07.2014
BRICS to create its mini-IMF and its own bank
Prior to the VI summit of BRICS at the presidential level, which will be held on the 15-1-6 of July in the Brazilian resort city Fortalez, Anton Siluanov, Russian Minister of Finance, spoke about expectations from the meeting.
09.07.2014
Italian Presidency of Council of Ministers: A new brush sweeps clean?
Today took place the first meeting of the Council of Ministers in the ECOFIN formation under the Presidency of Italy.
07.07.2014
Bank of Cyprus ends rumors on insight conflict
Bank of Cyprus announced that the Board of Directors decided to consider the possible investors for the increase of capital. Therefore, the rumors about internal conflict between the Board of Directors and management with regards to the restructuring and recapitalization strategy of the Bank of Cyprus ended up.
04.07.2014
FTA Agreement between China and Switzerland.
Free Trade Area (FTA) Agreement between Switzerland and China is entering into force since the 1st of July, 2014. This agreement is considered as the most important FTA agreement in Swiss international economic policy since the same agreement with European Union in 1972.
03.07.2014
BNP Paribas will pay 9 billion dollars to USA
Management of the French bank BNP Paribas announced about the agreement reached with US Department of Justice and Office of the Attorney for the South District of New York as to the charges arising from the opened investigation against the bank.
02.07.2014
IMF does justice to the Cypriot economy
International Monetary Fund (IMF) published the work group report, in which it rated measures taken by the Cypriot government in order to improve economic situation in country.
01.07.2014
Switzerland is to change its tax system in order to please EU
The agreement on the business taxation was concluded between Switzerland and European Union today. The agreement shall end negotiations and discussions which have continued for almost 10 years.
British Government published the Bill changing the corporate legislation in the country.
27.06.2014
Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine signed Association Agreement with EU
Agreements between each of three countries and European Union were signed by European Council and by Presidents of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova today in Brussels. Each agreement was the result of negotiations through out long years.
26.06.2014
Corporate regulation reform in Japan
10 steps for revitalization of Japanese economy were presented by the Prime Minister of the country. These measure are aiming for the reform of corporate relations in the country. There is the reform of corporate tax, which is planned to decrease to the 30%, amongst the steps.
25.06.2014
Canada is the most attractive jurisdiction for business
KPMG published results of the study named «Competitive Alternatives». This report is published biannually and consists of information about jurisdictions for doing business among countries of NAFTA, Europe and Asia.
23.06.2014
The number of companies at BVI is decreasing
Statistical report, published by Finance Service of British Virgin Islands, showed that the number of companies registered in the jurisdiction has decreased.
20.06.2014
Russian Revenue Service and Investigative Committee unite against business?
The meeting between the President of Russian Federation and the Head of Russian Revenue Service, M. Mishustin, was held on the 20th of June, 2014. Mishustin told President about the work done in order to improve Service’s efficiency and to increase income from taxes into the federal budget.
19.06.2014
Dutch Corporate Tax Law is in contradiction with EU law provisions.
On the 12th of June, 2014 European Court of Justice (ECJ) decided the SCA Group Holding BV and others, Case in accordance with prejudicial procedure. (Prejudicial procedure means that the request about the meaning of the relevant EU Law provision was made by the domestic Court to the ECJ).
18.06.2014
Course on deoffshorization of Russian economy continues
On the 18th of July, 2014 the meeting of the Russian Government on the issue of reforming of national payment system was held.
17.06.2014
New Zealand joins FATCA
New Zealand concluded intergovernmental agreement with USA on joining FATCA.
16.06.2014
Taxations trends in Europe.
On the 16th of June, 2014 European Commission published the report “Taxation trends in the European Union”. This report introduced information on main ways of development and changes in taxation in EU Member States, Norway and Iceland.
11.06.2014
European Commission investigates taxation schemes of Apple, Starbucks and Fiat Finance and Trade.
European Commision opened three investigations concerning the decisions made by tax services of Ireland, Holland and Luxembourg with regards to corporate tax paid accordingly by such corporations as Apple, Sturbucks and Fiat Finance and Trade. EC is going to see whether these decisions are in violation of EU rules on state aid.
10.06.2014
ECB introduced the negative deposit rate.
Unprecedented decisions were made at the meeting of European Central Bank on the 5th of June, 2014.
09.06.2014
Great Britain is going to limit the use of trusts.
Her Majesty Revenue Service (HMRS) has earlier introduced two documents in order to simplify taxation system for inheritance tax from trust property.
06.06.2014
Cyprus is to toughen its tax system in order to get the third tranche.
Cypriot government introduced bill that shall open the third tranche in amount of 10 billion euro for the country from international troika of creditors (European Commission, ECB, IMF).
05.06.2014
Decrease of corporate tax in Spain
Prime Minister of Spain, M. Rajoy, said that the last 12 month were turn changing for the Spanish economy. Perspectives of the growth and positive changes in job market can be noticed.
04.06.2014
Lithuania joins Euro zone
On the 4th of June European Commission published report on Lithuania, in which it gave its opinion on the state’s ability to join Euro zone.
03.06.2014
Joint session of SK and FNS: the fight is still there.
he work results of 2013 and of the first 4 months of 2014 were summed up at joint session of Investigative Committee (SK RF) and Federal Revenue Service (FNS).
02.06.2014
Decrease of PIT in European Union
Commissioner for taxation, A. Šemeta, stressed the need of decrease of PIT rates in European Union.
30.05.2014
List of financial institutions that submit client information to IRS of USA
Revenue Service of USA for the first time published full list of financial institutions, which follow FATCA rules. All financial institutions that must submit account information to U.S. IRS are on the list.
28.05.2014
Double citizenship in the Russian Federation?
Today, the Federation Council approved the Federal Law "On Amendments to Articles 6 and 30 of the Federal Law "On Citizenship of the Russian Federation" relating to double citizenship, which creates criminal liability for Russians in case of concealment of double citizenship.
27.05.2014
Cypriot Companies ask to strike them off the registry.
Almost 13,000 companies have asked to be removed from the registry, the Registrar of Companies stated. Spyros Kokkinos, the Head of the Registrar of Companies, said companies will be struck off in three months after their intention was published in the Government Gazette.
26.05.2014
Taiwan proposes new single form for income from investments for foreign taxpayers
National Tax Bureau of Taipei (NTBT) concluded that different laws that regulate the process and form of submission of the documents for dividends on securities and for income from securities in Taiwan do not contribute to attraction of the investors to the country. In order to make procedure easier bureau created the new single form, by filling which non-resident may apply for the income.
23.05.2014
IMF overviews Hong Kong economy
IMF Report considers that financial system of Hong Kong is good regulated, and its bank system is stable. Domestic demand remains stable in the markets. The level of expected inflation leaves about 4%.
22.05.2014
Corporate Tax reform in USA
The Chairman of USA Budget Commission once again published proposals on reform of Tax system of USA. Besides changes in PIT, this proposal submits the decrease of corporate tax.
21.05.2014
Freedom of business activity is in Hong Kong’s DNA.
Hong Kong Minister of Finance, John C Tsang, decided to name the main perks of the financial center for business among other jurisdictions at the Asian business forum.
20.05.2014
Scotland will fight tax evaders on its own.
On the 20th of May, 2014 the report for Bill on the fight with tax evasion was submitted to the Parliament of Scotland. The Bill was prepared in December, 2013.
19.05.2014
Decrease of corporate tax in the Philippines
As a part of ASEAN movement toward single market between its Member States, Tax Department of Philippines Senate studied which precise measures should be taken by the state.
13.05.2014
Everything about UK Partnerships
Revenue Service in UK (HMRS) created single manual about Partnerships in the country. This manual is an almanac of all information needed to find an answer for any question about creation, functioning and liquidation of all types of partnerships in United Kingdome.
12.05.2014
Tax on financial transaction?
Directive on tax on financial transactions, introduced by European Commission in February, 2013 still has no support from EU member-states.
09.05.2014
OECD Declaration on automatic exchange of information in tax matters is signed.
Ministers of the OECD member-states signed Declaration on automatic exchange of information in meeting, which was held on 6-7 of May, 2014 in Paris. The aim of the Declaration is to implement single international standard for exchange of tax information.
06.05.2014
Singapore is listed as FATCA-jurisdiction.
Singapore expressed its desire to conclude an intergovernmental agreement on FATCA on 14th of May, 2013, but only on 5th of May, 2014 this request was considered by the Government of the United States of America.
05.05.2014
Australia joined FATCA.
Australia and United States of America signed intergovernmental agreement on 28th of April, 2014 in order to improve compliance with international tax legislation and enforcement of FATCA.
30.04.2014
Switzerland is to decrease taxes.
Swiss Federal Council considered results of consultations between cantons about corporate tax reform. The upcoming changes in legislation suppose to strengthen the competitiveness of Swiss tax system, especially in the light of modifications in international taxation
28.04.2014
Russian Ministry of Finance continues its attack on offshores.
Measures to fight tax evasion form Russian Ministry of Finance is more serious and tougher with each step. Although, there is no mechanisms of following and all the more so of the collection of “unpaid” for the time being. Ministry of Finance is just “thinking” about the enforcement of aforementioned. And such letters do not keep even the fairest of the businessmen calm. Nobody knows if he will discover himself in the heat of the moment.
The question about the prevailing law arises – domestic or international. Although, Constitution, as the main law of the state, gives clear understanding that international obligations are beyond her status, do not expect that after the enforcement of this law, there will be no cases in courts.
Businessmen are supposed to prove the legality of their scheme, and it is possible, that they will prove it. But the amount of time wasted and the formulation of the question is terrifying and worrying.
It is clear that not all business schemes will die, the part of them will transform. It is just a question of time and right strategy
25.04.2014
Exchange of tax information becomes mainstream.
On the 25th of April, 2014 official gazette of Hong Kong published an order for the implementation of the Agreement with USA on the exchange of tax information as a matter of preparation for the enforcement of FATCA
24.04.2014
Switzerland is preparing for the FATCA enforcement.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), that was singed by USA Congress in September, 2010, is expected to enter into force on the 1st of July 2014.
According to the Memorandum, authorities of Singapore and Brunei will be cooperating on capital market development and capacity building.
18.04.2014
UK toughens criminal penalties for tax evaders
The UK Government holds consultations on the issue of introduction of new types of criminal offenses for hiding money in offshores. In light of new amendments the tax authorities do not have to prove that taxpayers, who have unreported income in offshores, did not pay income tax intentionally.
17.04.2014
KPMG defined the most attractive countries for business
KPMG (one of the Big Four audit firms) prepares an annual report about the financial situation in 10 countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, UK and the USA.
16.04.2014
Crimea: banks are opened, banks are closed
“Rossiyskaya gazeta” reports that today Bank of Cyprus is phasing out its engagement in Crimea. All three offices, located in Simferopol, Sevastopol, Yalta, are closed. This action will cause negative consequences for habitants of Crimea: they have to go to Ukraine to withdraw cash from accounts. Such decision of bank may be connected with Ukrainian sanctions against Crimea and with tax and currency risks.
15.04.2014
It is going to be easier to contact with state budget funds
The President of the Russian Federation signed the Federal Law №59-FZ «On Amendments to certain legislative acts with regard to reduction of terms of the registration of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs in the state budget funds and the abolition of certain provisions of the Federal Law “On insurance contributions to the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation, the Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation, the Federal Compulsory Medical Insurance Fund”».
14.04.2014
Sobinbank refused to open accounts in euro
This decision of the bank may be related to the fact that the owner of Sobinbank is the bank "Rossiya". Not long ago it refused to perform payments in euros and dollars and completely switched to rubles.
Russian Ministry of Finance proposed to strengthen companies’ liability for “grey” salaries: if a company will not submit to Revenue Service its report on personal income tax or the sum submitted in such report will be suspiciously low without any justification from a company, then there will be serious sanctions for a business.
07.04.2014
The President signed a law of ratification of Convention on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Evasion of Taxation between the Russian Federation and Malta
The Federal Law “On ratification of Convention on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Evasion of Taxation between the Russian Federation and Malta”, adopted by the State Duma and approved by the Federation Council, was signed on the 2nd April by the President
The amendments to the Federal Law “On National Payment System” are connected with imposition of sanctions against Russia and a unilateral refusal of international payment systems, such as "Mastercard" and "Visa" from provision of services. The changes are aimed at improving the quality of the provision of money transfer services, taking place on the territory of Russia.
03.04.2014
MEPs reduce customs duties on imports from Ukraine
On 3th of April, 2014 the European Parliament proposed to eliminate 98% of customs duties on iron, steel, farm produce and machinery exported from Ukraine. This unilateral measure allows stimulating the development of the economy of the country through monetary savings of manufacturers and exporters in the amount of € 487 million annually.
The actions of Government of Great Britain in the sphere of supporting business and developing of economy are evaluated in £11 milliards in the financial year 2014-2015
31.03.2014
OECD prepared a set of provisions to annual tax advantages for internet multinationals
Proposals have been introduced by OECD; the final project of the Act will be ready for the September 2014. OECD published proposals how to make international digital business to pay corporate taxes in jurisdictions where the sales take place.
31.03.2014
Small business is going to be hit
Last Saturday “Rossiyskaya gazeta” published information according to which small business and individual entrepreneurs, operating under the simplified system of taxation, are going to get a financial blow.
28.03.2014
Cyprus defrosts deposits
The government of Cyprus refused from restrictions about on cash withdrawal from bank accounts, including the permissions to withdraw funds from deposits before the expiration of their term. In spite of considerable derogation for movement of assets within the country, "normal economic activity" can still remove more than €5 thousand abroad.
28.03.2014
Luxembourg Confirms Higher VAT Rates For 2015
Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel has confirmed the Government's decision to increase three of the value-added tax rates by 2 percent from January 1, 2015.
More than 40 countries committed to a detailed timetable to step up the fight against tax evasion.
25.03.2014
Austria and Luxembourg gave up
For six years Austria and Luxembourg have been refusing to recognize the Savings Taxation Directive aimed at the fight against tax evasion. As the Prime Minister of Luxembourg stated, now Luxembourg is ready to adopt it.
24.03.2014
Increasing of registration fees in Hong Kong
The Revenue (Reduction of Business Registration Fees) Order 2013 (“2013 Order”) will expire on the 1st day of April 2014. So, after these changes the fees for registration of the company (any legal organizational form) or its branch will be paid under new rules.
21.03.2014
Russia can refrain from using “Visa” and “Mastercard”
On the website of “SMP-bank” appeared a message according to which operations on cards “Visa” and “Mastercard” were blocked. Sanctions were imposed not on the bank itself but on its shareholders. In this regard, the press-service of the bank said that the actions of these payment systems are regarded by the bank as illegal.
20.03.2014
Great Britain takes down tax threshold of residential property
At 20 of March 2014, the Government of Great Britain make improvements in the Finance Act , which are extending the package of taxes to target UK residential properties held by companies and other non-natural persons
19.03.2014
The Ministry of Finance developed the "anti-offshore" act
13.03.2014
ABLV launched Internet bank in App Store
ABLV Banka launched a free application “Internet bank” in Apple Store for remote account management for iPad.
12.03.2014
The senators drafted bills of Russian economy deoffshorization
At meeting of the Federation Council Budget and Financial Markets Committee which took place on March 3, 2014 the Committee’s Chairman Sergey Ryabukhin stated that “in coming days bills drafted by senators will be introduced to the State Duma”.
07.03.2014
The Central Bank is saving the Russian sub-company of Ukrainian “Privatbank”
At the 6 of March The Central Bank made the decision on implementation of measures for the prevention of bankruptcy of “Moskomprivatbank” — Moscow sub-company of the largest Ukrainian “Privatbank” bank. Moskomprivatbank is included in TOP 100 of banks of the Russian Federation. Functions of temporary administration in bank are transferred to agency on insurance of deposits.
06.03.2014
Privatization in Cyprus
Russian mass media reported that Cyprus is about to start a new wave of privatization. For example, news portal “Vesti Economika” informs that Cyprus lawmakers voted for privatization. Intention to determine the next stage of privatization before March 5 is tied with commitments to international joint creditors who insist on assets’ sale.
05.03.2014
Cyprus and VAT
While government of some countries has a possibility to reduce tax burden for taxpayers, the last spring in Cyprus made some adjustments.
04.03.2014
Renminbi conquers Europe
The first European conference on renminbi has been hosted in Luxembourg. During the conference participants from China, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Frankfurt and Luxembourg came to the conclusion that value of renminbi as the international currency grows.
03.03.2014
New Companies Ordinance commenced operation in Hong Kong
On March 3, 2013 New Companies Ordinance commenced operation in Hong Kong aimed to enhance corporate governance, facilitate business, ensure better regulation and modernize the law.
28.02.2014
In New Zealand a multilateral convention comes into force
On March 1, 2014 a multilateral convention on mutual administrative assistance in tax matters will come into force. The Convention, which was ratified in New Zealand in November, allows fighting against tax evasion.
10.02.2014
Bitcoins are outlawed in Russia
On the 6th of February, 2014 a report on the results of meeting on the legitimacy of the use of anonymous payment systems and cryptocurrency was published on the website of the General Prosecutor’s Office.
07.02.2014
Double agreements between Singapore, Austria and Poland come into force
Revised version of a double taxation agreement between Poland and Singapore came into force on the 6th of February, 2014. The agreement will allow countries to exercise tax information exchange. The above-mentioned act applies to the following taxes: income tax, corporate profit tax (residents of Poland) and income tax (residents of Singapore).
06.02.2014
National Bank of Ukraine imposes restrictions on foreign exchange transactions
On the 6th of February, 2014 information according to which the Management Board of the Bank of Ukraine passed the Resolution №49 "On measures for banks and currency transactions" appeared on the official website. As the press service of the NBU states, this ruling is temporary and only proactive.
05.02.2014
The scope of the FATCA has expanded to Canada and Hungary
On the 5th of February, 2014 the U.S. Treasury Department stated that the United States signed an intergovernmental agreement (IGAS) with Canada and Hungary to implement provisions of Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). In the middle of December 2013 the U.S. Treasury Department signed several agreements, including treaties with Italy and Mauritius
04.02.2014
Hungary and Jersey entered into a tax treaty
On the 3th of February, 2014 MFA State Secretary of Hungary Zsolt Nemeth made a statement that Hungary has an aim to build economic and trade relationships with countries of North America. One of the tools that allow building confidence with future partners is a growing number of tax treaties.
03.02.2014
China and Liechtenstein signed a tax treaty
January 27, 2014, Martin Frick, the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Liechtenstein, and Liang Tsianhan, the General Consul of China in Zurich, signed a double agreement on the exchange of tax information. As Martin Frick stated, provisions of the treaty meet completely the OECD standards. The treaty provides an exchange of tax information upon request of a Contracting State.
31.01.2014
Bank of Cyprus unfreezes a part of the deposits
On 30 of January, 2014 the Board of Directors of Bank of Cyprus was held. On this meeting a decision to unfreeze accounts that had been frozen in July 2013 was made. Soon these deposits will be available for depositors.
14.01.2014
The bill “National company” for LLC, ALC, Joint-stock companies is considered in Duma
Russian State Duma reviews a bill related to obtaining legal status of national company by the following businesses: limited liability companies, additional liability company, and joint - stock company.
10.01.2014
The Central Bank of Russia: no one will block banking cards
The Central Bank of Russia published information “Requirements of article 9 of the federal law “The national cash register system” with reference to the publications by mass media that there is a possibility banking cards will be blocked by banks starting from January 1st, 2014. The Bank of Russia stated that all banking institutions have a required level of information of their clients.
18.12.2013
The International Monetary Fund has conducted the review of Switzerland’s financial policies
From December, 4 till December, 17 of 2013 the delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headed by Charles Enoch, Deputy Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets department, spoke with representatives of the Swiss Bank, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, the Federal Department of Finance and the private sector.
17.12.2013
Russian minister of finance talks about deoffshorization and Cyprus
Minister of finance of Russia stated that according to passing a raft of legislation related to Russian business deoffshorization, proposed by Vladimir Putin the budget revenue will increase by dozens of billion rubles.
15.12.2013
An interview of the European central bank president Mario Draghi with Le Journal du Dimanche
This Sunday Mario Draghi, the president of the European central bank, gave an interview to the French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche. Mario Draghi remarked that monetary policy which is held since 2011 is still bearing fruit: the refinancing rate was reduced to 0,25% and thus stimulates banks to loan.
27.11.2013
Switzerland prepares for automatic exchange of tax information with the EU
The Swiss Minister of Finance Eveline Widmer - Shlampf announces that the Confederation negotiates actively with the EU about signing a framework agreement on the automatic exchange of tax information. In her speech at the conference, organized by the Financial Academy, Widmer- Shlampf laid out that Switzerland intended to move towards disclosure of tax information to the authorities of the EU countries to strengthen its credibility as a financial center.
06.11.2013
Double taxation agreement between Hong Kong and Canada
The agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion in respect to taxes on income between the Government of Hong Kong and the Government of Canada finally came into force. The agreement was signed on 11 November 2012 and now it was ratified.
01.11.2013
The United Kingdom wants to make a list of beneficiary owners open
The list of beneficiary owners of companies in the United Kingdom became open since November, 1 2013. Forum Open Government Partnership took place on October, 31 2013 and prime-minister of the UK David Cameron made an acknowledgment that the novelty will influence positively on business development.
25.10.2013
The UK signed agreements of automatic exchange of tax information with Jersey and Guernsey
On the 22nd day of October, 2013 the United Kingdom signed agreements of automatic exchange of tax information with Guernsey and Jersey.
24.10.2013
European Union had decided to introduce a single form for VAT return
The Commission of European Union presented a draft of single form for VAT return, which allows businesses located within EU to reduce costs up to 15 billion euros by year. The aim of the project is easing tax compliance for companies and also reducing red-tape for business.
Ukraine became a full-fledged member of Global Forum on tax transparency and tax information exchange, which was established as a part of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
08.10.2013
The Cyprus government reduces the size of the state budget
October 28 The government and the Central Bank of Cyprus awaiting official visit of the delegation of representatives of the Troika of international lenders to the Republic. The topic of the forthcoming negotiations will be conducting the second phase of the financial and economic evaluation of Nicosia and the allocation of the second tranche of the package of financial aid.
07.10.2013
Changes in the Civil Code of The Russian Federation – part I
Review of Russian civil legislation touched on rules of private international law. The Federal Law dd 30.09.2013 N 260- ФЗ "On Amendments to the third part of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation" will enter into force on the 1 day of November 2013. It is should be said that the section VI in a less degree will be subjected to changes than the rules of other sections of the Civil Code.
03.10.2013
Credit Suisse is going to close around 50 branches in different countries
In the end of September official representative of the bank Mark Dosch has confirmed the intention of Credit Suisse is fully or partially closes their branches in 50 countries.
18.09.2013
Hungary and Switzerland were signed new taxation agreement
Current taxation agreement between Hungary and Switzerland was signed in 1981. So, it is time to enter into new agreement about exemption of double taxation, which meets trans-border standards, and it was done on September, 12.
17.09.2013
Tax incentives for start-ups in Switzerland are arguing
Federal Council of Switzerland has concluded recently that launching of special taxation start-ups’ measures on Swiss territory can inflict less revenues for national treasury.
13.09.2013
Latvia is going to enter the Eurozone in the near future
On the 12th day of September 2013 in Riga there was a Euro Conference, where was the discussion between the representatives of the Bank of Latvia, the Ministry of Finance of Latvia, the ECB, and the European about the development of the euro zone.
06.09.2013
Instructions for clients of Liechtenstein banks
In an effort to protect the reputation of Liechtenstein as a financial and banking center, both at home and abroad, the Association of Liechtenstein Banks on its website published the instructions for their clients. In view of the growing anti tax evasion control, these instructions explain the requirements of banks in relations with clients.
05.09.2013
Signing of a tax treaty between Ukraine and Malta
The development of the double taxation treaty between Ukraine and Malta started already on the first day of August 2013 (http://hbcomp.ru/about/news_and_mailings/news_jurisdictions/3760/).
04.09.2013
The new jurisdiction for international business?
According to the British edition “Economist”, there is the new financial center in Africa - the Gambia, which, incidentally, is the smallest country in continental Africa. The fact that there are several hundred companies already registered over there, so Gambia will be able in the near future to compete with other "favorable" business jurisdictions.
30.08.2013
The continuation of the bank story between the United States and Switzerland
As we remember, in the beginning of June 2013, as a part of combating measures against tax evasion, in Switzerland there was a wave of discussions about providing of customer information by local banks to the United States.
23.08.2013
New agreements in the double taxation agreement collection
The appearance of two new tax treaties for the avoidance of double taxation is a reflection of the fact that there is an approximation of September and the beginning of the new work year.
12.08.2013
Warning creators and users of UK tax optimization schemes
The UK government is in the process of discussing a number of legislative developments relating to schemes of tax evasion. Namely, the question is about actions against activities of so-called high-risk promoters.
02.08.2013
ABLV Bank is the best bank in Latvia
As one of the largest private banks in Latvia and the third in terms of assets, ABLV Bank was given a title as the best bank in Latvia, according to Euromoney. It should be noticed that nowadays Euromoney is one of the most influential and respectable publications in the banking and investment sector.
01.08.2013
Signing of a tax treaty between Ukraine and Malta in the very near future
The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine has jumped right into the thick of the double taxation agreement with Malta.
29.07.2013
The latest news from “Cypriot front”
As a result of negotiations in Nicosia between the representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Cyprus and the three creditors, one of the largest banks in Cyprus, namely, Bank of Cyprus, will debit 47,5% from the uninsured part of the deposits (which is above 100 000 euro).
26.07.2013
In UK the draft bill about increasing of transparency has been brought up for discussion
The UK government has published a draft law “Transparency and trust: enhancing the transparency of UK company ownership and increasing trust in UK business”, the aim of which is the introduction of measures, which will increase the corporate’s transparency and confidence. The draft bill has been brought up for discussion.
25.07.2013
IMF recommends to Belize to carry out a tax reform
The International Monetary Fund has prepared a report that contains the valuation of Belize’s economic satiation, as well as a number of recommendations to improve the economic performance of the country.
22.07.2013
Turnover tax and reduction of value added tax rates in Ukraine
The Ministry of Taxes and fees of Ukraine has developed a bill according to which there will be some changes in certain tax rates.
19.07.2013
G-20 will discuss methods of controlling with offshore companies
On 19-20 July 2013 in Moscow there will be a meeting of finance ministers and bank governors of the G-20 countries. According to the report of finance ministers at the meeting will be discussed the offshore companies issue.
18.07.2013
Corporate reform in France
In 2013 in France started reform of corporate legislation, aimed for simplifying it for businessmen and corporations. The first step for creating better conditions for businessmen and corporations was the improvement of the tax authorities, tax rates cuts and the adoption of law about the competition.
17.07.2013
"Family Business" in Malta
The Parliament of Malta began public discussion of the legislative proposal "On the family business.
16.07.2013
Enacting of FATCA delayed for six months
The U.S. authorities have delayed enacting of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) for six months.
15.07.2013
Cyprus still can become a bankrupt
According to the research of the rating agency Moody, the possibility that the Republic of Cyprus will become a bankrupt remains high. This conclusion of agency is based on significant economic risks for the economic indicators of Cyprus.
12.07.2013
BVI has taken a number of measures to enhance transparency
On the official website of the British Virgin Islands government was published a strategic plan aimed at strengthening fiscal transparency and combating law abuses by legal entities.
09.07.2013
The European Union may reduce the rate of tax on financial transactions
Last week mass media got the information about statement of European Commissioner for Taxation Algirdas Schemeta, under which the European Commission is ready to reduce the rate of tax on financial transactions (FTT).
On the 4th of July Verkhona Rada of Ukraine voted for adoption of legislative proposal about ratification of Convention between Ukraine`s and Cyprus governments about avoiding double taxation and prevention of tax evasion and Protocol to Convention.
04.07.2013
Croatia became the 28th member state of the European Union
On July 1 of 2013, at midnight, Croatia officially became the 28th member state of the European Union. Croatia applied for membership in the European Union in 2003. In early 2004, the European Commission recommended Croatia as a candidate for official candidate status.
03.07.2013
Australia to reform offshore banking units
The Australian Government has launched a consultation on proposed reforms to its offshore banking unit regime, aimed at protecting the integrity of the corporate tax system.
02.07.2013
Levy of a new tax in Belgium as a way to save money
To achieve budgetary savings Belgian government developed a plan how to save money. One of the main steps in this plan is the levy of the "fairness tax" or "minimum tax" for large corporations.
28.06.2013
UK agrees on the exchange of tax information with the dependent territories.
In 2016 an agreement, that The UK has provided for the islands under its jurisdiction, shall become law. For today, this agreement is just a project, which will be discussed until the 6 September 2013.
26.06.2013
Enacting of financial transactions tax
The European Parliament adopted resolution approving the phased introduction of financial transactions tax.
25.06.2013
Enforcement of financial transaction tax in EU
European Parliament has adopted the resolution, which approves step by step enforcement of financial transaction tax (FTT).
24.06.2013
Question about providing next loans to Cyprus will be decided in September
Question about next loans to Cyprus will be resolve in September
21.06.2013
European Union notify in advance about….
Since 2005, the European Union introduced a new system of automatic exchange of tax information between the competent authorities of the member countries as a new mechanism to combat tax evasion.
20.06.2013
New York regulators fine Deloitte $10m
New York Department of Financial Services fined company Deloitte for $10m. and banned for year from it`s practices in New York. Such sanctions connected with consult services, which Deloitte presented to Standard Chartered bank.
20.06.2013
What about the residence permit in Malta??
There is the new Global Residence Programme in Malta, which is provide the possibility to obtain a residence permit by non-residents who buy real estate and pay taxes in Malta.
19.06.2013
Project of public list of beneficiaries did not receive the support of "G 8"
At the last summit of the Group of eight at Northern Ireland, British Prime Minister David Cameron made a proposal to establish a public register of beneficial owners of companies.
18.06.2013
Expanding cooperation on tax matters between the European Union and Liechtenstein
According to the statement, published on the official web-site of the Liechtenstein government, minister of finance and at the same time prime-minister of Liechtenstein, Adrian Hasler, has held a first round of negotiations with the commissioner on taxation of European Union, Algirdas Šemeta. The topic of those negotiations is expanding the jurisdiction of Savings Tax Directive.
14.06.2013
Great Britain has published a plan about tax agreements till March 31, 2014
The official website of the Her Majesty Revenue & Customs published a plan to tax treaties the UK till 31 of March of 2014.
13.06.2013
Simplified tax filing in Singapore
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) presented simplified tax filing (Form C-S) for small and medium companies.
11.06.2013
Changes in Belize Registries management.
The decision of Belize Government will become law in 11 June 2013, according to this, the Government of Belize will take control over the International Business Company Register and the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize.
07.06.2013
The new agreement on avoidance of double taxation in the “coin box” of the Russian Federation
With the help of the Federal Law N 107 about the ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on the taxation of investment income of the Contracting States and their financial and investment institutions, Russia has supplemented the list of agreements which help to avoid double taxation.
04.06.2013
Singapore is a victim of the new bank secrecy rules?
One of the fast growing sectors of the Singaporean economy is banking. In view of rather large size of this sector, losses in case of some negative circumstances will be enormous. We remember the latest events in Switzerland, that’s why there is something to fear of.
23.05.2013
Poland prepared new rules for Controlled Foreign Corporations
The Polish Ministry of Finance has prepared new draft legislation to combat tax avoidance involving the transfer of income by Polish companies to companies founded in countries with more favorable tax treatment than in Poland.
20.05.2013
Cyprus is trying to regain its erstwhile glory.
The Cyprus government continues to issue decrees, which are aimed to rebuild the country and the banking system after the recent events.
14.05.2013
Will the Netherlands become a new tax haven?
By their conclusions, European experts offer businessmen to pay their attention on such a perspective country like Netherlands. Due to recent events on Cyprus and the current unfavorable situation for businessmen, the problem with offshores is not solved.
06.05.2013
The turning point in the fight against tax evasion?
On the web-site of the UK Treasury was published the information about George Osborne`s speech, in which he expressed his satisfaction about the will of the British Overseas Territories authorities to begin fight against tax evasion. The fight will be in the fact that British offshore companies will share information on the holders of accounts in their banks.
22.04.2013
Cyprus raises the tax rates actively.
After recent events, the Cyprus economy was in danger. Cyprus took the emergency measures, accepting the terms of the Euro group, which includes imposing a tax on deposits in exchange for substantial financial assistance from the EU in the amount of $ 10 billion.
19.04.2013
Germany again crossed Switzerland’s interests.
German tax authorities have bought a new CD containing bank account details of thousands of alleged tax evaders with accounts in Switzerland. They conducted 200 raids on Tuesday and expect to recoup more than half a billion euros in lost tax revenues.
18.04.2013
Switzerland imposes quotes for labor immigrants
Since 1st of May Switzerland prolonged the duration of limitations for issuance of permissions for work for 5-year term for the citizens of 8 states of East Europe and for the first time since 1st of June imposed quotas in respect of representatives of 17 states-members of the EU. Up to June, 2014 it is planned to issue not more than 55 thousands of long-term visas. The government explained its actions by highly raised number of labor immigrants from the EU countries which lost money because of financial crises.
17.04.2013
Luxembourg will abandon bank secrecy
Luxembourg`s government announced, that Luxembourg will become one of the countries of European Union, which will enact system of auto exchanging tax information about incomes of it`s citizens. Minister of finance of Luxembourg`s, Luc Frieden also support idea of exchanging tax information, and added, that it’s necessary to review banking system now from the worldwide tendency of finding tax wrongdoers.
16.04.2013
Worldwide tendency of tax information exchange comes to Hong Kong
Worldwide tendency in sphere of auto exchanging tax information unites more and more countries nowadays. Another jurisdiction, which decides to change it`s legislation and add exchange of tax information is Hong Kong.
05.04.2013
Fashion sentence costs of 343 million euros
Now, the creators of famous Italian brand Golce&Gabbana can both be boast of not only their fashion and expensive collections, but also of one of the loudest trials about tax evasion.
12.03.2013
Double Tax Pact between Hong Kong and Mexico
The Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation between Hong Kong and Mexico, signed on June 18, 2012, entered into force on March 7, 2013.
05.03.2013
Spain imposes new requirements to the declaring of foreign assets.
Spanish citizens as well as people who stayed in Spain more than 283 days of whose wife or children lives here, are obliged to declare their foreign assets before 30th of April if the value of the assets is more than 50 thousands Euro. The assets are understood as bank accounts, real estate, shares, life insurance and so on.
05.02.2013
European Commission insists on tax reform in Denmark.
A provision of tax law of Denmark according to which if the citizen wants to move to another country for living, he is obliged to pay the corporate rights tax, and not at once but at the moment of getting any kind of investment income (for example, income from selling shares or getting dividends) attracted the attention of the European Commission.
04.02.2013
Austria concluded a number of important agreements
Austria started the process of “tax harmonization” in last April when the agreement with Switzerland about withholding tax (came into force on 1st January 2013).
15.01.2013
Russian Agreements 2012
According to the policy of returning capital back to Russia, attracting foreign investments in Russia and relying on the slogan that was put forward by Vladimir Putin “It is enough to feed offshores”, Russia actively concludes DTAs and Agreements of tax information exchange.
21.12.2012
Hong Kong wants to regain the leadership
Hong Kong wants to regain leadership
20.12.2012
France takes action on the "Depardieu case"
After a sensational movement of famous actor Gerard Depardieu from expensive France to more favorable Belgium French President Francois Hollande declared his intention to change the tax agreement with Belgium.
19.12.2012
Will Vietnam become competitive soon?
In 2014, the Vietnamese government plans to reduce the corporate tax rate. The Ministry of Finance plans to submit a bill to the National Assembly, which will focus on the introduction of amendments to the Tax Code to reduce the corporate tax rate.
18.12.2012
Significant trade agreement between EU and Singapore
The negotiation between European Union and Singapore about the draft of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have been lasted more than two years. Finally, December 16, 2012 the European Commission and the government of Singapore have agreed upon this question.
17.12.2012
A new proposal law on transfer pricing in Ukraine
Currently under consideration in the Verkhovna Rada a bill on amendments to the Tax Code relating to changes in the legal regulation of transfer pricing. It is necessary to pay attention to the following legislative developments
14.12.2012
Rich Frenchmen escape to Belgium
The application of the Government of France luxury tax, whose rate in 2013 increased to 75%, prompting many rich people in the country to think about moving to more favorable to the rich people Belgium.
13.12.2012
The UK continues levying taxes
The draft budget for 2013 The UK government has provided a new provision - an annual tax for those who own homes worth more than £ 2 million, which are registered to offshore companies.
12.12.2012
U.S. imposes heavy fines on banks
To absolve themselves of charges of violating sanctions against Iran, the British bank Standard Chartered Bank has agreed to pay the U.S. Treasury $ 327 million.
11.12.2012
Hong Kong still at the first position
Up to now Hong Kong has a leading position among the cities of China, but analysts predict that Shanghai may soon catch up with him in many ways.
10.12.2012
Strarbucks and Britain: a new scandal with multinational company
Most recently, a new scandal erupted between the authorities of the United Kingdom and one of the largest multinational companies - American network cafes Starbucks. The scandal was triggered by allegations that the coffee chain does not pay income tax in the UK for 3 years. Authorized UK authorities note that, Starbucks paid only 8.6 million pounds in taxes for 3 years on revenue of 3 billion pounds. In response to this guide Starbucks, so as not to stir up a scandal on and does not get to court, promised to pay into the treasury of the UK 10 million pounds, or 20 million pounds over two years.
07.12.2012
A unified standard for offshore: European Commission takes action on tax evasion
The aim of the European Commission today is to create an effective plan of action to help combat tax evasion. The plan includes the development and introduction of the Code of the taxpayer, the Common EU tax identification number, and the revision and updating of the existing key tax legislation.
06.12.2012
Any percentage is important: Britain lowers taxes
The Government's anti-crisis program is a combination of reducing the budget deficit, increasing the investment attractiveness and many more beautiful things.
05.12.2012
New Zealand will be operating with OECD only
Due to numerous discussions of the issue of taxation of multinational companies (Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc.), the Minister of Finance of New Zealand has decided to clarify the position of his Government.
04.12.2012
Belgium made changes in tax rates
November 21, 2012 the Belgian Government submitted tax changes that had planned in the budget for 2013.
03.12.2012
Austria saw the results of the reduction of corporate tax
Back in 2005, the Austrian government has reduced corporate tax rate from 34% to 25%. However, Australia makes the conclusions just now: Despite the low tax rate, according to Finance Minister Maria Fekter, tax revenues increased from 2005 to 2008. In 2005, this figure was EUR 5 billion, while in 2008 is already 6.3 billion euros.
30.11.2012
The new fiscal policy in the dependent territory of the UK
The United Kingdom is actively negotiating with its dependent territories, including the British Virgin Islands, about the possibility of a more thorough exchange of tax information. According to some reports, the British authorities are developing an act that would be similar to the U.S. law on fiscal compliance requirements for foreign accounts (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA).
29.11.2012
Germany did not sign the DTA with Switzerland
The upper House of Parliament of Germany did not agree to sign tax agreement with Switzerland. The German government is not sure in the provisions that were offered by the Swiss side of the agreement.
28.11.2012
The research: is the British confidentiality profitable for Russian billionaires?
The British magazine Guardian in conjunction with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists ICIJ created a project to study the secrets of doing business in offshore jurisdictions.
27.11.2012
Living in the UK will cost £ 2 million
If we do not take into account the education and work for hire, the only way to obtain a visa to stay in the UK is business immigration. For this visa a lot of Russian citizens are living currently in the UK.
26.11.2012
Triplet of creditors does not give money to Cyprus
The European Union (EU), the European Central Bank (ECB) and International Monetary Fund, the three main components of the international lenders, after difficult negotiations have not taken a final decision on the allocation of financial assistance for Cyprus.
23.11.2012
EU summit did not come to an agreement on the budget 2014-2020
November 23 in Brussels EU summit ended, at which the Chair of the European Union, Herman Van Rompuy, said that before the start of next year will not be able to reach agreement on seven-year financial perspective for the EU 2014-2020. According to him, it is necessary to discuss additionally the long-term budget plan for the EU.
22.11.2012
The procedure for obtaining a residence permit will be simplified in Spain
While the Spanish authorities have only confirmed its intention to simplify the procedure for obtaining a permit soon. The authorities are planning to make it possible to obtain a residence permit for foreigners by buying real estate worth more than 160,000 euros.
21.11.2012
Changes in the regulation of transactions in foreign currency in Ukraine
November 19, 2012 Resolution of National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) № 475 of November 16, 2012 has entered into force, which makes two significant changes in the regulation of transactions in foreign currency:
20.11.2012
The Addition to tax treaty between Russia and Switzerland entered into force
November 9, 2012 the Addition to the DTA between Russia and Switzerland came into force.. However the Addition will be applying from 1 January 2013.
19.11.2012
New regime of holdings in Latvia
In December 2011, the Latvian Parliament adopted amendments to the law "On Corporate Income Tax", which will come into force from 1 January 2013. Since then Latvia will be able to compete with major holding powers such as Cyprus and Malta.
15.11.2012
Latvia's credit ratings increase
14.11.2012
Cyprus is not in “black list” of Russia any more
14.11.2012
Cyprus is not in “black list” of Russia any more
13.11.2012
New forms of documents for the simplified system of taxation
12.11.2012
Ukraine has signed a new agreement with Cyprus
08.11.2012
Moscow city Duma adopted a Law on patent taxation
07.11.2012
Germany may refuse Cyprus in financial assistance
05.11.2012
The HSBC Bank is fined by the US authorities to $ 1.5 billion
02.11.2012
China imposes anti-dumping and countervailing measures against the EU
01.11.2012
Income of the senators and deputies will be protected by the trust company
31.10.2012
The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation changed the list of offshore zones.
31.10.2012
British Virgin companies obtained a controlling package of "AVK"
30.10.2012
Cayman Islands increase fees
29.10.2012
Slovenia introduces a tax on financial services
26.10.2012
The German government wants to abolish fiscal equalization
25.10.2012
Singapore has signed another agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.
24.10.2012
1 Euro is enough for the authorized capital
23.10.2012
Tax Justice Network has published a new report
22.10.2012
Hong Kong began to realize the new standards of Basel III
19.10.2012
Cyprus is going to increase the annual tax from the companies
18.10.2012
The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic changed the concept of tax reform
The lower house of the Czech Parliament has rejected on Wednesday the Government's proposal to increase the profit tax, and value added tax.
17.10.2012
Portugal introduces a mode of austerity economy
16.10.2012
11 European countries supported a tax on financial transactions (FTT)
15.10.2012
Two largest Banks of Greece are going to unite
The other day the first-rate bank of Greece National Bank of Greece (NBG) announced its intention to purchase the safety stock of Greek bank Eurobank.
12.10.2012
Taiwan’s government reconsiders to abolish the luxury tax
Taiwan’s luxury tax was established by «The Special Goods and Services Sales Tax Act». The main purpose of his adoption was the reducing speculative property purchases and limitation of the rapidly growing difference in the welfare of people.
11.10.2012
Singapore designates tax crimes as money laundering
October 9, 2012 the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has prepared a consultation paper on the designation of tax crimes as money laundering.
10.10.2012
The black list of offshore jurisdictions updated in Latvia
In Latvia the black list of offshore jurisdictions was updated that includes 68 countries among which the Netherlands Antilles, Bahamas, Belize, Panama and Seychelles are named
08.10.2012
The Republic of Cyprus introduces procedure of obtaining electronic visa for the Ukraine citizens
From 10th September 2012 the Republic of Cyprus introduced the procedure of
obtaining electronic visa for the Ukraine citizens.
05.10.2012
The Netherlands simplified requirements for company incorporation
From 1st October 2012 the new act presented by the Ministry of security and justice of the Netherlands entered into force. It simplifies the procedure of private limited company incorporation.
04.10.2012
The first Free Trade Agreement between Europe and Hong Kong entered into force
On 1st October 2012 the first Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and members of EFTA (European Free Trade Association) – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway.
03.10.2012
Inland Revenue Department of Hong Kong collects the record sum of taxes
The commissionaire of the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department Chu Yam-Yuen has introduced the 2011-2012 Annual Report highlighting that the sum of collected taxes is higher by 14% in comparison to the previous year.
02.10.2012
The double tax avoidance agreement between the Russian Federation and Latvia was ratified As it was mentioned on 28th September 2012 (http://hbcomp.co.uk/about/news_and_mailings/news_jurisdictions/3445/), the Council of Federation of the RF ratified several double taxation avoidance agreements including Latvia. This agreement was signed in Moscow on 20th December 2010. Latvia ratified it on 9th 2011. The most crucial aspects of the agreement are the following:
On 26th September 2012 the Council of Federation ratified double taxation avoidance agreements with Latvia and Argentina and the Protocol to the analogical agreement with Switzerland.
27.09.2012
Amendments to the double taxation avoidance agreement between the Russian Federation and Switzerland were ratified
On 21st September 2012 the State Duma of the RF ratified amendments to the double taxation avoidance agreement between the Russian Federation and Switzerland signed on 15th November 1995.
26.09.2012
Changes in the tax legislation of Liechtenstein
The Government of Liechtenstein during the last session adopted the consulting report on changing of the tax laws. This report is directed at increasing of tax inflows into the state treasury.
25.09.2012
eLearning Course on the European value added tax
Recently it became known that the European Commission developed the eLearning Course on the value added tax.
24.09.2012
Seychelles authorities introduce value added tax
According to the official announcement of the Ministry of Finance, Trade & Investment (MFTI) of Seychelles from 1st January 2013 the value added tax is introduced on the terrirtory of Seychelles, though its implementation was planned on 1st July 2012. To add, the standard rate of the tax equals 15%.
21.09.2012
The British Registrar discloses information on companies’ directors
From 1st October 2012 the British Registrar (Companies House) abolishes payment for information on directors of entities placed in Great Britain. Today this payment comprises 1 pound.
20.09.2012
New fiscal innovations of Cyprus
In connection with crisis of the Cyprus banking system caused by the tight bond with the Greece financial system, troika of creditors of Cyprus (the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission, the European Central Bank) insists on acceleration of the Cyprus budget drafting for 2013.
19.09.2012
Ukraine proposes Russia cancellation of vehicle recycling tax
The vehicle recycling tax was introduced from 1st September 2012 on the territory of the RF and comprises a mandatory payment for entities and individuals on vehicles imported in Russia and also originated from Russia. The Law obliges private persons to organize utilization of vehicles and then dispose the car waste independently or by concluding a contract with special companies within prices approved by the Government.
18.09.2012
Changes in company accounting in 2013
In the Federal Law “On accounting” № 402-FL crucial amendments were made, relating to preparing of documents for accounting submission of organizations. Today the frequency of accounting submission to tax authorities – quarter or year (ss. 5, section 1, article 23 Tax Code of the RF).
14.09.2012
Switzerland – country with most competitive economics
In accordance with rating of competitiveness 2012-2013, constituted by the World Economic Forum, Switzerland is the country with the most competitive economics in the world the fourth consecutive year.
13.09.2012
Ukraine stimulates investments abroad
The President of Ukraine Victor Yanukovich signed the Law № 5083-VI of 5th July 2012 that amends the Tax Code of Ukraine. This Law entered into force on 12th August 2012 (some provisions will enter into force from 1st January 2013).
12.09.2012
UK Reduces requirements for accounting reports of companies
As the Business Secretary of the UK Department of Business, Innovations and Skills Vince Cable announced, amendments to companies’ reporting rules will save millions of pounds for small business.
11.09.2012
Tax planning department of Barclays is under threat
The famous UK Bank Barclays can reject the tax planning department in the near future, the reason of which is the conflict with the UK tax authorities.
07.09.2012
Panama changed transfer pricing rules
Several days ago Panama adopted amendment prescribing application of transfer pricing rules for transactions with foreign related entities regardless of whether one of the parties is a tax resident in country which concluded double taxation avoidance agreement with Panama.
06.09.2012
Liechtenstein for disclosure of bank secret
The Premier Minister of the Liechtenstein principality Klaus Tschuetscher in interview from 5th September 2012 claimed to the newspaper Tages-Anzeiger of the possibility of introducing of automatic system of data exchange on bank accounts of clients with EU members.
05.09.2012
FATF session in Paris
From 17 to 19 October in Paris under chairmanship of Norway the regular session of FATF will take place.
04.09.2012
Russia intends to credit Cyprus again
According to negotiations with the International Monetary Fund Russia intends to provide a credit to Cyprus in total of EUR 5 bn.
31.08.2012
South Korean authorities broaden the tax base
National Tax Service of the Republic continues to strengthen tax State policy by expanding the tax base.
28.08.2012
The Hong Kong Minister of Finance advances cooperation with Russia
The bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Russia increased by 44% in the first half of the year, as was announced by the Hong Kong Minister of Finance John Tsang.
27.08.2012
Belize nears default
Belize, one of the popular and demanded offshore zones in the world, nears default.
23.08.2012
Property in Seychelles is very expensive treat!
Recently it became known that one of the richest women in the world, L'Oreal billionaire heiress, Liliane Bettencourt has sold her private island D'Arro in Seychelles, according to the island nation’s government.
22.08.2012
Ukraine ratified the Regional Free Trade Agreement
On 9th August 2012 the President of Ukraine Victor Yanukovich signed the Law № 5193-VI “On ratification of Free Trade Agreement in the CIS”. This agreement will take force on 23rd September 2012. Thus, Ukraine has become the third country which ratified the Regional Free Trade Agreement after Russia and Belorussia.
22.08.2012
HSBC disclose information on its employees
The Swiss branch of HSBC Bank provides the USA information on its employees, worked or still working with American clients on the territory of Switzerland.
21.08.2012
Amendments in IP objects taxation in Cyprus
New amendments were introduced into the Income Tax Law 2002 approved by the Parliament that invoke changes in IP objects taxation, in particular, relating to income from such objects in the form of royalty.
20.08.2012
The Bermuda Stock Exchange is for easing of “60/40” rule
The Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) Greg Wojciechowski estimates the easing of “60/40” rule as a positive development of the domestic capital market.
16.08.2012
What tax preferences are donated to the Ukraine’s IT sector
We would like to remind that earlier on our web-site the news on introducing of tax preferences to the Ukraine’s IT sector was published
15.08.2012
New investment agreement was signed between China and Taiwan
Taiwan's government actively pursues a policy of rapprochement with China in the field of economic cooperation.
14.08.2012
The Cayman Islands revise the budget measures for 2012-2013 fiscal year
The government of the Cayman Islands is planning to spread the burden of tax hikes to financial services and tourism sectors due to the new budget measures which were announced to replace the proposals including direct taxes on workers – expatriates (expats).
13.08.2012
Trade policy review of WTO: Singapore
The sixth review of the trade policies and practices of Singapore takes place on 24 and 26 July 2012. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of Singapore.
10.08.2012
Controlled Foreign Companies on the horizons of the Russian legislation
First of all, it should be noted that controlled foreign companies are the most transparent forms of business in order to prevent avoidance of offshore’s withholding tax payment.
09.08.2012
Amendments to the BVI Business Companies Act 2012: dissolution of company stuck off the Register
July 2012 was marked the BVI new amendments to The BVI Business Companies Act 2004. In addition to the amendments in respect of bearer shares
07.08.2012
BVI Business Companies Amendment Act 2012: new powers of alternate directors
Continuing the set of news devoted to the BVI Business Companies Amendment Act 2012, such novel as introducing of new powers to alternate directors should be considered.
07.08.2012
Amendments to the business regulation of segregated portfolios companies.
The extensive reform of corporate law on the BVI affected the activities of segregated (separated) portfolios companies.
07.08.2012
Amendments to the BVI Business Companies Act 2012: shares and shareholders
It was already mentioned earlier that in July 2012 the amendments to the BVI Business Companies Act 2004 for example
06.08.2012
Registration of an additional foreign character name for a BVI company
In July this year a Bill to amend the BVI Business Companies 2004 (“the BC Act”) and the BVI Business Companies Regulations 2012 (“Regulations”) have been introduced. The resulting BVI Business Companies (Amendment) Act 2012 (“Amendment Act”), along with the Regulations, is expected to come into force towards the end of this year.
06.08.2012
Amendments to the BVI Business Companies Act 2012: bear shares
Vast amendments to the BVI Business Companies Act 2004 were made and published in July, 2012. According to this Act bear shares must be kept by custodian who is authorized by BVI’s Commission.
06.08.2012
Amendments to the BVI Business Companies Act 2004
Within corporate legislation reform on the British Virgin Islands a number of amendments to the BVI Business Companies Act 2004 was accepted.
06.08.2012
BVI Business Companies Amendment Act 2012: Reuse of company names
In July 2012 crucial amendments were introduced into the Business Companies Act 2004. In particular, it’s important to draw attention to changes concerning the reuse of company names.
03.08.2012
The ECB plays on expectations and emotions
2 August, 2012 European stock markets closed in the minor. Investors were unhappy that the position of the European Central Bank and its president, Mario Draghi on emergency issues remained passive.
02.08.2012
Response of Isle of Man to introducing of new Basil Principles
The Isle of Man Financial Services Commission begins a consultation on amendments to the Financial Services Act 2008 and the Collective Investment Schemes Act 2008.
01.08.2012
New offshore zone in the Baltic
Since 2013 Latvia will become a full offshore zone for holding companies. If now in the state only some received and paid dividends exempt, in accordance with legislative changes in 2013, tax-exempt income will be Latvian companies from sale of capital and shares, and any dividends.
31.07.2012
Law on Foundations in Guernsey
Guernsey is not out of the general trend: on 30th July, Parliament has approved the Foundations law, which is designed to increase the economic attractiveness of the island. Guernsey - «trust» jurisdiction, however, the adoption of this Law demonstrates that the authorities do not want to be limit only to trust and so, following the example of the Republic of Panama, they are trying to raise investment to the island through the creation of the Fund.
30.07.2012
Successful tax system reform in China
China is making large steps toward the International economic community; it was noted by the IMF in its latest report. Profit Tax for the enterprises with foreign investments (which ranges from 15% to 25% in different areas of Chine) was differentiated and now depends on the profitability of the enterprise.
27.07.2012
The Russian Federation ratified the Protocol of accession to the WTO
On the 21th July, 2012 the President of the Russian Federation V.V.Putin approved the Protocol of accession to the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO of 15th April, 1994 thereby finishing the internal stages of ratification. If the state bodies wouldn’t have managed until the 23rd July, it would have led to renewal of negotiations on terms of accession to the WTO that is, according to the chairman of the Russian delegation Maxim Medvedkov, could have inflicted worse conditions of accession for the RF.
26.07.2012
Amendments to the tax legislation in Singapore
The global recession affected one of the most stable Asian economies: on July, 24 in Singapore public hearings regarding the changes in tax legislation were held.
25.07.2012
Philippines and Germany: Revision of Double Taxation Agreement
On 20th July Philippines and Germany finished the revision of Double Taxation Agreement in the last stage of negotiations.
23.07.2012
Barbados and the global recession
The Central Bank of Barbados is trying to refuse the argument made by the rating agency «Standart & Poors» in order to lower the credit rating of Barbados "BBB-/A-3" to "BB + / B".
19.07.2012
Tax Agreement Signed between Hong Kong and Malta
The agreement between Hong Kong and Malta for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income has entered into force July 18.
18.07.2012
Negotiations between China anв Liechtenstein about new tax information exchange agreement were held
In order to strengthen tax cooperation, negotiations were held between representatives of China and Liechtenstein about signing tax information exchange agreement.
17.07.2012
World Trade Organization (WTO) welcomes the entry of Seychelles to the membership
On 10th of July states-members of WTO considered situation of the Seychelles in the bilateral negotiations on market access, and also investigated the changes in legislation and trade regime
16.07.2012
The New Companies Ordinance in Hong Kong
The corporate law of Hong Kong doesn’t stand still which is evidenced by introducing of the Companies Bill to the Parliament
13.07.2012
Austria ratifies tax deal with Switzerland
In April of this year the resident of Switzerland and Austria's Federal Minister of Finance signed an agreement in the regulation of income tax
12.07.2012
Reduction of the VAT rate in Ukraine
Further deregulation of Ukraine’s Internal Revenue Code will lead to a conflict with the WTO, as reported by the State Taxation Service of Ukraine. However, the State Taxation Service offers to cut the rate of value added tax (VAT) for domestic trade transactions of up to 7%.
11.07.2012
Luxembourg Withstanding Economic Crisis
Luxembourg confirms its status of international financial center and demonstrates resilience in the conditions of economic financial crisis, that International Monetary Fund notes
10.07.2012
The chief executive of Bank of Cyprus stepped down resigned
The head of Bank of Cyprus Andreas Eliades resigned with reference to the combusted European banking crisis and the "lack of coordination in dealing with its solution"
05.07.2012
Amendments to the Taxation of Belize
In a recent budget of Belize provided on the financial 2012/13 years, there are a number of proposals to restructure the tax regime of the country.
04.07.2012
China established new zone for cooperation with Hong Kong
According to the decision of Chinese government the special economic zone for cooperation with Hong Kong was established.
03.07.2012
Updated tax agreement between Japan and New Zealand
Governments of Japan and New Zealand have agreed an updated agreement on avoidance of double taxation from 1963.
02.07.2012
Barclays scandal
On the 2nd of July Chief Executive of Barclays, Bob Diamond has resigned, because of rate fixing scandal
27.06.2012
New accounting rules for multinationals companies in Norway
The Government of Norway intends to introduce new rules for reporting (country-by-country reporting) for multinationals companies, which will take effect starting from January 2014
26.06.2012
Switzerland and Portugal signed revised double taxation agreement
On 25th of June, 2012 the Governments of Portugal and Switzerland have signed an updated double taxation agreement, under which the withholding tax on dividends, interest and royalties will be zero
25.06.2012
Switzerland is ready to collaborate with the USA in terms of FATCA
On the 8th of May 2010, the President of the USA Barack Obama signed a Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act - FATCA, whose idea is to extend the control of the U.S. tax on foreign banks, insurance companies, investment funds, etc. under the pain of "penalty" of taxation of their operations on U.S. financial markets
22.06.2012
“Green economy” is the major issue on the Summit Rio + 20
The Conference focused on two themes: (a) a green economy in the context of sustainable development poverty eradication; and (b) the institutional framework for sustainable development
22.06.2012
The list of holidays in July, 2012, in different countries exept weekly off days
Dear client! We provide you information concerning holidays schedule in banks in July, 2012.
21.06.2012
The ruble has suffered another defeat
External factors, especially landslide of oil prices are the reason of weakening of Russian currency
20.06.2012
New President – new taxes in France!
French President Francois Hollande suggested to establish income tax of 75% rate for those, whose income exceeds EUR 1 million per year
18.06.2012
The tax law on special tax regimes in the Russian Federation has been adopted
On the 15th of June the Federation Council adopted a law about amendments to the Tax Code
15.06.2012
UK refuses the introduction of financial transaction tax
At the end of May European Parliament adopts ambitious approach on financial transaction tax
14.06.2012
Russia and Ukraine in the Rankings of the World Bank Doing Business – 2012
The World Bank and International Finance Corporation in the ninth time ranked Doing Business 2012, which covers economies of 183 countries
08.06.2012
Tax authorities of Canada has won a tax dispute
The Supreme Court of Canada made judgment about the legality of the transfer tax by the Canadian company assets in a trust which was established in Barbados
05.06.2012
The governments of Italy and Russia have already a week to use Tax Treaty Protocol
On 1 June 2012, the amending protocol, signed on 13 June 2009, to the Italy–Russia Income and Capital Tax Treaty (1996) entered into force
04.06.2012
Hong Kong continues to attract investors from all over the world
The date of entry of agreement for the avoidance of double taxation (CDTA) into force was the 3rd of June, 2012
01.06.2012
Italy and Switzerland on the way to the conclusion mutual tax agreement
24 May 2012 was the first round in financial and tax issues between Switzerland and Italy
31.05.2012
The Ukrainian authorities have decided to legalize the tax deductions for IT sector
The Parliament of Ukraine adopted a series of legislative amendments in favor of an economic experiment to create favorable conditions for development the IT industry in Ukraine.
31.05.2012
The Ukrainian authorities have decided to legalize the tax deductions for IT sector
The Parliament of Ukraine adopted a series of legislative amendments in favor of an economic experiment to create favorable conditions for development the IT industry in Ukraine
30.05.2012
Stock market games is continuing
Facebook is considering the opportunity to purchase Opera Software ASA
28.05.2012
IMF offers to the authorities of Ukraine to strengthen tax burden on the rich people!
International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended to the Ukrainian authorities to take measures to retain the state budget deficit in order to meet the government’s 1.8 percent of GDP
25.05.2012
European Parliament adopts ambitious approach on financial transaction tax
On the 25th May, 2012 deputies of Euro Parliament supported the introduction of financial transaction tax in the EU
24.05.2012
Affiliation in tax dispute was not appeared
On the 15th May 2012 Federal Arbitration Court of Ural District made a final decision in the tax dispute between tax authorities and retail trade system “Monetka”.
24.05.2012
The list of holidays in June, 2012, in different countries exept weekly off days
Dear client! We provide you information concerning holidays schedule in banks in June, 2012.
23.05.2012
The amendments in tax legislation
On Monday 21st May 2012 the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives Cyprus discussed and approved the amendments to the tax legislation
22.05.2012
Latvia confirmed the reduction in tax in 2012-2015
Recently Saeima of Latvia almost unanimously approved amendments to the tax legislation proposed by government reducing the value added tax (VAT) and the personal income tax in the first reading
21.05.2012
Duma refused to revoke bank secrecy for individuals
The Budget and Tax Committee of the State Duma has rejected a bill proposed by Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation
18.05.2012
Has the USA the “Afghan campaign” in mind again?
On 17th May 2012 the House of Representatives of the Senate approved the continuation of the “Afghan campaign”
17.05.2012
Will early Parliamentary elections save Greece?
On 17th June 2012 Greece will hold new early Parliamentary Elections.
16.05.2012
FACEBOOK – a new record in making a debut at the market.
A well-known Internet-company Facebook Inc., being the owner of the biggest worldwide social networking website, will increase the size of an up-coming IPO by 25 %.
15.05.2012
Leading Hong Kong Banks will raise interest rates and fees for credit cards from July
This comes just a month after the rollout of the third stage of reforms to improve disclosure and other practices undertaken by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in conjunction with the Hong Kong Association of Banks.
14.05.2012
The first steps to the Reform of the European Tax System. Financial Transaction Tax.
On May 4, 2012 the European Commission published at its official site seven expository documents, clarifying a stage by stage system of implementation of a tax imposed on the financial transactions in to the European tax system.
12.05.2012
Vacation in Turkey is doubled.
On April, 2011 a bilateral inter-governmental agreement came into force on reciprocal travels of citizens.
11.05.2012
The Inland Revenue Department of Cyprus began to examine its taxpayers.
“Recently, the new amendments to the Law on personal data were submitted to the Parliament of Cyprus for consideration, allowing the Inland Revenue Department ( IRD) to use all available data about a taxpayer without coordination with the Personal Data Commissioner.
10.05.2012
Government tax increase.
On May 8, 2012, Panama’s Legislative Assembly approved and published Law No. 28 which increases the government tax for Panama Companies and Private Interest Foundations.
05.05.2012
Google speaks about losses in Australia, but pay taxes in Ireland
The Australian division of the Google company published the financial report for 2011. According to the report expenses exceeded the income. At a turn 201 million US dollars the losses of the company is 3,9 million.
04.05.2012
The European Commission deprives Belgium of a number of advantages of tax system
The government of Belgium received formal inquiry from the European Commission about modification of the legislation on the taxation of profit of the companies and tax on inheritance.
03.05.2012
New Zealand and Canada rejoice to the new tax agreement
Today, on May 3, the ministers of two countries signed the corrected agreement on double taxation avoidance, urged to replace the existing bilateral agreement dated still by 1980.
02.05.2012
Latvia hopes to lower tax loading
The Minister of Finance of Latvia declared that the rate of the VAT can be lowered from 22 % to 21 % but on condition that it will be possible to agree with businessmen that the reduction in tax will be reflected also on prices in shops.
28.04.2012
Canada and Serbia signed the agreement on double taxation avoidance
Yesterday, on April 27, Canada and Serbia signed the agreement on double taxation avoidance regarding taxes on the income and the capital.
27.04.2012
François Olland dreams to enter the VAT for objects of luxury
The most probable candidate for presidential post of France, François Olland, adhering to left-wing views, suggested to enter in France unprecedented high VAT for objects of luxury at a rate of 33 %.
27.04.2012
The list of holidays in May, 2012, in different countries exept weekly off days
Dear client! We provide you information concerning holidays schedule in banks in May, 2012.
26.04.2012
The OECD prepared the report on income taxes for 2011
The organization published researches according to which social taxes and taxes on a salary in 2011 increased in 26 of 34 OECD countries.
25.04.2012
Hong Kong and Malaysia signed the tax agreement
Today, on April 25, 2012, the Governments of Hong Kong and Malaysia signed the agreement on double taxation avoidance which also provides an exchange of tax information on OECD standards and by that turned this day into historical date for investors of these states.
24.04.2012
Guernsey as Jersey
The government of the island reported that the EU working group on the business taxation took out a preliminary estimate to the preferential corporate tax Guernsey regime.
23.04.2012
In Europe there will be the general corporate tax base
On April 19, 2012, on vote of the European Parliament there was adopted the resolution that transition to the general corporate tax base should occur without fail, after passing of a transition period.
20.04.2012
Scotland will have its own tax policy
In Scotland there is the bill drafting according to which the country acquires the right independently to define a tax rate on the income, and also to impose new taxes.
19.04.2012
The government of the Czech Republic intends to fill up the budget of 2013-2015.
The government of the Czech Republic laid down the aim to fill up the budget in the next three years and defined a number of measures which can promote it.
18.04.2012
The senate of the USA decided not to raise a tax for rich men
Senators didn't support Barack Obama's initiative on raising a tax rate for the rich Americans, also known as "Buffett's rule".
17.04.2012
Austria and Switzerland signed the tax agreement
The president of the Swiss confederation and the federal Minister of Finance of Austria signed the agreement regarding regulation of income tax.
16.04.2012
The new EU directive on money laundering
The new version of the EU directive on money laundering is already prepared by the European commission.
13.04.2012
The court of Switzerland refused to inform IRS
One of these days in Switzerland the administrative court didn't provide IRS bank data on the American client.
12.04.2012
Russia and Italy won’t have tax secret any more
The president of Russia at the beginning of April 2012 signed the Federal law «About ratification of the Protocol on modification of the Convention between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Italian Republic.
11.04.2012
The American billionaire filed a suit on UBS
In U.S. District Court in Santa Ana preliminary hearings under the claim of the American billionaire of Russian origin of Igor Olenikova against Swiss UBS have begun.
10.04.2012
Outflow of the Russian capital grew
By a preliminary estimate of Bank of Russia in the 1st quarter 2012 pure outflow of the private capital from the Russian Federation grew in 1,8 times and made 35,1 bln. dollars.
09.04.2012
Switzerland and Germany still intend to ratify the tax agreement
The tax scandal between Switzerland and Germany, about which we wrote earlier, didn't manage to cease as these countries report about new events.
06.04.2012
The OECD will simplify transfer pricing
Under the aegis of OECD there was the International forum concerning transfer pricing where more than 90 representatives of national tax authorities gathered.
05.04.2012
A uniform corporate tax is intended to be imposed in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates plan to enter a uniform rate of a corporate tax for all seven emirates.
04.04.2012
Tax scandal between Switzerland and Germany
Tax scandal blazed up between Berlin and Bern. This news appeared in the press on the first of April and it wasn’t a joke. Since that time this scandal only grows.
03.04.2012
Amendments in Russian Civil Code
On April 3, 2012, the president of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev made amendments to the State Duma concerning Russian Civil code.
02.04.2012
Financial centers and financial capitals of the business world
The non-governmental British analytical organization Z/Yen Group carried out about two years the interrogation of opinion of world financiers and businessmen.
30.03.2012
VAT rates in EU countries only grow
VAT rates (VAT) in Europe are established by each country independently. The legislation of the European Union doesn't regulate uniform rates for all EU countries but only establishes the minimum limit.
29.03.2012
UBS intends to defend from charge in assistance to citizens of France in tax avoiding
The Swiss bank UBS disproved charges in assistance to French citizens in tax avoidance.
28.03.2012
Amendments in Cyprus International Trusts Law
Last week amendments were made to Cyprus International Trusts Law. The new law came into force on March 23, 2012.
27.03.2012
In Hong Kong the payment of annual license fee is abolished
Since April 1, 2012, according to the statement of Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, annual license fee is abolished for two-year term.
26.03.2012
The US Securities and Exchange Commission enhance cooperation with EC and Cayman islands
The representative of the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it has established two Memorandums of understanding with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) as part of long-term strategy to improve the oversight of regulated entities that operate across national borders.
23.03.2012
Trust law consultation opens in Hong Kong
«22» of March, 2012 the Government launched a two-month public consultation on the draft legislation on trust law reform.
22.03.2012
The Government of Australia works out the new tax system models
On 14 March 2012 the Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that the Government would amend the Income Tax Rates Act 1986.
21.03.2012
In Great Britain the income tax payment procedure is being revised
On March 21, 2012 Chancellor George Osborne submitted for approval of Parliament the draft of the Budget 2012.
20.03.2012
In China taxes fall, level of social development grows
China takes a ply for prompt acceleration of rates of development of the country that pushes a management of China to decrease in taxes and increase in expenses at social development.
19.03.2012
Iran has been excluded from the international bank system SWIFT
On Saturday, March, 17th, SWIFT, the largest international interbank payment system which unites more than 10000 financial institutions in 210 countries, has stopped to render a telecommunication service to the Iranian banks which have got under the sanctions of the European Union.
16.03.2012
The definition of profit source in Hong Kong
A definition of a source profit source you can find in the special document under name Departmental Interpretation And Practice Notes No 21 in edition from 1998. Last changes which concern calculation questions, were made in December, 2009.
15.03.2012
Tax treaties between Austria, Canada and the Czech Republic
The Austrian government has announced that the Ministry of Finance of Austria signed the revised agreement with Canada and Czech Republic for the avoidance of double taxation. Agreements include provisions for the exchange of tax information in accordance with international standards and mutual assistance in tax matters.
14.03.2012
The Andorran Government approves draft law on foreign investments
On the 13th of February, 2012, the managing partner of «Honest and Bright Ltd» held a meeting with representatives of one of the largest banks in Andorra where they discussed the draft law on foreign investments.
13.03.2012
Financial transactions tax in Europe will already appear this year
The European Commission suggested imposing the tax on all kinds of financial operations, including operations with bonds. This initiative was supported by eight Ministries of Finance of the European Union which have addressed with the letter, containing the requirement to approve the financial transactions tax at the European level already this year.
12.03.2012
Germany approved the amendments of the shvejtsarsko-european agreement
Germany and the European Commission resolved disagreements regarding the bilateral agreement conclusion where there is the information about withholding tax collect and counteraction to practice of evasion from tax payment.
11.03.2012
Cyprus promises are not empty
Even in December, 2011, The Parliament of Cyprus approved rate increase of VAT by 2%: from 15% till 17%. New rate came into operation since March, 1st, 2012.
07.03.2012
Malta is the most European country of the European Union
European Commission research showed that among 27 EU Member States the legislation of Malta in the best way corresponds to the European directives based on the Single market.
06.03.2012
Bulgaria preserves low corporate tax
Only in some hours prior to the opening of the summit of heads of the European states in Bruxelles which has taken place on March, 1st, 2012, the prime minister of Bulgaria, Bojko Boriss, in his performance has declared that in the foreseeable future Bulgaria intends to keep the present rate of corporate tax.
05.03.2012
Tax secret of Singapore and Estonia will not exist any more
On March, 30th, 2012, the Protocol directed on simplification of tax information exchange within the limits of the existing double taxation agreement between Singapore and Estonia will come into force.
02.03.2012
Russian tax maneuver
Last winter day, on February, 29th, there was the meeting on economic problems under the direction of the head of the state Dmitry Medvedev. Final decisions at this meeting were not reached. It is necessary to notice that one more discussion of tax reform will take place soon.
01.03.2012
VTB carries on negotiations for the purchase of Marfin Bank
The second-large bank of the Russian Federation, VTB, doesn't confirm the information which has appeared in mass-media on the intention to enter into the capital Cyprian Marfin Popular Bank as the strategic investor.
29.02.2012
Tax revolution is planned in American business
US president Barack Obama suggests to lower corporate tax rate from 35 % to 28 % «to impulse tax reform».
28.02.2012
Hong Kong believes in vivifying force of tax privileges
In the project of Hong Kong state budget for 2012-2013 there are pleasant surprises for tax bearers. According to officials, tax privileges for individuals and business will stimulate economic activity, and also will strengthen the investment appeal of this jurisdiction.
27.02.2012
Luxury tax in the Russian Federation
Stanislav Voskresensky, the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Health of the Russia Federation, declared that next year luxury tax can be imposed on real estate, the area of which is from 1 thousand sq. m., but the physical persons property tax could be already increased.
24.02.2012
Tax service has got Americans abroad
The law "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act" (FATCA) was signed by US president Barack Obama in spring, 2010. Last year's scandal between US authorities and the Swiss bank UBS became a push to adopt this law.
22.02.2012
Georgia and Hungary signed the agreement on double taxation avoidance.
On February, 15-17, 2012, during the visit of Georgian delegation to Hungary the agreement on double taxation avoidance was signed.
21.02.2012
Finland is discussing the ban on the real estate purchase by the residents of Russia
On the 17th of February 2012 the group of Finnish deputies proposed the initiative to ban the sale of real estate in Finland to the EU non-residents, including the citizens of the Russian Federation.
20.02.2012
FATF has updated its recommendations
15 February 2012 the members of the organization FATF (Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering) have been revised recommendations on combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
17.02.2012
Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation will stop the withdrawal of Russian assets to offshores
16 February 2012 The Chairman of Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation Sergey Stepashin in his “Business lunch” to "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" published 17.02.2012g. № 5708, expressed full determination to fight with the process of withdrawal of assets to offshore jurisdictions.
16.02.2012
A new protocol to the agreement on double taxation avoidance between Russia and Cyprus was ratified
15 February 2012 the State Duma of the Russian Federation completed the procedure of ratification of the protocol to the agreement on double taxation avoidance between Russia and Cyprus.
16.02.2012
Sberbank extremely desires to get the status of an international bank
Perhaps one of the most famous for the Russian citizen banks - Sberbank - yesterday, 15 February 2012 closed the largest deal to purchase 100% shares of Volksbank International AG (VBI).
15.02.2012
The Agency on Deposit Insurance will be able to invest in foreign securities
Yesterday, 14 February 2012, at the meeting of the State Duma of the Russian Federation committee on financial market a report on the draft of the Federal Law № 476130-5 "On Amending Article 14 of the Federal Law "On insurance of physical persons deposits in the banks of the Russian Federation" (in the part of the possibility to open a bank account by the Agency on Deposit Insurance) was submitted.
15.02.2012
Schedule of days-off and holidays in different states besides ordinary days-off
Hello, dear subscribers.
14.02.2012
Lithuania became more attractive for investors
At the current moment Lithuania provides significant benefits to small business as well as persons that take activities in free economic zones of the state.
13.02.2012
China and Canada are ready to update the "old" agreement
Canada and China are reviewing the provisions of double taxation avoidance agreement. This international document was signed between the two powers in 1986.
10.02.2012
The USA “extends its expansion” to the east
Recently the USA government has decided to draft a new agreement on information exchange with several European states.
09.02.2012
The UK has reached a new agreement in the tax sphere with the Principality of Liechtenstein
This week Liechtenstein and the UK reached the agreement on several issues in the tax sphere.
08.02.2012
The Supreme Arbitration Court can change the court practice in the sphere of VAT payments
Until the recent times the Russian legal entities that paid income to foreign counterparts based on transactions refused to calculate and pay VAT to the state budget in spite of the fact that the Russian organizations in this case are the tax agents.
07.02.2012
Russia is looking for sources of the state budget replenishment
Yesterday at the tax conference that took place in Russia the Deputy of the Minister of Finance Sergey Shatalov named several important issues on taxation of the country.
06.02.2012
Switzerland has disclosed confidential information to the United States
Recently the Government of Switzerland has made an official statement that banks of the state are ready to cooperate with tax authorities of the United States of America.
03.02.2012
The Principality of Liechtenstein and Hong Kong strengthen economic ties
The officials of the state of Liechtenstein and the Hong Kong special administrative region have recently discussed the future of fruitful economic cooperation between the jurisdictions. The meeting of representatives held in the capital of the principality - the city of Vaduz.
02.02.2012
France increases tax rates
29 January 2012 in the framework of another television interview the French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke about the coming state taxation changes.
01.02.2012
Facebook goes for IPO
Today, 1 February 2012 Facebook documents submission for IPO is scheduled. However, according to experts’ opinion, it may be postponed until the middle of the current month.
31.01.2012
The EU adopted a new fiscal pact
On Monday 30 January 2012 within the framework of the latest emergency summit in Brussels the European Union member states signed a new fiscal pact.
30.01.2012
BVI offers a new project concerning trademarks
23 January 2012 the BVI Government provided the state Parliament with a draft of new legislative act of intellectual property for its consideration. It is planned that a new Trademarks Bill 2012 should replace the current Trade Marks Act (Cap. 158).
27.01.2012
Germany may revive the state fund to assist banks
Recently the lower house of German parliament has approved the legislative project to revive the fund SoFFin for the "safety” of banks of the state from losses on sovereign European bonds.
26.01.2012
The effect of wealth tax in France has exceeded all the expectations
According to recent reports of French specialists the effect of introduced in summer 2011 on the state territory wealth tax - l'impôt de solidarité sur la fortune - has brought unexpected result.
25.01.2012
Tax Policy of the Russian Federation is expected to be predictable
Recently the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in the speech at the commission on modernization outlined the important question of predictability of the tax system in Russia.
24.01.2012
Will offshores disclose their beneficiaries?
24 January 2012 the final meeting of the working group chaired by the Russian Federation Minister of Justice Alexander Konovalov on the Russian Federation Civil Code reform was passed.
23.01.2012
The European Commission is preparing a draft of the directive on intellectual property
At the moment the European Commission is developing a new draft of the directive on intellectual property.
20.01.2012
Greece must achieve interest rate reduction on government bonds
Recently the finance ministers of the eurozone at the official meeting in Brussels during the discussion of the economic situation in Greece have rejected the agreement reached between Greece and representatives of banks and private equity funds with respect to the purchase of government bonds.
19.01.2012
Malta continues to be an attractive financial center
Only 15 years ago Malta in principle could not be named a major financial center since the economics was in its infancy.
18.01.2012
Switzerland has to disclose bank information
Recently the Government of Switzerland has prepared a bill under which the state undertakes to provide foreign intelligence services with financial information about the details of bank accounts, account activity and balances on them.
17.01.2012
The Republic of Seychelles changed its legislation
At the end of 2011 the Government of the Republic of Seychelles adopted several amendments to the corporate law of non-resident entities (companies, trusts, foundations and partnerships).
16.01.2012
The new agreement of double taxation avoidance between Russia and the United Arab Emirates
In the end of last year between Russia and the United Arab Emirates the new agreement of double taxation avoidance has been signed.
13.01.2012
New year – new rates of the VAT in the European countries
In the beginning of the new year a number of the most popular countries among the Russian investors has decided to reconsider Tax laws and to increase the rate of the VAT.
12.01.2012
Hong Kong has the freest economy in the world!
According to the information from Heritage Foundation – the strategic research Institute of the USA - Hong Kong for 2012 takes a leading position among the countries with free economics.
11.01.2012
New tax introduction threatens French banks
In 2011 the plan to introduce a new tax on financial transactions was one of the European Commission projects.
10.01.2012
Capital of Russian banks must increase double in size
From 1 January 2012 the new minimum capital requirements for Russian banks came into effect.
29.12.2011
Parex banka has refused the license of the credit institution
Latvian Parex bank was founded in 1992. Today it is among the banks that used and continue to use governmental support because of 2008 and 2011 economic crises.
28.12.2011
Russia plans to introduce differential tax regimes
Recently the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev declared about the practicability of differential tax regimes on the territory of all subjects of Russia.
27.12.2011
France accepts the austerity measures of the budget
In 2012 France plans to cut state budget deficit. The mechanisms of this reduction are based on strengthening the control over public spending and tax breaks cutting.
26.12.2011
Japan and China reached the agreement on the use of national currencies
25 December 2011 during the official meeting in Beijing Japan and China agreed to use national currencies instead of U.S. dollars in transactions between the companies of these jurisdictions. Such an agreement was reached between the countries due to the ongoing economic crisis that have already had global scales.
23.12.2011
Uruguay became the "white" jurisdiction in the OECD lists
The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an international economic organization of developed countries, carrying out extensive analytical work, it makes recommendations for member states.
22.12.2011
Lithuania has introduced new taxes
21 December 2011 Lithuanian Sejm introduced a new tax on luxury. The object of taxation is real estate valued at more than 1 mln. lit.
21.12.2011
The EU states will provide 150 bln. euro to the euro zone
19 December 2011 the eurozone member states concluded an agreement on the allocation to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 150 bln. to assist the countries of the zone affected by the crisis.
20.12.2011
Liechtenstein joined the Schengen zone
From 19 December 2011 the effect of the Schengen Agreement will apply to the Principality of Liechtenstein.
19.12.2011
Ukraine decriminalized the crimes in the sphere of economic activity
17 December 2011 the Law № 4025-VI "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine concerning the humanization of responsibility for violations in the sphere of economic activity" ("Voice of Ukraine", No. 239) was published in Ukraine.
16.12.2011
Norway has a shortage of in butter
At the moment Norway that is one of the prosperous Scandinavian countries with high level of economy has a big problem with selling such an ordinary product as butter.
15.12.2011
The EU expects Russia to hold new the State Duma elections
Yesterday at the plenary session of the European Parliament it was said that the recent 4th December 2011 Russian parliamentary elections had a huge number of different disorders.
15.12.2011
A plan to cancel visas for Russia has been drafted
The EU agreed to discuss with Russia the plan to abolish visa regime.
14.12.2011
Facebook ends its work
Recently the founder of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg has announced the decommissioning of the project.
13.12.2011
BVI continues to hold strong positions
Financial Stability Board has recently made a statement that the British Virgin Islands at the moment is a jurisdiction which fully meets international standards for cooperation and exchange of information between countries.
12.12.2011
A new tax can appear in Austria
During the plenary session of the National Council of Austria, issues of taxation were covered.
09.12.2011
The EU will launch a new mechanism of financial stability
In 2011 a lot of meetings of EU member states on the issues of crisis overcoming were held.
08.12.2011
Russia will have a new specialized court
In 2012 – 2013 the court system of Russia will be changed.
07.12.2011
Greek parliament introduces austerity regime
Recently the Greek Parliament has approved the state budget draft for 2012.
06.12.2011
Italy strengthens the internal politics
Recently Italy has strengthened its internal fiscal policies because of the crisis. The EU fully supported such step taken by the Italian Parliament on the 4th of December 2011.
05.12.2011
Guernsey will retain 0% corporate tax rate
Guernsey - one of the Normand Islands that are under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom has recently confirmed the application of 0% corporate tax rate within its territory.
02.12.2011
The EU has set strict conditions for Ukraine
On the 1st of December 2011 the European Union adopted a resolution on the issues of cooperation possibility with Ukraine and its adoption to the EU.
01.12.2011
Cyprus is ready to increase VAT rate
Cyprus Ministry of Finance declared the necessity to increase VAT tax rate from 15% to 17%. The country's budget can’t cope with the repayment of external debt.
30.11.2011
Switzerland is in the process of four new tax agreements drafting
Soon to the Swiss Parliament four new projects of international agreements in the tax sphere should be submitted for approval.
29.11.2011
The project of a new tax introduction in the Russian Federation
Although there is no certain project of amendments to the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, officials of the country have already shared their opinions on the new kind of luxury tax introduction in Russia.
28.11.2011
Foreign banks can leave Cyprys
During the parliamentary debates Cyprus Minister of Finance declared the necessity of tax burden increase for foreign banks on the island.
25.11.2011
Ukraine is getting ready for reforms
A few days ago the Government of Ukraine declared its firm intention to introduce further effective measures to control the operations involving offshore companies.
25.11.2011
Russia and Luxembourg signed the Protocol to the Agreement on Double Taxation Avoidance
On the 21th of November 2011 the officials of two powers - Russia and Luxembourg - signed the protocol to the existing agreement between countries on double taxation avoidance.
24.11.2011
Cyprus is ready to adopt the new package of anticrisis measures
Cyprus is drafting new measures aimed to overcome the negative consequences of the crisis. Officials of the country declare that these changes will not affect companies that do not lead activities in the state.
23.11.2011
The process of Latvijas Krājbanka nationalization has started
Bank Latvijas Krājbanka has serious difficulties. Due to lack of capital the bank failed to pay its customers money owed to them in accordance with deposits.
22.11.2011
Hungary needs financial assistance
Recently Hungary asked the EU and IMF for help. The country continues to suffer from the negative impact of the crisis.
21.11.2011
The Supreme arbitration court of the Russian Federation made an important decision in the case of the Tax Code non-discriminatory provisions application
On the 15th of November current year the SAC considered the case concerning the possibility of application of thin capitalization rules and, in particular, non-discriminatory provisions to the taxpayer - the Russian company.
18.11.2011
The Government Russian Federation holds active discussions concerning the sales tax return
Recently the Prime minister V. Putin unequivocally stated that the retirement age in Russia in the foreseeable future will not increase.
17.11.2011
The Bank of Lithuania appointed temporary administration for SNORAS bank management
November 16, 2011 the Board of the Bank of Lithuania has decided to appoint temporary administration of SNORAS bank as well as take temporary preventive measures to protect the bank's assets.
16.11.2011
Austria passes budget for 2012
November 18 2011 Austrian Parliament will vote for passing 2012 national budget. The budget draft provides tax revenues of EUR 64.41bln, as well as expenses in the amount of EUR 73.58bln. Thus the planned budget deficit in 2012 is 2.6% of GDP.
15.11.2011
Russia will suggest new incentives for investors
In spring 2012 FFMS is going to bring to the State Duma the draft of amendments to the legislation in tax sphere.
14.11.2011
The EU has made up autumn forecast of economic development
On the basis of the autumn forecast made by the EU the financial sector has been gradually improved.
11.11.2011
Russia is at the final stage of World Trade Organization accession
On 10 November 2011, at the referendum of WTO member-states the Working Party on the Russian Federation accession to World Trade Organization presented a package of documents (including protocol on accession and its appendixes) and declared the conditions that Russia is obliged to fulfill.
10.11.2011
France is planning to hold reforms
France is discussing the package of measures to overcome the crisis. These steps relate to tax and budget spheres.
09.11.2011
Hong Kong and Malta have signed DTA agreement
On the 8th of November the officials of Malta and Hong Kong signed DTA agreement between the appropriate states.
08.11.2011
Russia will provide Cyprus with credit
The Russian Federation will financially assist Cyprus in the form of a credit that was formalized in agreement between the two states.
07.11.2011
"Big Twenty" discussed the problems of the banking sector
At the beginning of November current year the summit of "big twenty" which discussed the urgent problems of European countries in crisis took place.
03.11.2011
Labuan is drafting programs to stimulate capital flows to the country's oil and gas sector
Low tax jurisdiction Labuan runs incentive programs to attract investment in oil and gas sector. One of the authorities of the state financial bodies pointed out that for many years this raw material sector has been contributing significantly to the economy of the state and is about 20% of GDP throughout Malaysia.
02.11.2011
Luxemburg can become a real alternative to Cyprus
Recently Luxemburg Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister have come to visit Moscow to discuss the further fruitful cooperation between the two states.
01.11.2011
FATF has excluded Ukraine from its “black list”
On the 27th of October the current year at the meeting of international organization Financial Action Task Force – FATF – Ukraine was excluded from the “black list”; its thorough monitoring and careful watching for Ukraine legislation and its application were stopped.
31.10.2011
Tax agreement between Greece and Switzerland is being discussed now
Recently the officials of Greece and Switzerland have discussed the issue on signing an agreement in tax sphere.
28.10.2011
The united state register of securities is made up in Ukraine
Recently Ukraine has approved the project of state register of securities.
27.10.2011
European banks are drafting recapitalization plans
In the framework of Wednesday summit of states-members of EU the exact figures concerning European banks recapitalization were announced. 106,447 bln. euro are necessary to such credit organizations to cope with negative crisis effect.
26.10.2011
Agreement in tax sphere between Netherlands and Hong Kong has come into force
Signed in March 2010 double taxation avoidance agreement between Hong Kong and Netherlands came into force on the 24th of October current year.
25.10.2011
Netherlands introduces tax breaks in 2012
Dutch State Secretary for Finance declared that companies that did their business in innovative developments sphere would get certain tax breaks in 2012. Such a measure is introduced as the state support and incentive in innovative field.
24.10.2011
Labuan is improving economic indicators
The Chief Executive has declared that Labuan is increasing its attractiveness as a financial business center.
21.10.2011
Greece will receive another tranche
At the beginning of November current year Greece again must be provided with financial assistance in the amount of USD 8bln. The creditor as earlier is the "big three" - the IMF, the EU and the ECB.
20.10.2011
In Russia VAT is not imposed on outsourcing services rendered by foreign companies
Quite often organizations registered in Russia use in doing its business outsourcing services provided by both foreign and Russian companies.
19.10.2011
Netherlands and Russia are moving to a new stage of cooperation
Today the Prime Minister of the Netherlands has come to Moscow with a visit. The purpose of the trip is to strengthen economic and trade relations between the powers.
18.10.2011
Irish economics is improving
In comparison with other countries affected by the crisis (e.g. Spain, Italy) Ireland has significantly improved its economic situation.
17.10.2011
EU needs to hold legislative reforms
Recently the ECB President declared about the necessity of changes in existing legislation of the European Union.
14.10.2011
Andorra changes taxation
Recently the head of the Andorran government has confirmed the plan of taxation change of the state.
13.10.2011
Tax information exchange agreement (TIEA) between Canada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines has entered into force
TIEA between Canada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines that was concluded last year (22 June 2010) cane into force on 4 October 2011.
12.10.2011
Can Russia play the role of a saver?
Today officials confidently declare that if necessary Russia is ready to assist Europe to solve urgent problems connected with the debt crisis way out.
11.10.2011
Rescue Plan for European banks.
At the moment the plan of recapitalization of banks in Europe as a means of crisis overcoming in the euro zone is being developed.
10.10.2011
British banks rate has noticeably declined
Recently the rate of several leading British banks (Lloyds TSB Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander UK, Co-Operative Bank, Nationwide Building Society and other smaller ones) has significantly declined.
07.10.2011
Switzerland and India signed a cooperation agreement
The officials of India and Switzerland have recently signed a "memorandum of understanding."
06.10.2011
Germany confidently holds its position in the crisis
Germany maintains its position in the crisis period that is throughout Europe.
05.10.2011
Portugal is not going to increase taxes
Portugal is one of European states which most of all felt negative effect of the crisis.
04.10.2011
Tax burden is planned to increase in Brazil
Disappointing news for foreign investors has been brought by the discussion of officials in Brazil concerning taxation in the state.
03.10.2011
Austria and Slovenia: a new stage of relations development
The DTA agreement has been resigned between Austria and Slovenia.
30.09.2011
Europe is increasing the volume of the financial stability fund.
To fight with the prolonged crisis all the European forces are thrown.
29.09.2011
Ireland has strengthened its economy.
Recently economic indicators of Ireland have been noticeably improved.
28.09.2011
Jersey is strengthening its position.
The island of Jersey, as an offshore zone, is a favorable area for investment because of obvious tax advantages offering.
27.09.2011
Greece has introduced a new tax.
As it is known Greece today is in the group of countries most affected by the crisis.
26.09.2011
Recently Swiss deputies have discussed the issue of tax "attractiveness" of the Confederation.
A few days ago the Swiss officials discussed the need to preserve the tax attractiveness of the country.
23.09.2011
The process of assets transfer from European banks continues to take place.
In recent months there has been a tendency of assets withdrawal from European banks.
22.09.2011
There are many alternatives in Russia but all of them come to the one...
Today there are heated debates concerning tax policy of the Russian Federation in state bodies, in the Ministry of Finance in particular.
Denmark has simplified relocation
Since July 1, 2024, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration has simplified the possibility of relocation for some more specialties.
France will simplify the procedure for extending a residence permit
From July 15, 2024, a new procedure will come into force that will allow foreigners residing in France to apply for an extension of their residence permit online.
The best cities for remote work
The Berlin-based WorkMotion platform conducted a study among 85 cities around the world and ranked the best cities for remote work.
End of the residence permit program in Latvia
The Latvian Seimas in the final reading approved amendments to the immigration law, which suspend the unhindered extension of a temporary residence permit (residence permit) in the republic for citizens of Russia and Belarus.
JPMorgan under suspicion?
In Frankfurt an inspection was being conducted at the offices of the American bank JPMorgan Chase & Co., related to the investigation of a high—profile tax fraud in the history of Germany - the so-called Cum-Ex transactions.
Switzerland raises taxes
The Swiss Federal Council issued the official statement in which it announced that the state continues the procedure for implementing the global minimum tax in accordance with Component 2 of the OECD Decision for the International Tax Reform.
The senate of the USA decided not to raise a tax for rich men
Senators didn't support Barack Obama's initiative on raising a tax rate for the rich Americans, also known as "Buffett's rule".
The US Securities and Exchange Commission enhance cooperation with EC and Cayman islands
The representative of the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it has established two Memorandums of understanding with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) as part of long-term strategy to improve the oversight of regulated entities that operate across national borders.
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