Category: Investments

Belarus, France to sign agreements on investment protection, double taxation avoidance

MINSK, 18 June (BelTA) – Belarus and France are preparing to sign bilateral agreements on investment protection and double taxation avoidance. This and other upcoming events were discussed during a meeting of Belarusian Ambassador to the French Republic Pavel Latushko and Julien Buissart, Head of the CIS, Balkans and Middle-East… – Continue reading

Australia: Experts Say Tax Office on ‘Warpath’ Against Crypto Investors

Australian tax experts have confirmed that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is cracking down on cryptocurrency investors this year, local news outlet The New Daily reports Friday, June 15. The ATO had said in early March that they would be using a combination of data matching and “100-point identification checks”… – Continue reading

Gibraltar—Marbella. Russian oligarchs hide their Spanish assets offshore

It emerged that Russian oligarchs, members of ‘Russian mafia’, and many other owners of real estate in Spain have neither Spanish citizenship nor residential permit and successfully evade national taxes. Mansions in Marbella purchased by Russians officially belong to offshore companies incorporated in Gibraltar, a tiny British Overseas Territory. The… – Continue reading

Foreign Investors Council focuses on modernisation efforts

ASTANA – The 31st plenary session of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Investors’ Council themed “Accelerated modernisation” discussed digital transformation, new technologies and prospects for further economic growth at a June 6 meeting here. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev briefed the session on Kazakhstan’s efforts to ensure the stability of the national economy in… – Continue reading

Update on Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residence Program

Concerned about the tax implications of buying property in Portugal? Good news! Foreigners who want to buy in Portugal and meet certain criteria may be exempt from paying tax on most forms of overseas income. Here’s how! In a bid to bounce back from the 2008 financial crisis, Portugal has… – Continue reading

Moldova to Ease Citizenship Requirements for Investors

The Moldovan parliament is divided over proposed amendments that would allow wealthy investors to bypass certain requirements in the citizen application process, Balkan Insight reported Friday. Some members of parliament warn that the changes, which are expected to pass next week, will undermine security and worsen Moldova’s reputation for corruption…. – Continue reading

Govt to maintain investment climate, tax reform in setting 2019 tax target

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said the government will consider several scenarios in determining its 2019 tax revenue target while adhering to its commitment to maintaining a conducive investment climate and pushing for tax reform. “The tax revenue target will be set in consideration of current global and national… – Continue reading

Tax Competitiveness in India: Changing Rules, Trends in Taxation

Ease of doing business and tax reforms are at the center of India’s growth agenda as the country pitches itself as the leading investment destination among global emerging markets. Yet, India’s tax competitiveness record remains mixed. At a time when the U.S., U.K., and Japan have slashed their corporate tax… – Continue reading

Deloitte: Romania faces growing fiscal competition as 8 EU member states cut corporate tax rates since 2017

Romania will be able to count less on the low taxation advantage in order to attract investments due to growing competition, after eight EU member states have reduced their corporate tax rates since 2017, according to a study released by Deloitte Romania. “Even in the new context, the Romanian corporate… – Continue reading

Relying on tax incentives in SEZs may breed unhealthy competition: experts

Clear policies, investment-friendly business environments and streamlined government approval procedures are more important, experts say. Vietnam’s special economic zones (SEZs) should focus more on developing clear policies, fostering investment-friendly environment and streamlining government approval process instead of relying only on tax incentives, a conference heard Friday. Hoang The Long, former… – Continue reading

Ghana Parliamentary Minority raises red flag over Double Taxation Agreements with four countries

The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over government’s intention to approve Double Taxation Agreements with the Czech Republic, Morocco, Mauritius and Singapore which they claim were not in the interest of the country. According to the Minority, Ghana would not benefit from the deal since the level of investments… – Continue reading

Cayman’s offshore rivals target crypto market

(CNS): As the global cryptocurrency sector heats up, job creating international investment is seeking out suitable jurisdictions and Cayman Islands’ offshore rivals are looking to steal a march on this growth by introducing crypto-friendly laws and legislation, with Bermuda in pole position. Bermuda’s government said recently that it wants to… – Continue reading

UM Foundation invests tens of millions in offshore tax havens

The Paradise Papers leak exposes how university foundations across the country hide money in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda The University of Montana Foundation has invested more than $30 million in offshore hedge funds and private equity firms in Caribbean and Central American tax havens, including an investment in a… – Continue reading

Withholding Corporate Income Tax in China

In China, withholding Corporate Income Tax (CIT) is applied to the following China-sourced incomes derived by non-resident enterprises without establishments in China, or to that derived by non-resident enterprises with establishments in China but whose income is not related to these establishments: Dividends, bonuses, and other equity investment proceeds; Interests,… – Continue reading

Walmart-Flipkart deal: Buyout liable to tax in India; I-T Dept awaits formal pact

Some advantage could be there under Double-Tax Avoidance Agreement: experts MUMBAI, MAY 8 The $15-billion buyout of e-commerce player Flipkart by US retail giant Walmart is likely to attract capital gains tax under Indian laws, similar to the tax imposed on Vodafone, even though the entities are headquartered abroad. Some… – Continue reading

Zimbabwe, Qatar to pursue investment protection, taxation agreements

HARARE, May 7 (Xinhua) — Zimbabwe and Qatar on Monday agreed to expeditiously negotiate and conclude agreements that protect future investments and avoid double taxation, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa has said. Addressing journalists in Doha, Qatar, after the first meeting between Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Amir… – Continue reading

Delhi High Court refuses to stop Vodafone’s UK arbitration

MUMBAI, MAY 7 The Delhi High Court has refused to stop the arbitration filed by Vodafone Plc in the UK against the ₹22,000-crore tax claim by the Indian tax department. The court said that the Centre can approach the UK arbitration tribunal under the India-United Kingdom Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement… – Continue reading

LUX-FRANCE DTT: CLARIFY BEFORE YOU RATIFY

Alfi speaks out on the double taxation treaty signed between Luxembourg and France on 20 March 2018. Although it appreciates that it is the product of bilateral negotiation, it calls for more clarity before it is ratified. The Association of the Luxembourg Funds Industry (Alfi) has added its voice to… – Continue reading

Opportunity Zone Program turns blight sites into tax havens for asset-rich investors

The rich are getting richer in America but that prosperity is not trickling down the economic food chain, with investment capital pooling up in thriving portions of big cities. One reason for this, experts believe, is the amount of wealth tied up in assets—real estate holdings and stock portfolios, primarily—that… – Continue reading

Cambodia, Vietnam ink double taxation agreement

Cambodia has signed a double taxation agreement with Vietnam that protects each country’s nationals from dual taxation, according to a news release from the General Department of Taxation released on Tuesday. The agreement was signed on Saturday on the sidelines of the Greater Mekong Subregion Summit held in Hanoi. Chou… – Continue reading

Qc Backs Income Taxes To Ease ‘Rich/Poor Divide’

AN outspoken QC is backing the introduction of corporate and personal income taxes as a way to reduce “the gulf between rich and poor” in the Bahamas. Fred Smith QC, the Callenders & Co attorney and partner, has added his voice to those urging the Government to use the European… – Continue reading

TAX TALK: LUX-FRANCE TREATY CREATES UNCERTAINTY

On the occasion of the signing of the new double taxation treaty (DTT) between Luxembourg and France on 20 March 2018, the grand duchy’s finance minister, Pierre Gramegna, commented in a government press release that the new DTT is, “…an innovative instrument that will benefit both citizens and business in… – Continue reading

UK’s Proposed Digital Tax ‘Would Cauterize Investment’

The introduction of a unilateral revenue tax on digital businesses in the UK would stymie investment and be a strangely timed gamble, says accountancy firm Moore Stephens. The Government’s position paper, “Corporate tax and the digital economy,” released at the recent Spring Statement, includes a proposal to tax certain tech… – Continue reading

India-Iran DTAA – A Step Forward in India’s Economic Engagement with Central Asia

India and Iran signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) in February, during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s official visit to India. The ‘Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income’ aims to encourage the movement of investments and services… – Continue reading

Foreign investors oppose tax amnesty scheme for offshore assets

KARACHI: Foreign investors expressed concern over a proposed tax amnesty scheme to bring back offshore investments, terming it as an injustice with compliant taxpayers, officials said on Monday. Overseas Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), representing major foreign companies in Pakistan recently shared its concerns, through a letter, with… – Continue reading

High net worth expats in UAE increasingly applying for second passport

High net worth residents in the UAE are increasingly applying for second passports to avail of maximum visa-free travel opportunities, expand businesses and avoid double taxation, experts have said. According to companies involved in citizenship programmes, most of the demand for second citizenship programmes is coming from Indians, Pakistanis, Syrians… – Continue reading

Bangladesh, Morocco sign deal on avoidance of double taxation

In a meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the areas of economic development, trade and investment, agriculture and tourism cooperation Bangladesh and Morocco have signed an agreement on avoidance of double taxation and a protocol on Foreign Office Consultations. The two instruments were signed by Foreign Minister… – Continue reading

OECD Consults On Tackling Common Reporting Standard Circumvention

The OECD has recently launched a consultation on tackling the circumvention of its latest international tax transparency standard, the Common Reporting Standard, through the use by individuals of residency by investment (RBI), or citizenship by investment (CBI) schemes. These schemes typically entitle individuals to reside or gain citizenship through making… – Continue reading

FBR lists 400 Pakistanis with investments in UAE real estate: sources

KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has listed 400 Pakistanis who own real estate in UAE, sources told Geo News Wednesday, after the revenue minister announced an investigation into the matter. Geo News broke the story on February 6, 2018, in which it reported that the Pakistani individuals have… – Continue reading

Offshore wealth investigation

ONCE again reports are appearing in the media about the billions of dollars stashed by Pakistanis in foreign accounts or the investments they have made especially in property market abroad. National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance was informed on Friday that seven thousand Pakistanis have invested a whopping Rs 800… – Continue reading

FDI enterprises pay lowest taxes despite high profits

HÀ NỘI– Foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises, which have enjoyed multiple tax incentives, pay the lowest State taxes despite reporting high profits, statistics show. FDI enterprises have achieved the highest profit growth among the economic sectors, generating VNĐ327.4 trillion (US$14.4 billion) in pre-tax profits in 2016, an increase of 17.3… – Continue reading

US tax overhaul could see $2 trillion repatriated: UN

The recent U.S. tax overhaul could prompt U.S. multinationals to repatriate around $2 trillion (1.6 trillion euros), making a significant impact on global foreign direct investment, the U.N. said on Feb. 5. The forecast from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) came just over a month after… – Continue reading

US Inc. urges Jaitley to reduce tax uncertainty for MNCs

Washington–Ahead of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s last full Union Budget, the US-India Business Council (USIBC) has urged him to further reduce tax uncertainty for multinational companies and foreign investors, even as Indian industry has voiced its own areas of concern. In a memorandum submitted to Jaitley, the USIBC has said… – Continue reading

Malta makes 518 mln euros from its citizenship by investment scheme

VALLETTA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) — Malta has generated 518 million euros since it started its citizenship by investment scheme, according to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Replying to a parliamentary question on Wednesday, Muscat said that of the total revenue generated, 363 million euros had entered in the country’s National Development… – Continue reading

There Is a Raging Battle of Tax Codes with China and the US Starting the Race

The GOP tax bill that was signed into law by the white house late last year, significantly reduced corporate taxes which has piled pressure on other significant economies around the world to adjust so as not to lose investors to the United States. Just hours after President Trump signed the… – Continue reading

China to offer tax breaks to foreign companies after GOP tax bill

A 10% tax that China has slapped exclusively on foreign companies’ profits from equity investments will temporarily be waved if the earnings are plowed into government-targeted sectors, according to a statement issued Thursday by four central government ministries. The move will help retain foreign investment and stabilize cross-border capital flows,… – Continue reading

Taiwan-Czech Republic ink double taxation avoidance pact

An agreement between Taiwan and the Czech Republic on double taxation avoidance and fiscal evasion prevention with respect to taxes on income was concluded Dec. 12 in Prague, setting the stage for increased investment and trade as well as industrial and technological cooperation between the two countries, according to the… – Continue reading

Capital Markets Union: Commission announces new tax guidelines to make life easier for cross-border investors

The Commission has today put forward new guidelines on withholding taxes to help Member States reduce costs and simplify procedures for cross-border investors in the EU. The new Code of Conduct offers solutions for investors who, as a result of how withholding taxes are applied, end up paying taxes twice… – Continue reading

Australian Tax and Cryptoassets

Australian tax rules relating to cryptoassets remain in their infancy, comprising largely of antiquated rules for fiat currency transactions, with impractical attempts at guidance from revenue authorities. This practical guide summarises the Australian tax issues for some typical cryptoasset transactions. In this innovative sector, no two transactions are the same…. – Continue reading

Revised tax treaty to boost bilateral investment: Cyprus envoy

Kolkata, Nov 25 (PTI) The revised tax treaty between Indian and Cyprus will promote bilateral investments, a diplomat said here today. The two countries signed the revised India-Cyprus Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in November, 2016. “I believe with new taxation agreement, investment from both sides will increase,” High Commissioner of… – Continue reading