The IMF may have provided the Japanese government with more arguments for raising taxes as the economy recovers from the impact of the pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has used stimulus measures, as well as tax incentives, to boost economic growth.
“Fiscal policy should be nimble and flexible, adjusting the scale and composition of support in response to epidemiological and economic developments,” the IMF said as part of its report on the Japanese economy.
Although the Japanese economy was stagnant long before the pandemic hit, the IMF was optimistic about the country’s growth prospects. Japan may see its GDP growth rate increase to 3.3% in 2022 from 1.6% in 2021, partly thanks to the government’s stimulus package.
Prime Minister Kishida shocked investors in October when he suggested the 20% capital gains tax rate be increased as part of a fiscal consolidation. The so-called ‘Kishida shock’ saw spooked investors selling off Japanese stocks in reaction.
“As we debate a new form of capitalism, various policies will be required… to achieve a virtuous cycle between growth and distribution,” Kishida said at the time. “There is a need to consider the financial income tax. I’ve raised it as one of various options.”
The Japanese government has since shelved the proposal, but this does not mean it will stay on the shelf forever. The highest personal income tax rate is 55%, whereas consumption tax is at 10%. Japan may have to consider different tax increases to manage its debt burden.
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Businesses want India’s 2022 budget to deliver ‘clarity’ on equalisation levy
The Indian government may be about to address key problems with the equalisation levy regime and digital tax reform as part of its 2022 budget.
Taxpayers in India may gain further clarity around the equalisation levy on e-commerce transactions as well as the removal of provisions related to tax collected at source (TCS). The 2022 budget is an opportunity for reform in these key areas, but there are plenty of other tax issues to address.
The Indian government may announce proposals to adjust transfer pricing (TP) rules, including lower cost-plus rates for companies with advance pricing agreements (APAs) settlements at higher rates.
“The equalisation levy does not form part of Indian Income-tax law and are framed under a separate code. This raises issues on availing tax credit and treaty benefits in the hands of the non-resident. Thus, government may consider introducing provisions clarifying these aspects,” said Sandip Mistry, associate tax director at Siemens.
In April 2020, India introduced a 2% equalisation levy (EL) 2.0 on e-commerce vendors, applicable to non-resident e-commerce platforms selling goods and services. If a multinational company such as Amazon were to sell products online in India with no physical presence in the country, in theory, those transactions would be subject to the 2% tax.
Multinational companies have often called for further clarity over the EL. Technology companies have claimed it unfairly affected certain sectors and increased the compliance burden.
However, the OECD’s development on pillar one and two and its report on addressing tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy could mean the Indian government may abolish the EL on e-commerce transactions.
ITR Global Tax 50 2021-22: Zayda Manatta
In this exclusive interview, Zayda Manatta, head of the OECD Global Forum’s Secretariat, talks to ITR about what taxpayers can expect from her team in 2022.
Zayda Manatta has not let COVID-19 hold her back over the past year. As an international body made up of more than 160 countries, the Global Forum (GF) plays a crucial role in advancing tax transparency, but it has faced hurdles during the pandemic.
Nevertheless, Manatta has overseen key developments when it comes to the exchange of information on request (EOIR) and the automatic exchange of information (AEOI). Here she talks ITR through the difficulties and achievements of 2021, as well as her aims for 2022.
Next week in ITR
ITR is set to launch its Global Tax 50 rankings in February. Exclusive profiles of OECD tax officials and policymakers will feature alongside articles on the most important trends to follow in global tax. But ITR never takes its eye off the news.
The Indian government is set to announce its 2022 budget on February 1. Many companies are hoping for greater clarity on digital tax reform and the future of the equalisation levy, but the government has to layout its fiscal strategy to overcome the economic fallout of COVID-19.
At the same time, in-house tax teams are shifting budgets from compliance management to tax strategy for 2022. These teams must adapt as rules of tax planning have changed dramatically from the days when corporate tax did not make headlines.
Readers can expect these stories and plenty more next week. Don’t miss out on the key developments. Sign up for a free trial to ITR.
