Firm

In recent weeks, we have seen important Australian tax developments that are relevant to multinationals and inbound investments. With many initiatives taking effect as early as January 1 2019, multinationals should consider the potential impact on their inbound and outbound Australian investments.

In recent years, there have been various accounting changes which have had significant tax implications on how certain items are accounted for and potentially taxed. The two main changes in Hong Kong have been HKFRS 9 (affecting financial instruments) and HKFRS 16 (leases).

At an executive meeting of China's State Council on July 23 2018, Premier Li Keqiang announced that the country would expand the scope of the 75% corporate income tax (CIT) super deduction for eligible research and development (R&D) expenses to cover all resident enterprises. This super deduction rate currently applies to defined science and technology-related small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while other enterprises can obtain a 50% super deduction. The announced changes will abolish the 50% super deduction incentive. The details of the expanded incentive are still pending, and it remains to be seen whether the increased super deduction rate can be applied retroactively and whether the scope of deductible expenses will be expanded further. This improvement to the super deduction follows the enhancement of the incentive in June's Cai Shui (Circular) 64, to cover R&D work outsourced by Chinese enterprises to foreign providers.