Saudi Arabia plays safe on reform New Saudi tax reforms attempt to balance the need for alternative sources of income with the desire for more foreign investment in the private sector.
Could iX spell the end of UK stamp duty? A question mark hangs over the future of UK stamp duty as part of the fall-out from the planned merger of the London and Frankfurt stock exchanges
UK Inland Revenue access to privileged legal documents may be cut back In April 2000, the UK Inland Revenue published its revised proposals for a new power to apply for a judicial order to access certain documents. These may be required as evidence in any criminal proceedings connected to suspected serious tax fraud. The proposals are part of the Finance Bill being debated in the UK parliament, and so could change.
Dutch Ministry of Finance prohibits advance rulings on hybrid instruments On May 3 2000, the Dutch Ministry of Finance issued a statement clarifying its new ruling policy on the tax-driven use of hybrid instruments and hybrid entities. Dick A Hofland and Eelco B van der Stok of Freshfields, Amsterdam and London, report
Estonia extends corporate tax liability On March 22 2000, the Estonian parliament adopted an Amendment Act of Commercial Law, effective April 17 2000, which will increase the income tax liability of public limited companies.
UK defers restrictions on mixers The UK’s decision to defer its restrictions on the use of mixers is a positive but not a definitive step. Industry should continue to lobby – just in case
Ukraine: payments to non-residents offshore The Ukraine Cabinet of Ministers has published its official list of offshore jurisdictions subject to a restriction on expense deductions.
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Fighting for harmony, not balance In a frank rejoinder to an article that was published in the February issue of International Tax Review, Robert Couzin’s defends the right of companies to legally reduce their tax burden.
Grasp the moment in China Foreign investors should act now if they want to get the best out of post-WTO China.
Leaders and followers join forces Latin American countries are taking steps towards greater regional tax co-ordination.
Draft code disappoints and burdens Investors are advised to remain vigilant in the light of Russia’s disappointing draft tax code.
Investment boom attracts expats A simplified foreign investment regime is opening up a number of expat tax opportunities.
Insurers push to close the loophole US insurers voice their anger over a perceived tax loophole used by some insurers to transfer risk offshore.
Kriss Bush In the first in a series profiling in-house tax professionals, Sharon Cunningham talks to Kriss Bush, CPA, as he reflects on his career at Cable & Wireless and looks forward to his future with leading investment bank Lehman Brothers