Getting to the heart of the matter In the face of globalization and e-transformation, Europe’s top advisers are increasingly adopting a business-first approach to clients’ tax needs. Sharon Cunningham explains why pure tax solutions are no longer appropriate
Singapore gives the green light to joint ventures Singapore’s decision to liberalize legal services could create a premier league of firms in the island republic
ABA rejects multidisciplinary practices The American Bar Association (ABA) has voted overwhelmingly to reject multidisciplinary practices (MDPs), and in so doing has dismayed the accounting industry.
Andersen Consulting ‘wins’ messy divorce Both sides claim victory as the International Chamber of Commerce issues its decision on the Andersen Consulting/Arthur Andersen split, reports Georgina Stanley
Minors in New Zealand face a 70% tax hike Tax increases on beneficiary income could result in higher compliance costs for trusts
Isle of Man proposes improved tax regime The Isle of Man has put forward proposals aimed at revamping its existing regime and building on its success as an attractive business location
Foreigners offered equality Germany’s tax reform programme was approved on July 14 2000. A package of tax rate reductions and a fundamental reform of business taxation aim to attract foreign investment. By Hans-Jürgen Hennig of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Frankfurt
Hybrid benefits denied The US Treasury has published its final regulations denying US treaty benefits to payments made through so-called hybrid entities. The regulations’ limited scope means they only deny treaty benefits that might otherwise be available. By Kim Blanchard of Torys, New York
EU forges ahead on e-commerce Business and governments alike are simultaneously rubbing their hands in delight and shaking their heads with worry as e-commerce advances ever forward. Christine Sanderson of PricewaterhouseCoopers, London overviews the challenges ahead
Singapore boosts hi-tech incentives The Singapore government aims to encourage hi-tech start-ups through its new Entrepreneurial Employee Stock Option Scheme. On offer is a 50% tax exemption, in addition to the already low corporate and personal income tax rates. By Linda Ng of White & Case LLP, Tokyo
Share and share alike the Latin way Careful structuring of shared service centres may result in tax and customs duty savings for multinationals with regional operations in Latin America. By Nico del Castillo, Jorge Gross, Ramon Mullerat and Manuel Solano, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, New York
Securing tax benefits in Mexico US flow-through entities can now access reduced withholding tax rates in Mexico, while Mexican entities involved in a merger can use operating losses to secure a tax reduction. By Federico Aguilar, Nicolás José Muñiz and Jorge García, Ernst & Young, New York and Mexico City
Court decision, proposed revisions of the Petroleum Tax Act and environmental differentiated tonnage taxation
Darren Mee Managing the group treasury and tax for a plc is no mean task, but Darren Mee of David S Smith (Holdings) explains to Sharon Cunningham how he has achieved this while still maintaining a balance with his private life
