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Recent headlines might lead you to think that the only thing that interests multinational business is dodging taxes, and the only thing that interests governments is maximising the tax yield. The perception that low and middle income individuals are facing increasing taxes at a time when big multinationals are not contributing their fair share has become a political problem now identified by the G20.

Rajendra Nayak

Balázs Békés The Hungarian government recently announced that it wishes to start talks with Switzerland and obtain data on Hungarian individuals' Swiss bank accounts. The government wants to impose a 35% withholding tax on Hungarian funds held with Swiss banks. As a new trend, Austria, UK and Germany have already negotiated on specific "Rubik agreements" with Switzerland, addressing information exchange and taxation of undisclosed funds. According to such treaties, bank account holders are free to choose one of the following options: Firstly, they may grant an authorisation to the bank to deliver the information; secondly, they may maintain their anonymity but, in this case, they must pay a flat tax withheld at source; thirdly, they may decide to withdraw from Switzerland and close their bank accounts.

Giuliano Foglia

Cynthia Herman The Myanmar government announced a new round of bids on January 17 2013, giving oil and gas companies two months in which to submit their expression of interest.

A monthly commentary on the notable facts, figures and goings-on in the tax world.

Daniel Harrison In an effort to avoid the double taxation of international income and thus promote foreign direct investment, Laos has concluded double taxation agreements (DTAs) with 12 countries to date – the most recent of which was with Luxembourg on November 4 2012, the first EU member to do so. The Laos-Luxembourg DTA is pending ratification, but it is understood that it will offer a maximum dividend withholding tax rate of 5% where at least 10% of the shares are directly held.

David Cuéllar

No one who has been around deal-making for the last five years believes that the boom times for M&A are coming back soon, but there are signs of recovery in the market. International Tax Review analyses the global M&A trends this year and highlights the leading firms renowned for their advice in this difficult field.

South Africa will introduce a carbon tax under the budget 2013. However advisers fear the tax may deter foreign investment in the country.