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Americas

OECD report reveals disagreement on taxation of digital firms

March 16, 2018

A highly anticipated OECD interim report, published today, reveals that there is still no consensus among countries on whether changes should be made to international tax rules that apply to multinational digital firms. Countries did agree to study international tax concepts to see if improvements can be made, though. Also, while the report states that there is no consensus on short-term interim measures to tax the digital economy either, countries . . .

Americas

Experts consider next round of US international tax changes, BEAT as leverage in EU tax negotiations

February 5, 2018

With the ink still drying on a sweeping reform of the US international tax system, academics, economists, government officials, and tax practitioners gathered in Washington at the February 2 IIEL & ITPF tax conference to offer suggestions on how to replace or revise the new law and discussed how to the BEAT might be used as leverage in tax negotiations with the EU . . .

Europe

Japan, Iceland sign tax treaty

January 16, 2018

The governments of Japan and Iceland on January 15 signed their first tax treaty, Japan’s Ministry of Finance has announced. The treaty, which is not yet in force, would reduce withholding taxes on interest and royalties to zero. The treaty reduces withholding taxes on dividends to zero

Asia-Pacific

Comments released on tax guidance addressing offshore indirect asset transfers

December 6, 2017

18 comment letters – including letters from the governments of India and China — were released today responding to a draft “toolkit” designed to help developing countries address the taxation of offshore indirect transfers of assets, a practice used by some multinational corporations for tax avoidance. The guidance was prepared by “Platform for Collaboration on Tax,” a joint effort of the IMF, UN, OECD, and . . . .

Americas

Idan Netser joins Fenwick & West as tax partner

November 27, 2017

Mountain View, California, firm, Fenwick & West, announced November 20 that Idan Netser has rejoined the firm as a tax partner. Netser’s practice focuses on all areas of corporate taxation, including international, corporate, and partnership taxation, transfer pricing, foreign tax credits, tax planning and restructuring, international joint ventures . . .