Other Briefings
Malaysian PM Strongly Supports Goods and Services Tax
A range of Malaysian politicians have strongly criticized the country’s recently implemented goods and services tax (GST), causing Prime Minister Najib to step into the fray and reiterate his reasons for the new tax.
Indonesia Extends Tax Holiday in Bid to Attract More Foreign Investment
Indonesia has announced plans to extend the validity of the country’s tax holiday from the current 10 years to a maximum of 15 years. The tax holiday applies to investments over IDR 1 trillion (US$76 million), labor-intensive investments, and investments into eastern Indonesia (an economically poorer region). Additionally, the tax holiday will be applied to investments into “pioneer” sectors.
ASEAN’s 2015 AEC Compliance Deadline – What It Actually Means
Chris Devonshire-Ellis explains what the much publicized “AEC Deadline” which is due at 31st December 2015 really means for your business in ASEAN.
The Philippines Calls for a Further Simplified Tax System
Over the past year, the Philippines has been making great strides in improving its business environment. Chief among these improvements has been the government’s efforts to simplify the country’s tax system. While the initial steps in this area have met with some success, there have been calls from within and outside of the government to further improve the tax system.
Malaysia GST: Implications for Manufacturers
Malaysia has introduced a new Goods and Services Tax of six percent. However, the country’s Customs Department has said that confusion over the new tax will last six months to a year. Consumer concerns regarding the GST have been over price increases, whereas businesses concerns have focused on compliance costs and its effect on competitiveness.
Malaysia GST Implementation on April 1, 2015
The Malaysian government is preparing to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on April 1, 2015.
Thailand’s Government to Cut Land and Buildings Tax and CIT Rates on SMEs
Thailand’s government has announced that it will be cutting the tax rates on its Land and Building tax, as well as on its Corporate Income Tax rates for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Cambodia Raises its Income Tax Threshold
At the beginning of January, Cambodia reduced the income tax burden on workers in the country. The government has raised its tax threshold from 500,000 riel (US$125) to 800,000 riel (US$200). The previous lowest income tax bracket had begun at 500,000 riel, at a rate of five percent. This change puts approximately US$3.75 a month back into the pockets of workers in Cambodia earning over US$200 per month.
Changes to Singapore Transfer Pricing Guidelines
On 6th January 2015, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (“IRAS”) released revised transfer pricing guidelines.
Philippines the First ASEAN Country to Join the EU’s General System of Preferences Plus (GSP+)
On December 18, 2014, the European Parliament officially granted the Philippines’ request for inclusion in the European Union’s (EU) General System of Preferences Plus (GSP+). The Philippines will soon be able to export, tariff-free, over 6,200 products (66 percent of all product tariff lines) to the EU, including processed fruit, coconut oil, footwear, fish, and textiles.
