Middle East Tax Update

Twice a year the PwC Middle East tax team compiles an update of significant developments in fiscal policy and international tax treaties within the region.

June 2009 edition 

Editorial comments focus on managing risks and opportunities related to transfer pricing during a global economic downturn. This regional tax update includes:

Tax reforms in Jordan and Oman Transfer pricing developments in Egypt Implementation of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in Iraq Introduction of new Tax Procedure Law in Lebanon Regulatory clarification of tax treatment for swap agreements and double taxation of a subsidiary’s income in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Indirect tax developments in Iran and Yemen Customs duties developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE Developments in payroll taxes, employee levies and/or sponsorship rules in Bahrain, Lebanon, Libya, Syria and the UAE Recent developments in double tax treaties

Download June 2009 edition (0.7mb)

The international tax update focuses on developments in China, France, the United Kingdom and the United States.

December 2008 edition

Editorial comments review reform in the taxation of gains arising from the disposal of listed securities by non-residents in the Middle East. This regional tax update includes:

• Amended Palestinian income tax law
• Clarification of new Kuwait corporate income tax law
• Introduction of a new offshore law in Lebanon
• Regulatory changes allowing foreign ownership of listed securities on Saudi stock exchange – Tadawul
• Indirect tax developments in Egypt, Iran and Yemen
• Recent developments in double tax treaties

The international tax update focuses on developments in China, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Download English version - December 2008 (0.6mb)

May 2008 edition

Editorial review of the growing trend in networks of international tax agreements reflecting the growth in outbound investment led historically by sovereign wealth funds.

TThe regional tax update covers the dramatic proposal to reduce Kuwait’s corporate income tax rate from 55% to 15% and the proposed introduction of Zakat both there and in the UAE.

The international tax update focuses on developments in China and the United Kingdom among other countries.

Download English version - May 2008 (1.0mb)

November 2007 edition

This inaugural edition of the Middle East Tax Update provides an overview of the tax landscape throughout the region providing an indication on the future of taxation policy including direct taxation, increasing regulatory awareness of anti-avoidance, international taxation, indirect tax and personal income tax.

The international tax update focuses on significant developments in China, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the USA.

Download English version - November 2007 (0.7mb)