Blog

IRS Publishes FAQs for FFI Agreement Renewal

The IRS has published Frequently Asked Questions regarding the FFI agreement renewal. The deadline for the renewal is July 31, 2017, and the obligation to renew applies to Participating FFIs not covered by an IGA, Reporting FFIs under a Model 2 IGA, and Registered Deemed-Compliant FFIs that are Reporting FFIs under a Model 1 IGA operating branches […]

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Nauru Publishes List of Excluded Accounts for CRS Reporting

The Nauru Department of Finance has released information on excluded accounts under the Common Reporting Standard. The newly published regulations provide that dormant accounts will be excluded for the purposes of CRS reporting. The definition of a “dormant account,” in addition to the conditions for ceasing to be classified as dormant, is explained in detail within these […]

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Curacao Publishes Revised AEOI Manual and Online Portal Guide

Curacao’s Ministry of Finance has released FATCA and CRS guidance regarding data specifications for XML transmittals and use of the online financial data exchange portal. The Manual of Automatic Exchange of Information, which provides information for both FATCA and CRS transmittals, has been revised to reflect the following updates: The AccountReport – Payment element has been updated to […]

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LA House Bill 629 becomes Act No. 424

On June 26, 2017, Governor John Bell Edwards signed House Bill 629 into law (Act No. 424).  Under this Act, polyroll tubing for commercial farm irrigation is now exempt from tax, as well as purchases and leases by qualifying radiation therapy treatment centers.  Act No. 424 also limits the exemption for fuels and gases to […]

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Intelligent Compliance Key to Success in Latin America

Any business with operations in Latin America knows what a burden e-invoicing and tax reporting compliance can be. From constantly changing legislation to business disruptions and financial penalties, the challenges associated with Latin American compliance are profound, and continue to compound with each new mandate.

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ECJ Case Provides Guidance on Zero-Rated Services relating to the Exporting and Importing of Goods

The European Court of Justice has ruled, in Case C-288/16, that an exemption for services “directly connected” with exportation or importation of goods applies only if those services are supplied directly to the importer/exporter or to the consignee of the goods. The holding turned on the definition of the phrase “direct connection” within Article 146(1)(e) […]

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Further Clarity of Pending Puerto Rico Sales Tax Legislation

As reported earlier on this forum, Puerto Rico is considering 2017-2018 budget legislation that may significantly impact remittance requirements for existing taxpayers in the immediate future. Specifically the bill which is currently sitting on the Governor’s desk, would require taxpayers whose average sales tax liability is at least $2000 per month (or who otherwise qualify […]

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Cook County Court Blocks Sweetened Beverage Tax

Just a day before it was slated to take effect, a Cook County Circuit Court granted an emergency motion that temporarily bars the enforcement of the Sweetened Beverage Tax. The ordinance, which was passed last November, would have imposed a $.01 per ounce tax on virtually all sales of sweetened beverages (and beverage syrups) in […]

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LA restores the sales and use tax exemption for medical devices.

Last year, Louisiana re-vamped their tax code, and among the changes imposed was that medical devices went from being exempt to being taxed at a 3% rate.  This change was scheduled to expire on July 1, 2018.  However, on June 23, 2017, Governor John Bell Edwards signed Senate Bill 180 into law (Act No. 426). […]

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IRS Releases Publication 1179, General Rules and Specifications for Substitute Forms 1096, 1098, 1099, 5498, and Certain Other Information Returns

The IRS has released an updated Publication 1179 for Tax Year 2017. This publication provides guidelines for those who create and provide substitute information returns to follow.  There are a few changes from the previous revision: Vendor codes The use of a vendor code is encouraged in place of a form printer EINs The 4-digit […]

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IRS Releases 2017 Guam Wage & Tax Statement

The IRS recently published the 2017 version of Form W-2GU, the Guam Wage and Tax Statement. This form is used to report Guam wages, and should not be used to report wages subject to U.S. income tax withholding. While the form itself remains the same, there are minor changes made to the instructions attached to […]

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IRS Releases Bulletin No. 2017-26 Highlighting Certain Information Return Updates and Changes

The IRS recently released Bulletin No. 2017-26. The bulletin is noteworthy particularly because part of this Bulletin will be repurposed into Publication 1179. Below is a list of the changes the IRS has specifically highlighted for attention: Vendor code. The use of a vendor code is encouraged in place of a form printer EINs. See Section […]

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Louisiana exempts coins and precious metals.

Under House Bill 396 (Act No. 340) Louisiana will permit full exemptions from sales and use taxes for platinum, gold, or silver bullion, valued on its precious metal content; numismatic coins with a sales price of no more than one thousand dollars; and numismatic coins sold at a national, statewide, or multi-parish numismatic trade show. […]

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Louisiana qualifies agricultural exemptions: feed, seed, and fertilizer

Senate Bill 97 (Act No. 378) qualifies the Louisiana sales and use tax exemptions for certain agricultural items.  Effective January 1, 2018, sales of seeds used for planting crops, pesticides used for agricultural purposes, liquefied petroleum gases used for farm purposes, and commercial farm irrigation equipment will only be exempt when made to commercial farmers.

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Colorado Finalizes Emergency Rule on Reporting for Non Collecting Retailers

As previously reported in this forum, on July 1, 2017, Colorado’s long anticipated notice and reporting requirements for non-collecting retailers goes into effect. In the last few days, Colorado moved to finalize the details as to how the rule will be enforced, which are described in Emergency Rule 39.21-112.35. This law requires retailers that do not […]

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Delaware Advances Filing Due Date for 1099-MISC

Filing extended for 1099-MISC Forms reporting non-employee compensation now in line with federal calendar.  Delaware recently amended legislation pertaining to information returns, and part of this legislation advances the filing due date for 1099-MISC forms reporting non-employee compensation in Box 7. This brings the filing deadlines in line with the federal calendar. 1099-MISC forms with Box […]

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4 Key Changes in Ecuador’s New Offline E-Invoicing Model

Starting January 2018, all taxpayers in Ecuador will be required to start invoicing under Ecuador’s new offline schema. Announced by the SRI, Ecuador’s tax authority, in 2015, this new e-invoicing model presents both benefits and challenges to companies operating in Ecuador. On one hand, this new process will give companies a slight buffer for compliance, […]

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IRS Releases Drafts of Form W-8IMY and Instructions

The IRS has published draft versions of its revised Form W-8IMY, Certificate of Foreign Intermediary, Foreign Flow-Through Entity, or Certain U.S. Branches for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting, and instructions for filers of this form. There are a number of significant updates to this form of which filers should be aware: Qualified Derivatives Dealers […]

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