China to spread pilot VAT general taxpayer qualification project in integrated free trade zones

The State Taxation Administration, the Ministry of Finance and the General Administration of Customs issued a joint announcement on August 16 confirming their decision to spread the pilot general taxpayer qualification of enterprises’value added tax (VAT) throughout integrated free trade zones. 

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South Korea - 2020 Budget Planned to Support Industry and Innovation

The government proposed an expanded budget for 2020, worth 513.5 trillion won, with its focus on boosting the economy and promoting innovation.  Total expenditures will be increased by 43.9 trillion won, or 9.3 percent, compared with the 2019 budget. 

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Ireland - New Preclearance process to be introduced to help Non-EEA de facto partners of Irish citizens live and work in Ireland

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, is launching a new streamlined preclearance process to make it easier for Irish emigrants to return home with their Non-EEA de facto partners.

Under the new process, de facto partners of Irish citizens will be allowed to apply for their permission to reside in the country before they travel to Ireland.

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UK - Brexit Secretary signs order to scrap 1972 Brussels Act - ending all EU law in the UK

The Government has signed into law legislation to repeal the Act of Parliament which set in stone Britain’s EU (EEC) membership in 1972.

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Hong Kong - Financial Secretary (FS) announces measures to support enterprises and residents

The Hong Kong economy faced significant downward pressure in the second quarter. The situation has turned even more austere in recent months. 

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Washington - IRS automatically waives estimated tax penalty for eligible 2018 tax filers

The Internal Revenue Service is automatically waiving the estimated tax penalty for the more than 400,000 eligible taxpayers who already filed their 2018 federal income tax returns but did not claim the waiver.

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Australia - ATO watching for foreign income this Tax Time

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is urging taxpayers who receive any foreign income from investments, family members or working overseas to make sure they report it this tax time. 

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Taiwan - Labor Ministry committee sets minimum monthly wage hike at 3%

A Ministry of Labor (MOL) committee decided Wednesday to raise Taiwan's minimum monthly wage by 3 percent and the minimum hourly wage by 5 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2020.

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United States and Canada Implement Preclearance Agreement

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced, in partnership with the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, the implementation of an agreement to improve mutual security and expedite lawful travel through preclearance for travelers and their accompanying baggage on certain transports.

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Generous incentives on offer for high-caliber talents in Hangzhou

Hangzhou Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau recently released a revised list of the classifications for high-caliber talents in Hangzhou, local media reported on Aug 12.

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