A Quick Glance at the Special Tax Rates for SMBs in Japan

Japan is enjoying a period of sustained economic growth, although modest, that is largely fueled by domestic demand, and buffeted by strong export sales. The economy has shown tremendous resiliency in dealing with global economic concerns.

A quick glance at the special tax rates for SMBs
The Amended Tax Reform Bill includes Corporate Tax rates that were approved and effective on June 30, 2011, given that the proposed Tax Reform Bill was not passed in its original form.

The main changes under the amended Tax Reform Bill stated that the expiration dates of the Special Tax Measures Law which had been extended by 3 months (i.e. from March 31 2011 to 30 June 2011) by the Stopgap Bill are further extended. Accordingly, the reduced corporate tax rate (18%) for a small/medium-sized company (share capital less than or equal to JPY 100 million) will be extended. The tax reform bill also states that companies filing blue tax returns and satisfying certain conditions can claim special tax credits of JPY 200,000 for the net increase in the number of each employee.  The benefit will be applicable to the company for fiscal years commencing between April 1, 2011 and March 31, 2014.

The Tax Reform Bill is also inclusive of  

• Amendment to employment income deduction rules
• Amendment to taxation of retirement income
• Repealing allowances for adult dependents

International Tax
With regard to the foreign tax credit, the June Bill affirmed that where the applicable tax rates vary depending on an agreement with local taxing authorities, any taxes in excess of the amount computed using the lowest applicable rate can be excluded for purposes of the foreign tax credit computation or the anti-tax haven rules. The amendment is effective after June 30, 2011. And also for the purpose of computing foreign tax credit limitation, income of a corporation which may be taxed in a foreign country in accordance with the tax treaty from Japan and that foreign country shall generally be deemed to be treated as foreign source income for fiscal years starting on or after April 1, 2011.

Corporate Tax

• Reduction of corporate income tax rate
• Review of the net operating loss carry-forward rule
• Amendment of the depreciation provisions
• Amendment of bad debt reserves

Whileexpanding business overseas, corporate tax returns and financial statements need to be prepared on different computational bases. This can pose a challenge to companies operating overseas since the criteria for corporate tax compliance vary from country to country. Companies also need accurate international corporate tax provisioning accruals to be made, which can be done with ease with a help of a business partner, who can also provide assistance in other areas of business like expat tax advice,international accounting, HR etc,

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What you need to know about Ghana before expanding your business there

If you are looking for low competition along with a tremendous growth potential, Ghana is certainly the way to go. Besides the obvious advantage of being a tropical paradise, Ghana's strategic central location makes it a great base for expand your business further into the West Africa. Keen on welcoming foreign investors, Ghana's government have a number of incentives in place encourage entrepreneurs to start a business in Ghana. There is no better time to start or expand your business in "the land of the sun."

Why expand to Ghana?
Situated in western Africa facing the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana is the perfect gateway for exporters looking to expand north and east. With Ghana's political system being stable and particularly welcoming to foreign investors, there is a large range of financial incentives making the country suitable for investment. Ghana has a dynamic private sector that is willing to work together with foreign partners.

Business opportunities and main cities
With nearly 60 percent of the labor force employed in agriculture, Ghana's economy depends mainly on the export of primary products. Businesses that are interested in investing in tourism in Ghana can also enjoy special concessions provided by the government. The main exports here are agricultural resources like cocoa, timber, fish, fruits and vegetables manganese, palm oil, and rubber. It also exports aluminum, and is rich in gold and other valuable minerals. The other areas of business opportunities include resource-based activities in agri-business, real estate development and general infrastructure like agriculture and industrial estates, toll roads and highways, railways and ports, sea and air services, etc. A lot of the businesses occur in the major cities like Accra the capital, and Kumasi, which is the second largest city in Ghana.

Some of the advantages of investing here
When expanding business overseas, it is always good to weigh the pros and the cons of the particular area in question. Ghana ensures good governance with a stable political environment, along with established democratic institutions and systems. It also has abundant, adaptable, easily trainable and cost-effective labor force. Ghana is also an excellent place to locate headquarters in the West Africa region as it has a high degree of personal safety.

Overcoming the Barriers
Although foreign investment here increases the employment and gives the economy a boost, as a developing country, Ghana may lack some of the facilities that may be standard in other markets. As almost 30 per cent of the population lives under the international poverty rate, and this can present some challenges. As always, expanding business across borders requires a great deal of planning, extensive market surveys, and insightful strategies. And a professional expert has all expertise in various areas of your business expansion like HR, legal, payroll,expatriate tax advice,international accounting, etc. With extensive industry study and tools to deliver customized solutions, a reliable partner can help you achieve your business goals successfully.


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Making Your Business in Italy a Success

Being in the centre of modern Europe, and a member of a many major commercial international organizations, Italy can claim to be a very attractive place to do business. Starting a business here can have tough challenges as well as rewarding returns as Italy has a diversified industrial economy. It is a full and active member-state of the European Union, and a prime entry point into the other markets of the European Union. Whether starting a brand new corporation, or moving a company that has already been running for several years, there could be many benefits of starting a business in Italy.

A quick glance at the Italian Economy
The Italian economy does not rely solely on one sector for its success. It has also a sizable underground economy, which includes agriculture, construction, and service sectors and accounts for nearly 15 percent of the GDP. The proclivity toward entrepreneurship is the one most salient feature of the Italian economy and Italy has made great strides in diversifying its economy to include tourism, raw mineral extraction and processing, textiles and car production.

The major business opportunities
Whileexpanding business overseas, an in-depth market research is required. It is also essential for foreign investors to be aware of the applicable EU Laws. Italy's economic virtue is in the processing and the manufacturing of goods in small and medium-sized firms. The complex structure of the Italian market provides opportunities in a number of sectors that include fashion, construction, creative and media, energy and renewable power, environment, healthcare, biometric technologies, and tourism.

The perks of setting up a business in Italy
Being at the centre of the Mediterranean with the infrastructural links with the countries of Europe, there is tremendous opportunity for international trade. The north of Italy has perhaps, one of the highest per capita incomes in Europe. Access to overseas customers and the cache of European company formation are some of the characteristics that foreign investors can expect when registering their company as an Italian corporation.

Overcoming the challenges
Forming an organization requires an in-depth knowledge of the filing requirements and legal responsibilities in Ital. It should only be handled by Italian locals or reliable partners who are up to speed with the daily machinations of the Italian corporation. Although the Italian bureaucracy can be overwhelming, taking the help of a professional consultant can help you avoid costly mistakes. Having support of those experienced in the market will be a huge advantage in all the areas of your company likeexpatriate tax advice, HR, payroll, or, international accounting. International expansion, when managed efficiently can be of the best ways for a company to stay competitive, to expand, enhance growth and minimize costs.


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