Argentina:
- Simplified VAT Reporting Introduced
Argentina’s Revenue and Customs Control Agency (ARCA) has launched IVA SIMPLE, a new system simplifying monthly VAT reporting through the IVA Portal. Taxpayers can now file a single consolidated return (Form F.2051), replacing four separate submissions. The system will become mandatory from November 2025.
Implication: Businesses can expect reduced administrative burden and improved filing accuracy through pre-filled data.
Australia:
- Paid Parental Leave Expanded
Effective July 1, 2025, the Australian Government has increased Paid Parental Leave (PPL) from 110 to 120 days for children born or adopted on or after that date. The allowance will further expand to 26 weeks by July 2026. Couples can now take four weeks of concurrent leave, up from two. From July 2025, the government will contribute 12% superannuation on PPL.
Implication: Employers should update payroll systems and leave policies to reflect the new entitlements.
Bulgaria:
- Euro Adoption Confirmed for January 2026
Bulgaria will adopt the Euro (€) as its official currency effective January 1, 2026. Both the lev (BGN) and euro will circulate during a dual period from January 1–31, 2026. Businesses must ensure dual price displays between August 8, 2025, and December 31, 2026, using uniform font and color.
Implication: Companies should update contracts, payroll, and accounting systems to reflect euro values and ensure compliance with pricing display rules.
Canada:
- Digital Services Tax (DST) to Be Rescinded
The Canadian Government announced plans to repeal the Digital Services Tax Act as part of a trade agreement with the United States. Although the DST applied retroactively to 2022–2024 revenues, affected businesses no longer need to file or remit DST payments. Refunds will follow after formal repeal.
Implication: Digital businesses should monitor CRA updates on the legislative timeline and refund process.
China:
- VAT Refund Policy Narrowed
From September 2025, China’s revised VAT rebate policy limits full refunds to four industries: Manufacturing, Scientific Research & Technical Services, Software & IT Services, and Environmental Protection. Other sectors, including real estate, will receive reduced rebates.
Implication: Companies should assess financial impacts and ensure documentation aligns with new eligibility requirements.
China:
- Shanghai Maternity Subsidy Introduced
Shanghai now offers employers a 50% reimbursement of statutory social insurance contributions for female employees on maternity leave. Eligible employers must apply within one year of the employee’s return.
Implication: Employers should take advantage of the subsidy to reduce labor costs.
China:
- New Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Measures
Effective November 1, 2025, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) requires prompt reporting of cybersecurity incidents—within 1 to 4 hours for serious cases. Reports must include incident details, impacts, and follow-up actions.
Implication: All network operators, including foreign entities, should review internal reporting protocols to ensure compliance.
China:
- Beijing and Shanghai Adjust Salary Thresholds
Effective July 1, 2025, both cities revised contribution thresholds for social insurance and housing funds: Beijing: CNY 7,162–35,811; Shanghai: CNY 7,460–37,302.
Implication: Payroll systems should be updated to reflect new base amounts.
Denmark:
- Expanded Parental Support for Hospitalized Newborns
Denmark has increased parental financial support for parents of newborns who require hospitalization.
Implication: Employers should review leave and benefit entitlements to accommodate eligible parents.
France:
- Employees Can Reclaim Lost Vacation Days
The Court of Cassation ruled (September 10, 2025) that employees who fall ill during paid holidays are entitled to reclaim those lost days. The government also delayed the introduction of a EUR 25,000 uniform VAT threshold for micro-entrepreneurs.
Implication: Businesses should review leave policies and monitor VAT changes scheduled for 2026.
Germany:
- Social Security Assessment Limits to Rise
Germany announced increased social security contribution limits for 2026.
Implication: Employers should prepare for higher payroll costs.
India:
- New Income Tax Act, 2025
India’s new tax law takes effect April 1, 2026, modernizing income tax provisions. India also replaced its four-tier GST rate structure with a simplified two-tier system effective September 22, 2025.
Implication: Businesses should review systems and pricing strategies to align with new GST rates.
Ireland:
- PRSI Rates Revised
Updated Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) rates took effect October 1, 2025. Small firms will no longer lose audit exemption due to a single late annual return.
Implication: Companies benefit from reduced compliance risk and stable insurance cost structures.
Poland
- VAT Threshold Increased
Effective January 1, 2026, Poland’s VAT registration threshold will rise from PLN 200,000 to PLN 240,000. Poland’s National e-Invoicing System (KSeF) will begin phased implementation in 2026.
Implication: Businesses should ensure accounting systems are compatible with KSeF.
Singapore
- CPF Contribution Updates
From January 1, 2026, CPF rates for employees aged 55–65 will increase, and the Ordinary Wage ceiling will rise from SGD 7,400 to SGD 8,000.
Implication: Employers must adjust payroll systems accordingly.
South Korea
- Updated Pension Contribution Limits
Effective July 1, 2025, the minimum and maximum National Pension bases are set at KRW 400,000 and KRW 6,370,000. The Ministry of Economy and Finance proposed increasing corporate tax rates and introducing new tax credits for advanced technology investments.
Implication: Corporates should model tax implications under the proposed framework.
Spain
- Parental Leave Extended
Spain expanded parental leave from 16 to 19 weeks for all parents and to 32 weeks for single-parent families.
Implication: Employers should plan for extended leave coverage starting in 2026.
Sweden
- 2026 Budget Bill Highlights
Sweden’s Autumn Budget Bill proposes reduced tax rate for non-residents, expanded travel deductions, and temporary social security cuts for youth hiring effective January 1, 2026.
Implication: These measures are designed to boost labor participation and competitiveness.
Switzerland
- VAT Security Deposit Waived for Foreign Companies
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (SFTA) removed the requirement for foreign entities to post security deposits during VAT registration.
Implication: This simplifies market entry for foreign businesses.
Thailand
- Expanded Family Leave Rights
Thailand passed legislation expanding leave entitlements for maternity, paternity, and newborn care (implementation in 2025). A new 200% tax deduction encourages SME investment in digital technologies. The Employee Welfare Fund implementation was deferred one year to October 1, 2026. The Cabinet extended the 7% VAT rate through September 30, 2026.
Implication: These measures aim to balance business relief and family welfare while supporting SME modernization.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Corporate Tax Clarifications on Free Zone Entities
The Ministry of Finance released updated guidance clarifying that Free Zone Persons earning ‘Qualifying Income’ remain subject to the 0% corporate tax rate, while income derived from mainland entities continues to be taxed at 9%. All companies, including Free Zone entities, must now maintain master and local files if their annual revenue exceeds AED 200 million.
Implication: Businesses should revisit entity structures and ensure compliance with expanded documentation requirements.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- New End-of-Service (EOS) Savings Scheme
Effective July 2025, expatriate employees may opt into an investment-based EOS system instead of the traditional gratuity payout.
Implication: Employers should communicate options to employees and update HR systems accordingly.
United Kingdom
- Autumn Finance Bill – Key Business Measures
The UK’s Autumn Finance Bill 2025 introduced several corporate and employment tax updates: Full Expensing of capital investment made permanent, R&D Tax Relief Simplification consolidating SME and RDEC schemes from April 2026, and Income Tax Thresholds frozen through 2027.
Implication: Companies benefit from continued capital investment incentives but face a broader freeze in personal tax bands.
United Kingdom
- New Flexible Working Rules
As of April 2025, employees can make two flexible working requests per year and need not justify them. Employers must respond within two months.
Implication: HR teams should update policies and manager training to reflect the new statutory rights.
United Kingdom
- HMRC Tightens Contractor Compliance
New guidance reinforces employer obligations under IR35 to assess contractor status accurately, with penalties for misclassification.
Implication: Businesses engaging consultants or freelancers should conduct status reviews and maintain documentation.