= Doing Business reform making it easier to do business. 
= Doing Business reform making it more difficult to do business.
Albania
DB 2011:
Albania made it easier and less costly for companies to pay taxes by amending several laws, reducing social security contributions and introducing electronic filing and payment.
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent effective January 1, 2008.
DB 2008:
A new fiscal package was introduced which reduced the tax burden on firms by lowering the corporate income tax by 3% and amending depreciation rates. Labor taxes and contributions were lowered by 9 percentage points.
Algeria
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 25 percent to 19 percent for tourism, construction and public works, and production of goods.
Angola
DB 2010:
Paying taxes was made easier by introducing mandatory electronic filing of social security for businesses with more than 20 employees.
Antigua and Barbuda
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 30% to 25%.
Armenia
DB 2012:
Armenia made tax compliance easier for firms by reducing the number of payments for social security contributions and corporate income, property and land taxes and by introducing mandatory electronic filing and payment for major taxes.
Azerbaijan
DB 2011:
A revision of Azerbaijan’s tax code lowered several tax rates, including the profit tax rate, and simplified the process of paying corporate income tax and value added tax.
DB 2009:
The tax burden was reduced by introducing an online filing and payment system with advanced accounting software for calculating taxes due. This saves more than 500 hours a year on average in dealing with paperwork.
Bangladesh
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 40 percent to 37.5 percent, while increasing the capital gains tax rate from 5 percent to 15 percent.
Belarus
DB 2012:
Belarus abolished several taxes, including turnover and sales taxes, and simplified compliance with corporate income, value added and other taxes by reducing the frequency of filings and payments and facilitating electronic filing and payment.
DB 2011:
Reductions in the turnover tax, social security contributions and the base for property taxes along with continued efforts to encourage electronic filing made it easier and less costly for companies in Belarus to pay taxes.
DB 2010:
Tax payments were made more convenient through increased use of electronic systems—reducing tax compliance times—while lower ecological and turnover tax rates and a reduction in the number of payments for property tax reduced the tax burden on businesses.
DB 2009:
The tax burden was eased by abolishing the “Chernobyl tax” (3 percent) and unemployment tax (1 percent) and amending the simplified tax system for small businesses.
Belgium
DB 2010:
The tax payment process and administration were improved by mandating electronic filing for medium-size businesses.
Belize
DB 2012:
Belize made paying taxes easier for firms by improving electronic filing and payment for social security contributions, an option now used by the majority of taxpayers.
Benin
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 38 percent to 30 percent and the cost of employment was reduced by cutting the payroll tax from 8 percent to 4 percent.
Bolivia
DB 2012:
Bolivia raised social security contribution rates for employers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
DB 2011:
Bosnia and Herzegovina simplified its labor tax processes, reduced employer contribution rates for social security and abolished its payroll tax.
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 30 percent to 10 percent effective January 1, 2008. Profit distribution (including dividends) is now tax exempt, and tax losses can be carried forward for five years.
Botswana
DB 2009:
Since January 2008, companies have been required to pay 0.2 percent of turnover for the training of workers.
Brunei
DB 2011:
Brunei Darussalam reduced the corporate income tax rate from 23.5% to 22% while also introducing a lower tax rate for small businesses, ranging from 5.5% to 11%.
DB 2010:
Corporate income tax was reduced from 30 percent to 25.5 percent in 2008, with an exemption on the first BND 100,000 of chargeable income for the first three consecutive years of assessment for newly incorporated companies. The corporate tax rate was then further reduced to 23.5 percent in 2009, while a 12 percent tax was introduced on commercial buildings.
Bulgaria
DB 2011:
Bulgaria reduced employer contribution rates for social security.
DB 2009:
A new Corporate Income Tax Act and a new Value Added Tax Act were introduced to synchronize local tax legislation with EU legislation.
DB 2008:
The tax burden was reduced on businesses by lowering corporate income tax, labor and one-off taxes, and through more widespread use of the online system.
Burkina Faso
DB 2011:
Burkina Faso reduced the statutory tax rate and the number of taxes for business and introduced simpler, uniform compliance procedures.
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 35 percent to 30 percent (effective January 1, 2008), and the tax on dividends from 15 percent to 12.5 percent.
Burundi
DB 2012:
Burundi made paying taxes easier for companies by reducing the payment frequency for social security contributions from monthly to quarterly.
DB 2011:
Burundi made paying taxes simpler by replacing the transactions tax with a value added tax.
Cambodia
DB 2010:
A social security contribution of 0.8 percent of the monthly average wage was introduced, with a cap of KHR 1 million (about $250).
Canada
DB 2012:
Canada made paying taxes easier and less costly for companies by reducing profit tax rates, eliminating the Ontario capital tax and harmonizing sales taxes.
DB 2011:
Canada harmonized the Ontario and federal tax returns and reduced the corporate and employee tax rates.
DB 2009:
The country reduced the corporate income tax rate, abolished the surtax of 1.12% and increased the depreciation rate for various assets.
Cape Verde
DB 2011:
Cape Verde abolished the stamp duties on sales and checks.
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 30 percent to 25 percent. Business start-up was eased by implementing an online company registration system.
Chad
DB 2011:
Chad increased taxes on business through changes to its social security contribution rates.
China
DB 2011:
China’s new corporate income tax law unified the tax regimes for domestic and foreign enterprises and clarified the calculation of taxable income for corporate income tax purposes.
DB 2009:
The tax burden was reduced on businesses by reducing the corporate income tax rate from 33.3 percent to 25 percent and unifying the criteria and accounting methods for tax deductions.
Colombia
DB 2012:
Colombia eased the administrative burden of paying taxes for firms by establishing mandatory electronic filing and payment for some of the major taxes.
DB 2010:
The tax burden on businesses was eased with the introduction of electronic tax filing and payment, and some payments were reduced.
DB 2009:
Colombia made electronic social security contributions mandatory for companies with more than 30 employees and created unified electronic forms for filing taxes.
DB 2008:
Paying taxes is now quicker and the corporate tax rate of 35% is progressively being reduced to 34% in 2007 and 33% in 2008. With the simplification of accounting rules, 188 hours were cut, a reduction of 41%.
Congo, Dem. Rep.
DB 2012:
The Democratic Republic of Congo made paying taxes easier for firms by replacing the sales tax with a value added tax.
DB 2010:
The sales tax was raised from 13 percent to 15 percent.
Congo, Rep.
DB 2011:
The Republic of Congo reduced its corporate income tax rate from 38% to 36% in 2010.
Costa Rica
DB 2012:
In Costa Rica online payment of social security contributions is now widespread and used by the majority of taxpayers.
Côte d'Ivoire
DB 2012:
Côte d’Ivoire eliminated a tax on firms, the contribution for national reconstruction (contribution pour la reconstruction nationale).
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 27 percent to 25 percent effective January 27, 2008, and revised the criterion for defining a small and medium-size entity to a turnover of less than CFAF 1 billion only.
DB 2008:
The tax burden on companies was reduced by simplifying the tax structure and decreasing rates.
Czech Republic
DB 2012:
The Czech Republic revised its tax legislation to simplify provisions relating to administrative procedures and relationships between tax authorities and taxpayers.
DB 2011:
The Czech Republic simplified its labor tax processes and reduced employer contribution rates for social security.
DB 2010:
Paying taxes was made easier with mandatory electronic filing for all taxes, a single tax institution, and unified filing.
Denmark
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 28% to 25%.
Djibouti
DB 2010:
The tax burden on businesses was eased by introducing a 7 percent value added tax on the supply of goods and services, replacing the consumption tax.
Dominican Republic
DB 2009:
An online system for filing and paying taxes, piloted in 2006, is now fully operational. The Dominican Republic also reduced the corporate income tax rate from 29% to 25%, and abolished several taxes, including the stamp duty.
Estonia
DB 2012:
In Estonia a municipal sales tax introduced in Tallinn made paying taxes costlier for firms, though a later parliamentary measure abolished local sales taxes effective January 1, 2012.
DB 2011:
Estonia increased the unemployment insurance contribution rate.
Fiji
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 31 percent to 29 percent. But the compliance time for taxes increased because there was a requirement to prepare two pay as you earn (PAYE) employee certificates and PAYE annual summaries instead of the usual one. In addition, a road use levy will be imposed on all vehicles.
Finland
DB 2012:
Finland simplified reporting and payment for the value added tax and labor tax.
DB 2010:
Paying taxes was made easier by extending electronic filing to corporate income taxes and reduced the burden on business and the cost of employment by cutting labor taxes.
France
DB 2009:
Electronic filing was made mandatory for social security contributions above €800,000.
Gambia
DB 2012:
The Gambia reduced the minimum turnover tax and corporate income tax rates.
Georgia
DB 2012:
Georgia made paying taxes easier for firms by simplifying the reporting for value added tax and introducing electronic filing and payment of taxes.
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 20 percent to 15 percent, and the social tax abolished.
Germany
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax was reduced from 25% to 15%, introduced straight-line depreciation for fixed assets and reduced trade tax while no longer allowing a deduction of the tax for corporate income tax.
Greece
DB 2012:
Greece reduced its corporate income tax rate.
DB 2009:
An electronic payment of social security tax was introduced.
DB 2008:
A new tax code reduced the profit tax scale, causing a decrease in the total tax rate measured by Doing Business of 1.6%.
Guatemala
DB 2010:
The government eased payment of and filing for value added and corporate income taxes by increasing electronic compliance thresholds and extending the electronic system to most banks.
Honduras
DB 2012:
Honduras made paying taxes costlier for firms by raising the solidarity tax rate.
DB 2009:
The efficiency of its tax system was improved by introducing electronic filing and payment.
Hong Kong, China
DB 2011:
Hong Kong SAR (China) abolished the fuel tax on diesel.
Hungary
DB 2012:
Hungary made paying taxes costlier for firms by introducing a sector-specific surtax
DB 2011:
Hungary simplified taxes and tax bases.
Iceland
DB 2012:
Iceland made paying taxes easier and less costly for firms by abolishing a tax.
DB 2011:
Iceland increased the corporate income tax rate from 15% to 18% and raised social security and pension contribution rates.
DB 2010:
The tax burden was eased on companies by reducing the corporate income tax rate from 18 percent to 15 percent.
India
DB 2012:
India eased the administrative burden of paying taxes for firms by introducing mandatory electronic filing and payment for value added tax.
DB 2011:
India reduced the administrative burden of paying taxes by abolishing the fringe benefit tax and improving electronic payment.
Indonesia
DB 2011:
Indonesia reduced its corporate income tax rate.
Iran
DB 2010:
The tax burden on businesses was eased by converting the sales tax into a value added tax.
Israel
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 29 percent to 27 percent.
DB 2008:
The capital investment law was reformed. It abolished its stamp duty, reduced corporate tax by 3%, VAT from 17% to 16.5% , and decreased the employer social security contribution.
Italy
DB 2009:
Business registration was simplified and the corporate income tax rate was reduced from 33% to 27.5% in addition to reducing the social security tax rates.
Jordan
DB 2011:
Jordan abolished certain taxes and made it possible to file income and sales tax returns electronically.
DB 2010:
Taxpaying for businesses was eased with the introduction of an online filing and payment system and a simplification of form filing.
Kazakhstan
DB 2010:
The tax burden on companies was eased by lowering the social tax for 2008 and the corporate income tax for 2009 (from 30 percent to 10 percent).
DB 2008:
While the country increased environmental pollution fee on fuel and waste and flattened personal income tax at 10%, the country also increased depreciation rates and cut VAT by one point to 14%. It intends to reduce VAT further to 13% (2008) and 12% (2009).
Kenya
DB 2011:
Kenya increased the administrative burden of paying taxes by requiring quarterly filing of payroll taxes.
Korea
DB 2012:
Korea eased the administrative burden of paying taxes for firms by merging several taxes, allowing 4 labor taxes and contributions to be paid jointly and continuing to increase the use of the online tax payment system.
DB 2010:
The tax burden was reduced on business by accelerating its corporate income tax reduction program from a five-year to a three-year program. The top rate will be cut from 25 percent to 20 percent by 2010.
Kosovo
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 20 percent to 10 percent in 2009.
Kyrgyz Republic
DB 2012:
The Kyrgyz Republic made paying taxes costlier for firms by introducing a real estate tax, though it also reduced the sales tax rate.
DB 2010:
The tax burden on businesses was eased by reducing the rates for several taxes and the number of payments for several.
DB 2008:
The corporate income tax was cut from 20% to 10% in 2006, social security contributions were abolished in 2006. Pension contributions dropped from 21% to 19% in 2006. In 2007, a new tax code will reduce VAT to 14% (as well as apply the flat rate of 10% to personal income tax.) .
Lao PDR
DB 2011:
Lao PDR replaced the business turnover tax with a new value added tax.
DB 2010:
Paying taxes was made easier by consolidating three taxes—business turnover tax, excise tax, and personal income tax withholding—into one simpler form. The lodgment process was improved and as well as tax office staffing.
Lebanon
DB 2010:
Paying taxes was made easier by removing the requirement that permission be obtained to use accelerated depreciation and by introducing electronic payments
Lesotho
DB 2008:
The tax burden on companies was reduced by simplifying the tax structure and decreasing rates.
Lithuania
DB 2011:
Lithuania reduced corporate tax rates.
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax was raised from 15 percent to 20 percent.
Macedonia, FYR
DB 2011:
FYR Macedonia lowered tax costs for businesses by requiring that corporate income tax be paid only on distributed profits.
DB 2010:
Social security payments were classified in five groups, and social security contribution rates reduced.
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax was reduced to 10 percent effective January 1, 2008.
DB 2008:
The corporate tax rate was lowered to 12% (with further reduction to 10% planned for 2008) and introduced a new e-tax service.
Madagascar
DB 2011:
Madagascar continued to reduce corporate tax rates.
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax was reduced to 25 percent.
Malaysia
DB 2012:
Malaysia made paying taxes costlier for firms by reintroducing the real estate capital gains tax—but also made tax compliance easier by improving electronic systems and the availability of software.
DB 2009:
The real property gains tax was abolished and the corporate income tax rate was reduced to 26 percent (the rate had previously been tiered). A further reduction to 25 percent is planned for next year. The reform also introduced a single-tier tax system, in which profits are taxed only after dividend payments are exempted.
DB 2008:
The profit tax was reduced by 1 percentage point (with another 1 percentage point reduction planned by 2008) and tax filing was simplified online to reduce the time burden.
Mauritius
DB 2011:
Mauritius introduced a new corporate social responsibility tax.
DB 2008:
A three year program will harmonize the tax system, ultimately creating a single corporate tax rate and eliminate all tax credits and tax holidays except for newly registered companies.
Mexico
DB 2012:
Mexico continued to ease the administrative burden of paying taxes for firms by ending the requirement to file a yearly value added tax return and reduced filing requirements for other taxes
DB 2011:
Mexico increased taxes on companies by raising several tax rates, including the corporate income tax and the rate on cash deposits. At the same time, the administrative burden was reduced slightly with more options for online payment and increased use of accounting software.
DB 2010:
Taxpaying was eased by introducing electronic payment systems for payroll, property, and social security taxes.
DB 2009:
A new tax law was introduced that abolishes the asset tax (IMPAC) and the possible eventual amalgamation of income tax applicable to corporations and individuals with business activities. A new withholding tax on cash deposit interest is being implemented, and new reporting rules were introduced for value-added tax.
DB 2008:
The corporate tax rate was reduced from 33% in 2004 to 30% in 2005, to 29% in 2006 and to 28% for 2007 and subsequent years.
Moldova
DB 2011:
Moldova reduced employer contribution rates for social security.
DB 2010:
The rates were lowered for social security contributions paid by employers.
Mongolia
DB 2009:
The tax burden on employers was eased by reducing their social insurance contribution from 19 percent to 11 percent of gross salaries.
DB 2008:
New laws were put in place for the corporate income, value added and personal income taxes, including a new flat tax for individual income. The top marginal rate for corporate income tax decreased from 30% to 25% as of January 2007.
Montenegro
DB 2012:
Montenegro made paying taxes easier and less costly for firms by abolishing a tax, reducing the social security contribution rate and merging several returns into a single unified one.
DB 2011:
An amendment to Montenegro’s corporate income tax law removed the obligation for advance payments and abolished the construction land charge.
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut by almost half, to 9 percent, and social security tax rates to 12 percent for 2009 and 9 percent for 2010.
Morocco
DB 2012:
Morocco eased the administrative burden of paying taxes for firms by enhancing electronic filing and payment of the corporate income tax and value added tax.
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 35% to 30%, effective 2008.
Mozambique
DB 2009:
The introduction of an electronic tax form made social security taxes easier to pay. In addition, a new corporate income tax code expanded the simplified scheme to companies with revenues up to 2.5 million new Mozambique metical.
Netherlands
DB 2011:
The Netherlands reduced the frequency of filing and paying value added taxes from monthly to quarterly and allowed small entities to use their annual accounts as the basis for computing their corporate income tax.
DB 2008:
The process of paying taxes was simplified by introducing e-filing for social contributions. At the same time, tax costs were lowered by reducing corporate income tax, several social security contributions, real estate tax and Polder Board.
New Zealand
DB 2012:
New Zealand reduced its corporate income tax rate and fringe benefit tax rate.
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 33% to 30%.
Nicaragua
DB 2012:
Nicaragua made paying taxes easier for companies by promoting electronic filing and payment of the major taxes, an option now used by the majority of taxpayers.
DB 2011:
Nicaragua increased taxes on firms by raising social security contribution rates and introducing a 10% withholding tax on the gross interest accrued from deposits. It also improved electronic payment of taxes through bank transfer.
Niger
DB 2011:
Niger reduced its corporate income tax rate.
Oman
DB 2012:
Oman enacted a new income tax law that redefined the scope of taxation.
DB 2010:
A new tax law will modernize the tax regime and simplify procedures.
Pakistan
DB 2012:
Pakistan increased the profit tax rate for small firms.
Panama
DB 2011:
Panama reduced the corporate income tax rate, modified various taxes and created a new tax court of appeals.
Paraguay
DB 2012:
Paraguay made paying taxes more burdensome for companies by introducing new tax declarations that must be filed monthly.
Peru
DB 2012:
Peru made paying taxes easier for companies by improving electronic filing and payment of the major taxes and promoting the use of the electronic option among the majority of taxpayers.
DB 2010:
Taxpaying was made easier with the use of software, distributed free of charge, for value added taxes. Additionally the cash flow of businesses was eased by reducing the check tax and accelerating depreciation.
Philippines
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 35 percent to 30 percent of profit.
Poland
DB 2010:
Social security taxes were cut for businesses, and the value added tax (VAT) law was simplified.
Portugal
DB 2011:
Portugal introduced a new social security code and lowered corporate tax rates.
DB 2008:
The corporate income tax was cut to 26.5% and the depreciation rate for computers was changed to 33%. Mandatory books are eliminated since June 29, 2006. The CIT-autonomous tax rate on representation expenses, such as company car expenses, and daily allowances was reduced.
Puerto Rico
DB 2011:
Puerto Rico made paying taxes more costly for business by introducing a special surtax of 5% on the tax liability in addition to the normal corporate income tax.
Romania
DB 2012:
Romania made paying taxes easier for companies by introducing an electronic payment system and a unified return for social security contributions. It also abolished the annual minimum tax.
DB 2011:
Romania introduced tax changes, including a new minimum tax on profit, that made paying taxes more costly for companies.
DB 2010:
Labor taxes were increased.
Russia
DB 2012:
Russia increased the social security contribution rate for employers.
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 24 percent to 20 percent.
Rwanda
DB 2012:
Rwanda reduced the frequency of value added tax filings by companies from monthly to quarterly.
Samoa
DB 2009:
The corporate income tax was lowered from 29 percent to 27 percent and the capital gains tax from 30 percent to 27 percent.
São Tomé and Principe
DB 2011:
São Tomé and Principe reduced the corporate income tax rate to a standard 25%.
Seychelles
DB 2012:
The Seychelles made paying taxes less costly for firms by eliminating the social security tax.
DB 2011:
The Seychelles removed the tax-free threshold limit and lowered corporate income tax rates.
DB 2008:
The tax burden on companies was reduced by simplifying the tax structure and decreasing rates.
Sierra Leone
DB 2011:
Sierra Leone replaced sales and service taxes with a goods and service tax.
DB 2010:
It has become easier to pay taxes because of better training and equipment at the tax authority, a consolidated income tax act, and a new value added tax that replaces four sales taxes.
DB 2008:
The tax burden on companies was reduced by simplifying the tax structure and decreasing rates.
Slovenia
DB 2011:
Slovenia abolished its payroll tax and reduced its corporate income tax rate.
DB 2008:
The corporate tax rate was lowered by 2%, with a plan to reduce by 1% every year until 2010.
South Africa
DB 2010:
The tax burden was eased on businesses by abolishing the stamp duty.
DB 2009:
The government reduced the tax burden by eliminating the regional establishment levy and regional services levy.
DB 2008:
Two taxes were eliminated in 2006 -- the regional services levy and the regional establishment levy.
Spain
DB 2010:
The tax burden on business was eased by reducing the corporate income tax rate from 32.5 percent to 30 percent and increasing efficiency through an electronic filing and payment system.
DB 2008:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 35% to 32.5% for 2007. Since January 2007, small and medium-sized companies are subject to a reduction from the current reduced rate of 30% to 25%.
Sri Lanka
DB 2012:
Sri Lanka made paying taxes less costly for businesses by abolishing the turnover tax and social security contribution and by reducing corporate income tax, value added tax and national building tax rates.
St. Kitts and Nevis
DB 2012:
St. Kitts and Nevis made paying taxes easier by introducing a value added tax.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced from 37.5 percent to 35 percent, to be further reduced to 32.5 percent from 2009 onward.
DB 2009:
The corporate tax rate was cut from 40% to 37.5%. A value-added tax was introduced at a standard rate of 15% to replace several existing taxes, including the hotel tax, consumption duty, entertainment tax, stamp duty on receipts, and domestic and international telecommunications surcharge.
Sudan
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was reduced by an average of 15 percentage points and the capital gains tax by 5 percentage points, while the tax on labor has been abolished.
Syria
DB 2008:
The corporate income tax was reduced to 28% from 35% in January 2007 and developed a large-taxpayer unit to make it easier for large businesses to pay taxes.
Taiwan, China
DB 2011:
Taiwan (China) reduced the corporate income tax rate and simplified tax return forms, rules for assessing corporate income tax and the calculation of interim tax payments.
DB 2010:
The government made it easier to pay taxes by making both e-filing and e-payment applicable to value added tax (VAT).
Tajikistan
DB 2011:
Tajikistan lowered its corporate income tax rate.
Thailand
DB 2011:
Thailand temporarily lowered taxes on business by reducing its specific business tax for 12 months.
DB 2009:
Paying taxes was made easier by reducing some fees and facilitating online filing and payments. In addition, the country now exempts companies with taxable income not exceeding 1.2 million baht from corporate income tax and applies concessionary 25 percent rates for newly listed companies.
Timor-Leste
DB 2010:
A new tax law was adopted in July 2008. The law cut the profit tax rate from 30 percent to 10 percent and abolished the alternative minimum tax and the withholding tax on interest. Meanwhile, corporate income tax is now paid in quarterly installments when turnover is less than $1 million.
Togo
DB 2012:
Togo reduced its corporate income tax rate.
DB 2010:
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 37 percent to 30 percent.
Tonga
DB 2011:
Tonga simplified the payment of taxes by replacing a 2-tier system with a 25% corporate income tax rate for both domestic and foreign companies and introducing tax incentives with a broad-based capital allowance system to replace tax holidays and other tax concessions.
DB 2010:
A new income tax act was adopted that allows for accelerated depreciation and amortization of intangibles and preliminary expenditures, and introduced self-assessment.
Trinidad and Tobago
DB 2008:
The corporate income tax rate decreased from 30% to 25%.
Tunisia
DB 2011:
Tunisia introduced the use of electronic systems for payment of corporate income tax and value added tax.
DB 2010:
Paying taxes in Tunisia become more costly because of increases in social security contributions and the removal of possibility of accelerated depreciation of company assets.
DB 2009:
The Ministry of Finance introduced a new option for paying taxes—“téléliquidation.” Firms can file their tax returns online and determine the exact amount of their payment before paying the taxes at the tax office.
DB 2008:
The corporate profit tax was reduced to 30% from 35%
Turkey
DB 2012:
Turkey lowered the social security contribution rate for companies by offering them a 5% rebate
DB 2008:
The interest tax and corporate income tax were lowered to 20%, and online filing was introduced and implemented.
Ukraine
DB 2012:
Ukraine made paying taxes easier and less costly for firms by revising and unifying tax legislation, reducing corporate income tax rates and unifying social security contributions.
DB 2011:
Ukraine eased tax compliance by introducing and continually enhancing an electronic filing system for value added tax.
DB 2009:
The tax burden on businesses was eased by reducing several social security tax rates including: pension fund, social security fund, and social insurance for accidents at work. Thanks to electronic tax filing systems, the time to pay taxes was reduced.
United States
DB 2011:
In the United States the introduction of a new tax on payroll increased taxes on companies operating within the New York City metropolitan commuter transportation district.
Uruguay
DB 2009:
A new tax law abolished COFIS (a 3% sales tax) and reduced the value-added tax from 23% to 22%.
DB 2008:
The corporate income tax was reduced and various contributions made by employers were simplified to a single rate.
Uzbekistan
DB 2010:
A new tax code was introduced combining corporate income tax provisions.
DB 2008:
The corporate income tax was reduced further to 10% (effective January 2007), following its path from 18% (in 2004), 15% (in 2005) and 12% (in 2006;) CIT can now be paid quarterly, rather than monthly. The social security contribution payable by employers was reduced from 33% in 2004 to 24% in 2007 and the single tax payment rate applicable to micro-firms and small businesses was decreased from 13% to 10%.
Venezuela
DB 2012:
República Bolivariana de Venezuela made paying taxes costlier for firms by doubling the municipal economic activities tax (sales tax).
DB 2011:
República Bolivariana de Venezuela abolished the tax on financial transactions.
DB 2010:
Two new taxes were introduced, increasing the tax burden on businesses.
DB 2009:
A tax on financial transactions was reintroduced, which is levied at a rate of 1.5% on all payments made to third parties. The tax, which had been abolished in February 2006, was levied at a rate of 0.5% before.
DB 2008:
The number of payments and the total tax rate were both increased.
Vietnam
DB 2010:
The government cut the corporate income tax from 28 percent to 25 percent and eliminated the surtax on income from the transfer of land use. It also adopted a new enterprise income tax law and value added tax law
West Bank and Gaza
DB 2008:
The VAT rate decreased from 16% to 14.5% and corporate income tax rate from 16% to 15%.
Yemen
DB 2012:
The Republic of Yemen enacted a new tax law that reduced the general corporate tax rate from 35% to 20% and abolished all tax exemptions except those granted under the investment law for investment projects.
Zambia
DB 2009:
Amendments were made to the Income Tax Act and Value Added Tax Act to update, strengthen, and remove ambiguities in these laws and enhance the effectiveness of tax administration. In addition, the withholding tax on savings and deposit accounts was reduced from 25 percent to 15 percent.
Zimbabwe
DB 2011:
Zimbabwe reduced the corporate income tax rate from 30% to 25%, lowered the capital gains tax from 20% to 5% and simplified the payment of corporate income tax by allowing quarterly payment through commercial banks.
DB 2008:
Hyperinflation and the government's critical need for revenues have led to an increase in prices and tax rates.