Author: Europe News Desk

Pembrokeshire County Council collected an estimated £12.5 million from second home council tax premiums over the past year, even after cutting the surcharge. During a recent meeting, local councilors revealed that second homeowners in Pembrokeshire contributed an estimated £12.5 million in extra council tax payments over the past 12 months. The figure follows a policy change that reduced the second home council tax premium from 200% to 150% last October. Initially introduced to address housing shortages and local affordability, the premium remains a significant revenue source for the council. However, the 200% to 150% adjustment will reduce annual income by…

Cruise operators must now file and pay taxes based on passenger activity during domestic and international voyages in Icelandic territory. Cruise ship operators in Iceland are now subject to specific tax regulations based on their voyage type, according to a notice issued by Skatturinn, the Icelandic Directorate of Internal Revenue. The rules apply to domestic and international cruise sailings, requiring operators to report passenger counts and remit either a gistináttaskattur (overnight accommodation tax) or innviðagjald (infrastructure fee) based on the ship’s operations within Icelandic customs territory. Domestic Cruises: Gistináttaskattur For cruise ships traveling within Iceland, operators must pay: International Cruises:…

The Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) continues its public crackdown on employment fraud by publishing data on employers who failed to report work relationships, as required by national law. In its latest update on May 7, 2025, NAV has refreshed its online database containing the names and identifying details of employers who, according to final administrative or judicial decisions, violated mandatory employee registration requirements. This public registry aims to enhance labor market transparency and uphold fair competition. What Information Is Published? The NAV’s publicly accessible list includes: As of a September 2023 legal amendment, publication no longer requires the…

The Netherlands Customs Authority (Douane) has kicked off its annual “Douane Monitor 2025” to evaluate how businesses perceive their interactions with customs services aiming to improve transparency, efficiency, and cooperation. From May through the end of June 2025, companies dealing with Dutch Customs may be contacted by research agency DESAN to participate in the study. The initiative is designed to measure how businesses experience processes such as declarations, payments, and communication with customs officials. How Participation Works Businesses that agree to participate will help shape future customs practices by offering insight into what’s working and what needs attention. Topics Covered…

As spring unfolds across France, several critical updates shape everyday life for residents, expats, and second-home owners, from looming property tax declarations to evolving citizenship standards and volatile fuel prices. Here’s a curated overview of the most relevant developments. Property Tax Declaration Deadline Approaches All property owners in France, including non-residents and second-home owners, must complete the 2025 property tax declaration. While some exemptions apply, failure to declare can result in penalties. Authorities have reminded taxpayers that the deadline is fast approaching, and digital submissions via the tax portal are encouraged. French Citizenship: Language Standards Tighten France’s interior ministry has…

Portugal’s 2025 fiscal framework introduces updated personal income tax brackets, reinforcing its commitment to progressive taxation while maintaining its appeal to foreign residents through flat-rate structures. Progressive Rates for ResidentsPortuguese tax residents are subject to worldwide income taxation on a progressive scale ranging from 13% to 48%. For married couples or those in a de facto union opting for joint taxation, income is halved for bracket application, reducing marginal impact. The tax system includes specific deductions, increasing progressively alongside income brackets to cushion tax liability. For instance, taxpayers earning between EUR 28,400 and EUR 41,629 face a 35.5% marginal rate,…

Austria is navigating through a challenging fiscal landscape, with the government’s foremost priority being to reduce the national budget deficit. A series of legislative initiatives have been launched to strengthen the financial system and build stronger banks, which will support the government’s policies to boost the domestic economy. The Austrian Finance Ministry has taken significant steps by sending proposed tax and revenue measures for public consultation as part of the broader budget consolidation plan. Following the initial €1.25 billion package passed in the first week after the new government took office, today marks another crucial development, as 12 new measures,…

North Macedonia’s Ministry of Finance has introduced a series of legal initiatives to reinforce the country’s financial regulatory framework, focusing on ensuring greater public trust in the banking system and supporting long-term economic resilience. Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska outlined the reforms in the April edition of the Macedonian Banking Association’s E-Bulletin, highlighting the adoption of a new Bank Resolution Law as the cornerstone of the government’s strategy. “The Bank Resolution Law marks a major step forward in strengthening our regulatory framework,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska said. “It will allow for timely intervention in troubled credit institutions, helping to safeguard financial stability and preserve…

As more Americans contemplate relocating to France, whether for lifestyle, career, or retirement, an often underestimated hurdle awaits: taxes. France’s intricate and highly progressive tax regime, layered atop enduring US tax obligations, requires careful navigation. Residency Rules and Global Tax Reach Under French law, individuals become tax residents if they meet four criteria: habitual residence, primary time spent in France, a professional activity located in France, or economic interests centered there. Residency entails worldwide income taxation, unlike non-residents, who are taxed solely on French-sourced earnings. Filing and Deadlines The principal French income tax form, Cerfa n°2042, is required for most…

Copenhagen seeks to close taxation gaps with new rules on interest, capital gains, and withholding for nonresident companies Denmark has unveiled sweeping tax reforms aimed at international real estate investors, proposing new rules that would significantly expand the country’s ability to tax interest and capital gains linked to Danish real estate regardless of whether a nonresident lender maintains a permanent establishment in the country. In a draft bill published by the Danish Ministry of Taxation on 12 March 2025, the government proposes taxing nonresident companies on interest income and capital gains if such payments arise from controlled debt tied to…