Author: Europe News Desk

Taxpayers in France will now face stricter login protocols when accessing their personal tax accounts. The French tax authority, Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP), has officially rolled out mandatory two-factor authentication (2FA) on its online portal, marking a significant change in the country’s tax filing process. Enhanced Security Amid Rising Cyber Threats The DGFiP has introduced this additional security layer to bolster the protection of sensitive personal and financial information. With cyber threats such as phishing, identity theft, and unauthorized account access on the rise, two-factor authentication has become essential. The move is part of France’s broader initiative to…

A Spanish court has sentenced Brazil’s national football coach and former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, to a one-year prison term for committing tax fraud related to his image rights income during his tenure at the Spanish football club in 2014. The Madrid court confirmed that Ancelotti failed to declare earnings derived from image rights, violating Spain’s personal income tax laws. Prosecutors had accused him of concealing over €1 million in taxable income by routing funds through offshore entities. According to court documents, the case specifically focused on fiscal year 2014, during which Ancelotti allegedly failed to disclose earnings linked…

The steady outflow of companies from the London Stock Exchange has reached a “pivotal moment” for the UK’s financial services sector, prompting urgent calls for action from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). According to the CBI, more than 213 companies have exited the London Stock Exchange since 2016, driven by a combination of factors including foreign listings, private equity buyouts, and reduced investor appetite for UK equities. In a sharp warning to policymakers, CBI Chair Rupert Soames stressed the need for lighter regulation, improved market promotion, and stronger investment incentives to reverse the decline. Reforms to Tax and Savings…

Producers and packagers of soft drinks subject to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL), as well as businesses reporting imported liable drinks into the UK, must submit quarterly returns to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). These returns correspond to fixed reporting periods ending in June, September, December, and March. It is mandatory to file returns and settle any levy due within 30 days following the end of each period. Failure to submit returns on time allows HMRC to estimate and charge the levy owed. Registered levy payers with no reportable activity during a period are generally required to submit a…

This list contains the names and website addresses of businesses registered with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for the Aggregates Levy. It serves as a resource to identify companies currently registered under this environmental tax. Who Should Register for Aggregates Levy? Businesses involved in the commercial exploitation of aggregates — such as sand, gravel, and crushed rock — may be required to register for the Aggregates Levy if they produce or import these materials above the specified thresholds. Registration ensures compliance with HMRC’s environmental tax regulations designed to encourage sustainable resource use. Updating Your Registration Details Registered businesses must keep…

By decision of Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, the acquisition of specialized small four-wheel vehicles for the needs of the Athens Municipality’s Department of Cleanliness and Recycling has been included in the National Development Program, with a total public expenditure of €2,083,200. Details of the Procurement The contract covers the supply of: Strategic Alignment and Program Inclusion This procurement is part of the Special Program for the Municipality of Athens 2021–2025, under the Priority Axis “Green Cities,” which focuses on urban renewal, modernization of urban transport fleets, and related environmental initiatives. The initiative supports Athens’ commitment…

Tax regulations in Germany are evolving once again in 2025, bringing crucial changes that directly impact expats, freelancers, employees, retirees, and businesses alike. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and optimize your tax position. Key 2025 Tax Changes for Individuals in Germany 1. Higher Basic Tax-Free Allowance From January 1, 2025: Tip: For married couples filing jointly, these thresholds double. 2. Fifth Method (Fünftelregelung) No Longer Applied via Payroll Employers can no longer apply the Fünftelregelung (one-fifth rule) for severance or share option payments in payroll. 3. Income Tax Reduction Applications Now Every Two Years Applications for…

In a recent statement, the Hungarian Ministry of National Economy, through the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), clarified key points regarding inheritance tax obligations related to property transfers between heirs during probate procedures. According to the regulations under Act XCIII of 1990 on Duties (hereafter referred to as the Duty Act) and Act XXXVIII of 2010 on Probate Proceedings (Probate Act), if an heir involved in the probate process transfers all or part of the inherited estate—acquired via inheritance, deathbed gifts, universal succession, or trust property established by testament—to another heir, a reversionary heir, or an estate creditor, such…

Austria Implements 5% Digital Services Tax on Online Advertising Revenues Targeting Austrian Users Austria’s digital tax landscape continues to evolve with the enforcement of a 5% Digital Services Tax (DST) on online advertising revenues earned from Austrian users. Established in 2020 amid stalled efforts for a unified EU digital tax framework, Austria’s DST represents a national approach to capturing fair tax contributions from large global digital platforms. Scope and Application The DST applies to online service providers whose global revenues exceed €750 million and who generate at least €25 million from online advertising targeting Austrian users. The tax covers remuneration…

In a world grappling with widening inequality, governments increasingly look to wealth taxes as a tool for redistribution. Yet, a groundbreaking new study reveals how simplifying tax rules—while politically popular—can backfire, significantly eroding tax compliance. Researchers Bertrand Garbinti, Jonathan Goupille-Lebret, Mathilde Munoz, Stefanie Stantcheva, and Gabriel Zucman analyzed a major French wealth tax reform from 2011, which drastically relaxed reporting obligations for individuals with wealth below €2.57 million. This seemingly minor administrative change allowed taxpayers to bypass detailed asset disclosures, instead reporting only total wealth figures. The results were striking. The researchers found that 35% of taxpayers in the affected…