Chris Infotainment

Introduction to the New Hotel Tax in Johor Starting from January 1, 2026, overnight visitors to Malaysia's Johor state will face an additional charge of RM3 (US$0.72) per trip. This new hotel tax is part of the local government’s plan to enhance public facilities and tourism infrastructure. The initiative is outlined under the Johor Hotel Enactment Bill, which aims to generate funds for various development projects. According to Datuk Jafni Shukor, the chairman of Johor Housing and Local Government, the revenue collected from this tax will be placed in a trust account. This fund will support improvements to public amenities and tourism-related infrastructure. However, it remains uncertain whether the fee will be applied per person or per night, leaving room for further clarification. Strengthening Enforcement and Compliance The introduction of the hotel tax is also expected to bolster enforcement efforts. Authorities will have the power to inspect and close unlicensed hotels o...

Tax Collection from Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas confirmed on Tuesday that the Revenue Department would proceed with collecting 17.6 billion baht in tax from former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, following a Supreme Court ruling. The court ruled on Monday that Thaksin must pay personal income tax on the 2006 sale of Shin Corporation shares. This decision overturned earlier rulings by the Central Tax Court and the Special Appeals Court, which had dismissed the tax assessment. The ruling now paves the way for enforcement proceedings. Mr. Ekniti stated that the Revenue Department is currently reviewing the ruling in detail and will follow its framework and regulations on tracing assets and demanding payment, just as it does with all taxpayers. Finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit mentioned that the department is expected to publicly clarify the procedures of tax collection within this week, as the case has drawn significan...

Labour's Proposed Council Tax Revaluation Sparks Concerns Sir James Cleverly, the Conservative housing spokesman, has raised concerns about a potential council tax revaluation that could significantly impact Middle England. He warned that Labour's policies might lead to the introduction of 14 council tax bands, which could result in families paying thousands of pounds more annually. Cleverly accused Labour of orchestrating a "Left-wing plot for higher council tax," suggesting that households in the top band could end up paying almost nine times more than those in the lowest. This warning comes as the Scottish government has already proposed a 14-band model, which could serve as a blueprint for similar changes in England. Currently, there are eight bands in Britain, ranging from A to H, with an additional one in Wales. The Scottish government's proposal for a 14-band system has raised alarms among the Conservatives, who argue that middle-class areas would be par...

Rachel Reeves Faces Tough Choices as Budget Black Hole Looms Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing to introduce significant tax increases on the wealthy to address a growing £30 billion shortfall in public finances. This move comes as the government looks to avoid increasing borrowing or cutting public spending in the upcoming Autumn budget. Treasury sources have confirmed that the Chancellor will not make major cuts to public services or increase debt to fill the gap. Instead, they are focusing on raising taxes, particularly targeting those with higher incomes. A source close to the Chancellor stated: "She will be fair when asking those to contribute more to rebuild our public services." The statement emphasized a commitment to making tough decisions while protecting working families from additional burdens. The decision to raise taxes is seen as a necessary step to prevent future generations from inheriting unsustainable levels of debt. Officials warned that increasing b...

Introduction to the Electronic Rental Income Tax System (eRITS) The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched a new electronic platform aimed at simplifying the process of collecting rental income tax and improving compliance among landlords and property owners. This initiative, known as the Electronic Rental Income Tax System (eRITS), was announced in a public notice dated September 25, 2025. The system is designed to make it easier for individuals earning rental income to file and pay their taxes on a monthly basis. Key Features of eRITS The eRITS platform offers several benefits that are expected to streamline the tax collection process. It allows users to manage their property details, file returns, and make payments with greater efficiency. The system can be accessed through two main channels: the official website at https://erits.kra.go.ke or via the eCitizen portal. Landlords and property owners are encouraged to update or correct their property information on the new platfo...

Enhancing Tax Administration Through Digital Transformation The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has initiated a comprehensive refresher training program for its staff stationed at Tax Business Offices (TBOs) across the country. This effort is being led by the LRA’s Management Information Systems (MIS) Division, with the primary goal of enhancing the technical skills and knowledge of frontline employees. The training focuses on the efficient use of the Liberia Integrated Tax Administration System (LITAS), which has recently been upgraded to include mobile tax payment features. These enhancements aim to make the process of tax filing and payments more accessible and user-friendly for both the government and taxpayers. The training kicked off at the Marshall TBO in Margibi on Thursday, August 21, and includes hands-on sessions covering various aspects of tax administration. Participants are learning about processes such as tax filing, assessments, payments, in-field collections, online...