Tax law and tax disputes

The Finance Ministry intends to continue fine-tuning the Tax Code's provisions on cross-border payments

Pepeliaev Group advises that the draft law proposing minor adjustments to parts one and two of the Tax Code has been presented for public hearings.

Taxpayers will be able to personally visit tax inspectorates starting from 15 June The Russian Federal Tax Service has advised that, starting from 15 June, tax inspectorates will be able to meet with taxpayers in person, but by appointment only.

Additions to the list of the most affected industries The list of the most affected industries has been extended to include media outlets and production of printed products, as well as supporting space activities.

The Russian Federal Tax Service has extended the period of the suspension of enforced collection measures for tax arrears The Russian Federal Tax Service has published Letter No. ED -20-8/71@ dated 26 May 2020 extending the period of the suspension of enforced collection measures for tax arrears and for the provisional remedies until 1 July 2020. 

The Ministry of Finance has explained the purpose of amendments being introduced into the DTTs with the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Malta and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Pepeliaev Group advises that the Russian Ministry of Finance has issued explanations in which the regulatory body referred to the purpose of amendments being introduced into the Double Tax Treaties (“DTTs”) regarding the taxation of dividend and interest income.

List of medical items on which expenses are deductible for profit tax purposes

The Russian Government has approved the list of medical items for diagnosing (treating) the new coronavirus infection on which expenses are deductible for corporate profit tax purposes.

DAC6: the reporting deadlines to be shifted

Pepeliaev Group advises that the deadlines for submitting reports under the EU directive DAC6 are planned to be shifted.

Landlords that are owners of retail real estate will be able to obtain a deferral for the payment of property taxes

On 16 May 2020, the Russian Government’s Resolution No. 699, was adopted which amends the previously established Rules for granting a deferral (instalment plan) for the payment of taxes, advance payments on taxes and insurance contributions.

The Russian Federal Tax Service has clarified the procedure to be followed by taxpayers claiming subsidies when they have tax arrears

According to Resolution No. 576 of the Russian Government dated 24 April 2020, one of the conditions that SMEs from the “most affected” sectors should meet to be entered into the register of subsidy recipients is that they should not have had tax arrears of over RUB 3,000 as at 1 March 2020. This amount is calculated taking into account all the existing arrears and overpayments (penalties, fines and interest are not taken into account). 

The draft law on tax support measures for business

On 19 May 2020 a draft law on amendments to tax legislation was submitted to the State Duma. This draft law is aimed at implementing a so-called ‘third set’ of support measures for business and the public in connection with the coronavirus infection.  

Moscow authorities have approved rules for grants to owners of commercial real estate in the capital Pepeliaev Group advises that, on 13 May 2020, Resolution No. 574-PP of the Moscow Government (the Resolution) was adopted which approves the procedure for grants from the budget of the city of Moscow to owners of commercial real estate that have decreased the rent rate for tenants in the conditions of the crisis because of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The Russian Government has approved the general approach to providing state support measures to systemic companies

The Russian Government’s Resolution No. 651 “On measures of support for systemic companies” was adopted and published on 10 May 2020 approving the Rules for selecting companies included in the lists of systemic companies of the Russian economy that are eligible to receive state support measures in 2020.