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Cyprus Banks Advocate For Streamlined Supplementary Tax Declaration Process

Simplified Declarations For Exempt Entities

The Association of Cyprus Banks (ACB) has called for a simplification of the declaration process under the supplementary tax regime. The ACB’s submission, part of a public consultation on amending the Administrative Cooperation in Taxation Law from 2012 to 2025, emphasizes reducing the administrative burden on companies that ultimately incur no additional tax under the new rules.

Targeted Relief For De Minimis And Multinational Entities

ACB’s comments underscore the need to tailor the declaration process for companies exempt under the de minimis rule and for multinational groups in the early stages of international operations. According to the association, if a company qualifies for exemptions that result in a zero top-up tax, the declaration should be adapted to recognize such cases, thereby eliminating unnecessary fields and significantly reducing the compliance workload.

Clarifications On DAC9 And Submission Protocols

In addition to advocating for simplified declarations, the association has requested further clarifications regarding the draft declaration annexed to the bill. Key issues include the method for submitting supplementary tax information, whether special tools or software will be required, and if manual submission remains an option. The ACB stressed the importance of timely notifications and provided guidance from the Cyprus Tax Department to help taxpayers adjust to any new technical requirements.

Enhancing Cross-Border Transparency

Another area of concern is the process for Cypriot groups to notify local tax authorities about foreign entities expecting to receive information through exchange channels. The association seeks confirmation on how the Cypriot parent entity can indicate that its foreign subsidiaries fall under the de minimis exemption. By clarifying these points before the implementation deadline, companies will have sufficient time to make the necessary adjustments.

Transposition Of The EU Directive And Broader Implications

The revised bill aims to transpose EU Directive 2025/872 (DAC9) into national law. In line with the new EU mandates, DAC9 introduces standardized reporting for the automatic exchange of top-up tax information, targeting a uniform declaration process across member states. With a June 30, 2026 deadline for the first top-up tax submission and an automatic exchange starting December 31, 2026, the directive also expands reporting obligations for financial institutions including banks, investment firms, fund managers, and insurance companies.

The directive and the accompanying national legislation represent a significant step toward enhanced transparency and streamlined compliance for multinational enterprises and large domestic groups. With all EU member states required to implement DAC9 by December 31, 2025, and effective from January 1, 2026, stakeholders are urged to prepare for the impending changes in the regulatory landscape.

Cyprus And Israel Forge Strategic Tourism Partnership For Winter Growth

Cyprus and Israel have solidified their tourism partnership amid high-level discussions held in Israel during the International Tourism Fair IMTM. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis met with Tourism Minister Haim Katz to explore avenues for expanding visitor arrivals and deepening bilateral cooperation in the travel sector.

Expanding Tourism Horizons

During the visit, Koumis presented plans to further support winter arrivals and promote niche tourism segments. Meetings with industry partners highlighted the continued importance of the Israeli market, which remains one of the key contributors to Cyprus’ tourism performance.

Impressive Growth Metrics

The figures reflect this momentum. In 2025, arrivals from Israel exceeded 588,000 visitors, making Israel the second-largest tourism market for Cyprus after the United Kingdom. This represents a 38.4% increase compared to 2024 and more than 112% growth over the past three years.

Average visitor spending also rose to €682 per trip, up 2.9% year-on-year and 13.4% over three years, highlighting the tangible economic contribution of Israeli tourism to Cyprus.

Strengthening Strategic Ties

Koumis noted that the Israeli market remains a priority due to its rapid development and strong potential for diversification. Talks focused not only on short-term opportunities but also on long-term cooperation, particularly in winter tourism and special interest travel. The aim is to maintain steady growth and reduce seasonality in arrivals.

High-Profile Engagements

The visit also included meetings with prominent figures, among them the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos, as well as several media appearances. These engagements underscored both the diplomatic and cultural dimension of the trip, reinforcing broader ties beyond tourism alone.

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