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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.

Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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