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Cyprus Tax Reform Delivers Substantial Gains For Taxpayers And Businesses

New Tax Regime Provides Immediate Relief

Approximately 200,000 taxpayers in Cyprus saw an increase in their net income with the January salary payments as a direct result of the recently implemented tax reform. In addition, it is projected that around 30,000 individuals will have zero income tax liability by 2026. According to Tax Commissioner Sotiris Markidis, these changes represent a comprehensive milestone with positive effects for both citizens and businesses.

Who Pays Less Tax Now

The new framework introduces a significant shift. Individuals without personal tax deductions will only be subject to income tax if their gross monthly income exceeds €2,100, placing Cyprus in a unique position within Europe. The reform also raises the tax-free threshold from €19,500 to €22,000 and introduces new personal deductions related to family income, housing, and green initiatives such as energy-efficient home upgrades and the purchase of electric vehicles. Together, these measures reflect a forward-looking fiscal strategy.

Benefits For Families And Businesses

The reforms extend tangible benefits to families as well as small enterprises. For example, a family of six with a total income of €130,000 could secure an annual tax advantage of approximately €7,000. Similarly, a single-parent household with three dependents may realize yearly savings of about €4,200. On the business front, the elimination of the deemed dividend distribution and a reduction in the Special Defence Contribution are anticipated to bolster the competitiveness of more than 30,000 small family-owned companies across the island.

Education And Implementation

To facilitate a smooth transition to the new system, the Tax Department has launched an intensive series of seminars. Over 10,000 participants are expected to attend these sessions by the end of February, ensuring that the reform is both well-understood and effectively implemented.

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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