Articles

Publication of Revised Accounting Guidelines for SMEs

The Committee for the Preparation and Review of Accounting Guidelines for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (hereinafter referred to as the “Committee”), which was established primarily by the Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA), the Japan Federation of Certified Public Tax Accountants’ Associations, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Accounting Standards Board of Japan, reviewed the Accounting Guidelines for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (hereinafter referred to as the “SME Accounting Guidelines”) and, at its meeting on September 19, 2025 and approved the publication of the revised Accounting Guidelines for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (hereinafter referred to as the “Revised SME Accounting Guidelines”).

UAE Economic Substance: The Key to Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) Compliances in Japan 

Existing or Proposed subsidiaries of Japanese Companies need to meet “Economic Substance Requirements” so that the Japanese Parent Company can demonstrate that it qualifies for an exemption from Japan’s Tax-Haven Rules. Why it Matters To avoid having any income earned via the UAE subsidiary included in its Japanese parent company, and taxed under Japan’s tax rate, the UAE entity must demonstrate real economic presence in the UAE — by merely stating that it is not a shell company or that it does not generate a passive income is not sufficient. Having real economic presence in the UAE strengthens your exemption position under Japan’s Tax Haven Rules – Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) Rules.

HLS Global Expands to Singapore 

October 1, 2025 HLS Global Expands to Singapore  Tokyo, Japan / Singapore – HLS Global Co., Ltd. (“HLS Global”), a leading international accounting, taxation and business advisory firm, today announced the expansion of its global presence to Singapore by establishing its new subsidiary, HLS GLOBAL SEA PTE. LTD. (“HLS SG”), in Singapore. This expansion underscores HLS Global’s commitment to serving multinational companies across Southeast Asia. HLS SG will focus on providing a comprehensive range of services, including accounting, audit, tax, due diligence, post-merger support, ESG advisory, CFO services, and financial digital transformation.

German Tax Updates in September 2025

A sole or at least controlling shareholder is deemed to have received a clear and undisputed claim against “their” corporation upon its maturity. This is because a controlling shareholder generally has the power to determine the timing of payments to themselves. Facts of the Case: In this case, the dispute was whether the controlling shareholder of a GmbH (Limited Liability Company) is considered to have “received” a matured claim against the company, even though the company had not made the payment due to financial difficulties. Judgement Summary: The Fiscal Court (FG) ruled that the controlling shareholder is deemed to have received a claim against the company upon its maturity. This rule of deemed receipt applies, at least, when the claim is clear, undisputed, due, and directed against a solvent company. In this context, insolvency of the corporation means only the company’s permanent inability—due to a lack of funds—to meet its due monetary obligations. Such insolvency is generally denied prior to the “collapse” of the company, as long as no application for the opening of insolvency proceedings has been filed. If the controlling shareholder has granted a loan to the company under a subordination agreement and the agreed loan interest has

Introduction of the Special Defense Corporation Tax

The Act to Partially Amend the Income Tax Act, promulgated in March 2025, introduced the “Special Defense Corporation Tax” in Japan. As a result, for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2026, corporations subject to corporate income tax on their income for each fiscal year will also become liable for this new tax. Accordingly, they will be required to file a final tax return for the Special Defense Corporation Tax (filing is required even if the amount of Special Defense Corporation Tax payable is zero).

German Tax Updates in June 2025

If a sole proprietorship, including a business property, is spun off into a newly established corporation, this process may qualify for preferential treatment under the group clause of the “Real Estate Transfer Tax Act”, according to the Federal Fiscal Court (BFH). However, the five-year post-transfer holding period must be applied.

German Tax Updates in April 2025

1. Capital Expenditures that Constitute Acquisition Costs: Example of a Condominium According to Section 6 (1) No. 1a of the Income Tax Act (EStG), expenses are reclassified as production costs if, within three years of the acquisition of the building, repair and modernization measures are carried out whose net expenses exceed 15% of the acquisition costs of the building. The expenses are then not deductible immediately, but only through the depreciation of the building. In the case of a condominium, two special features must be taken into account, as pointed out by the Hessian Fiscal Court.

Trump Tariffs 2.0

The US tariff policy is constantly evolving, attracting global attention. This newsletter examines the tariff measures announced as of March 12, 2025 and discusses future prospects.

HLS Global expands to UAE, Dubai

HLS Global Expands to the UAE with the Launch of its Subsidiary in Dubai

Tokyo, Japan / Dubai, UAE – HLS Global Co., Ltd. (“HLS Global”), a leading international accounting, taxation and business advisory firm, is pleased to announce the expansion of its global presence to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by incorporating its subsidiary company, HLSGL Management Consultancies LLC, in Dubai (hereinafter referred as “HLS-Global UAE”). The establishment of HLS-Global UAE marks a significant milestone in the firm’s commitment to serving Japanese and multinational companies in the region with excellence.