<p>British snack food manufacturer&nbsp;Walkers is facing quite a situation as a tax tribunal ruled that its mini poppadoms are not exempt from VAT and must be treated as crisps.&nbsp;The debate over the nature of these bite-sized snacks has unfolded, drawing parallels with past VAT battles involving Pringles and flapjacks.</p>

<p>A British judge has declared that the company must pay VAT on its mini poppadoms, considering them more akin to crisps.&nbsp;This ruling could leave Walkers facing a hefty multimillion-pound bill, as potato snacks&nbsp;have a 20 percent VAT.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The manufacturer had contended that its Sensations Poppadoms should be exempt from the sales tax, arguing that they were not made from potatoes. It said that it is meant as a snack for dipping.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the tax tribunal, led by judges Anne Fairpo and Sonia Gable, concluded that these "small, generally round, bite-sized objects" were crisps in everything but name.</p>

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<p>The tribunal's ruling hinged on the fact that 40 percent of the ingredients in the poppadoms were "potato-derived," including potato granules and potato starch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the judges, this potato content was "more than enough" to fall under the tax rule.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>In a humorous touch, the judges dismissed the idea of "nominative determinism" in snack foods.</p>

<p>“Nominative determinism is not a characteristic of snack foods: calling a snack food Hula Hoops does not mean that one could twirl that product around one’s midriff, nor is Monster Munch generally reserved as a food for monsters," judges Anne Fairpo and Sonia Gable said.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Similar to crisps in appearance, taste</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Unconvinced by Walkers' arguments, the judges asserted that Sensations Poppadoms were strikingly similar to potato crisps in appearance and texture.</p>

<p>“They are packaged and sold in a manner similar to potato crisps. Removing them from their packaging, we consider that their appearance and texture is similar to potato crisps.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Walkers has the right to appeal against the&nbsp;verdict.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British snack food manufacturer Walkers is facing quite a situation as a tax tribunal ruled that its mini poppadoms are not exempt from VAT and must be treated as crisps.

British snack food manufacturer Walkers is facing quite a situation as a tax tribunal ruled that its mini poppadoms are not exempt from VAT and must be treated as crisps. The debate over the nature of these bite-sized snacks has unfolded, drawing parallels with past VAT battles involving Pringles and flapjacks. A British judge has declared that the company must pay VAT on its mini poppadoms, considering them more akin to crisps. This ruling could leave Walkers facing a hefty multimillion-pound bill, as potato snacks have a 20 percent VAT. The manufacturer had contended that its Sensations Poppadoms should be exempt from the sales tax, arguing that they were not made from potatoes. It said that it is meant as a snack for dipping. However, the tax tribunal, led by judges Anne Fairpo and Sonia Gable, concluded that these "small, generally round, bite-sized objects" were crisps in everything but name. Also Read | German lawmakers made it EASIER to gain citizenship, dual nationality. Here's how The tribunal's ruling hinged on the fact that 40 percent of the ingredients in the poppadoms were "potato-derived," including potato granules and potato starch. According to the judges, this potato content was "more than enough" to fall under the tax rule. VIRAL VIDEO | Putin takes dip in icy waters. Here's why In a humorous touch, the judges dismissed the idea of "nominative determinism" in snack foods. “Nominative determinism is not a characteristic of snack foods: calling a snack food Hula Hoops does not mean that one could twirl that product around one’s midriff, nor is Monster Munch generally reserved as a food for monsters," judges Anne Fairpo and Sonia Gable said. Watch | US: Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name × Similar to crisps in appearance, taste Unconvinced by Walkers' arguments, the judges asserted that Sensations Poppadoms were strikingly similar to potato crisps in appearance and texture. “They are packaged and sold in a manner similar to potato crisps. Removing them from their packaging, we consider that their appearance and texture is similar to potato crisps.” Walkers has the right to appeal against the verdict. (With inputs from agencies)

VAT-a-shocker: British court rules Walkers' Poppadoms are potato chips, to attract sales tax

<p>Singapore is gearing up for an increase in sales tax in 2024 as the government takes measures to strengthen its financial position in anticipation of heightened social spending, driven by the city-state's rapidly ageing population. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The goods and services tax, affecting a range of items from groceries to luxury goods, will see a one-percentage-point hike to 9 per cent starting Monday, marking the second phase of a two-stage rate increase. This follows the increment earlier this year when the sales tax rose from 7 per cent to 8 per cent, after remaining unchanged for 15 years.</p>

<p>The upcoming tax hike is compounding concerns over the already escalating living costs, prompting opposition lawmakers to call for a delay in its implementation.</p>

<p>Core inflation in Singapore moderated to 3.2 per cent in November from its peak of 5.5 per cent in the early months of the year.</p>

<p>However, it remains stubborn, with the central bank projecting an average of 2.5–3.5 per cent in 2024.</p>

<p>With a quarter of the population predicted to be 65 or older by 2030, the government argues that the tax adjustment is essential to strengthen state finances in anticipation of the anticipated spike in healthcare expenses and population ageing.</p>

<p>Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has defended the decision, emphasising that deferring the GST increase would only lead to more significant challenges in the future, limiting resources to address growing fiscal needs. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to the potential burden on households, the government has rolled out an "assurance package" worth over S$10 billion ($7.55 billion). The package includes payouts ranging from S$200 to S$800 distributed to all adult Singaporeans this month. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While the tax hike raises concerns about its impact on citizens, the relief measures aim to alleviate the immediate financial strain. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Some retailers, like IKEA and FairPrice Group, have pledged to absorb the tax increases for the time being, with IKEA not specifying when it would conclude the initiative, and FairPrice Group committing to absorb the hike on essential items such as rice and vegetables.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>

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Singapore is gearing up for an increase in sales tax in 2024 as the government takes measures to strengthen its financial position in anticipation of heightened social spending, driven by the city-state's rapidly ageing population.

Singapore is gearing up for an increase in sales tax in 2024 as the government takes measures to strengthen its financial position in anticipation of heightened social spending, driven by the city-state's rapidly ageing population. The goods and services tax, affecting a range of items from groceries to luxury goods, will see a one-percentage-point hike to 9 per cent starting Monday, marking the second phase of a two-stage rate increase. This follows the increment earlier this year when the sales tax rose from 7 per cent to 8 per cent, after remaining unchanged for 15 years. The upcoming tax hike is compounding concerns over the already escalating living costs, prompting opposition lawmakers to call for a delay in its implementation. Core inflation in Singapore moderated to 3.2 per cent in November from its peak of 5.5 per cent in the early months of the year. However, it remains stubborn, with the central bank projecting an average of 2.5–3.5 per cent in 2024. With a quarter of the population predicted to be 65 or older by 2030, the government argues that the tax adjustment is essential to strengthen state finances in anticipation of the anticipated spike in healthcare expenses and population ageing. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has defended the decision, emphasising that deferring the GST increase would only lead to more significant challenges in the future, limiting resources to address growing fiscal needs. In response to the potential burden on households, the government has rolled out an "assurance package" worth over S$10 billion ($7.55 billion). The package includes payouts ranging from S$200 to S$800 distributed to all adult Singaporeans this month. While the tax hike raises concerns about its impact on citizens, the relief measures aim to alleviate the immediate financial strain. Some retailers, like IKEA and FairPrice Group, have pledged to absorb the tax increases for the time being, with IKEA not specifying when it would conclude the initiative, and FairPrice Group committing to absorb the hike on essential items such as rice and vegetables. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Singapore implements sales tax hike amid concerns over rising living costs, demographic shift

<p>First sales tax hike in 15 years has sent Singapreans on shopping spree as the increase is due to kick&nbsp;in on January 1, 2023. Though the increase is from 7 per cent to 8 per cent, the 1 per cent hike is going to apply to everything from groceries to diamond rings. Barring a&nbsp; projected sharp global economic downturn next year, it will then rise to 9% in 2024 as the city state of 5.6 million people raises revenue to support its ageing population.</p>

<p>Economists feel that the impact of one percentage point tax hike may be muted as consumer spending surge is likely to be followed by a lull after the tax rise kicks in.</p>

<p>For consumers right now, the impending increase is important as they seek to save money.</p>

<p>"A 1% increment may be small, but any savings help in this inflationary environment," 28-year-old Soif Noor told Reuters. By buying everything now before the hike, Soif said he's saving S$250 ($185) on his purchases, now in storage at retailers' facilities.</p>

<p><strong>WION Fineprint | Singapore: From 30 December, beverages to be ranked by their sugar content</strong></p>

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<p>Noor further said that some of his male colleagues are rushing to buy engagement rings, being urged by girlfriends to "propose now - if not it will be more expensive next year".</p>

<p>When the tax hike kicks in, the sales tax in Singapore will be slightly higher than Thailand's 7% but lower than Indonesia's 11%, less than half the roughly 20% rate imposed in many countries in Europe, and below Japan's 10%.</p>

<p>Singapore's move to forge ahead with the tax increase comes even as some countries, like Thailand and Italy, approve consumption tax breaks to help citizens cope with the rising cost of living crisis.</p>

<p>OCBC economist Selena Ling said the current "positive bump" in big-ticket consumer purchases was good for the retail sector, but the impact on the overall economy is likely to be muted. The sale or lease of residential property is exempt from the tax, while the impact on car sales remains uncertain, with prices at record highs this year.</p>

<p>Ling expects economic growth in the first quarter of next year to be slow with "less consumer appetite for excessive spending in the near term until the uncertainties abate".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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First sales tax hike in 15 years has sent Singapreans on shopping spree as the increase is due to kick in on January 1, 2023. Though the increase is from 7 per cent to 8 per cent, the 1 per cent hike is going to apply to everything from groceries to diamond rings.

First sales tax hike in 15 years has sent Singapreans on shopping spree as the increase is due to kick in on January 1, 2023. Though the increase is from 7 per cent to 8 per cent, the 1 per cent hike is going to apply to everything from groceries to diamond rings. Barring a projected sharp global economic downturn next year, it will then rise to 9% in 2024 as the city state of 5.6 million people raises revenue to support its ageing population. Economists feel that the impact of one percentage point tax hike may be muted as consumer spending surge is likely to be followed by a lull after the tax rise kicks in. For consumers right now, the impending increase is important as they seek to save money. "A 1% increment may be small, but any savings help in this inflationary environment," 28-year-old Soif Noor told Reuters. By buying everything now before the hike, Soif said he's saving S$250 ($185) on his purchases, now in storage at retailers' facilities. WION Fineprint | Singapore: From 30 December, beverages to be ranked by their sugar content × Noor further said that some of his male colleagues are rushing to buy engagement rings, being urged by girlfriends to "propose now - if not it will be more expensive next year". When the tax hike kicks in, the sales tax in Singapore will be slightly higher than Thailand's 7% but lower than Indonesia's 11%, less than half the roughly 20% rate imposed in many countries in Europe, and below Japan's 10%. Singapore's move to forge ahead with the tax increase comes even as some countries, like Thailand and Italy, approve consumption tax breaks to help citizens cope with the rising cost of living crisis. OCBC economist Selena Ling said the current "positive bump" in big-ticket consumer purchases was good for the retail sector, but the impact on the overall economy is likely to be muted. The sale or lease of residential property is exempt from the tax, while the impact on car sales remains uncertain, with prices at record highs this year. Ling expects economic growth in the first quarter of next year to be slow with "less consumer appetite for excessive spending in the near term until the uncertainties abate". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Singapore: Shoppers hit malls to fill stocks, save money before tax hike kicks in

Japan registers worst slump in 5 years. where its economy hit by low consumer spending. Japan is currently facing a recession due to many occurring circumstances that have caused Japan's economy to slowly spiral down.

Japan's Economy shrank sharply | Wion News | World News

India&#39;s parliament today passed a landmark tax reform&nbsp;bill&nbsp;that will pave the way for the introduction of a new national sales tax, and create a common market across the country for the first time.<br />
<br />
Parliament&#39;s upper house, Rajya Sabha, passed the long-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST)&nbsp;bill&nbsp;unanimously after Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s government reached a consensus with opposition parties over the new tax regime. The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014 was approved by the upper house with 203 votes in favour and none against, after a seven-hour debate during which a rare bonhomie was witnessed among the ruling and the opposition parties.<br />
<br />
The GST will replace a patchwork of central and state levies on goods and services and is one of the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party government&#39;s biggest reforms since taking power in May 2014.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi thanked the leaders and members of all the parties in a tweet&nbsp;after the bill received a thumbs up.<br />
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On this truly historic occasion of the passage of the GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha, I thank the leaders and members of all parties.</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/760874175766507521">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I would like to add that GST will also be the best example of cooperative federalism. Together we will take India to new heights of progress</p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/760874652960821249">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
The battle to introduce the economy-boosting GST has been one of the fiercest of Modi&#39;s premiership, with Congress repeatedly blocking the bill for more than a year, before finally agreeing to several amendments.<br />
<br />
&quot;It&#39;s the biggest tax reform since independence,&quot; finance minister Arun Jaitley told the NDTV television channel earlier today.&nbsp;&quot;It integrates India into one economic entity India becomes a big market, there will be a seamless transfer of goods and services across the country.&quot;<br />
<br />
Investors have billed the GST as a &quot;silver bullet&quot; for India&#39;s economy that would supplant multiple federal and state levies, a chaotic structure that inflates costs for businesses.<br />
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">GST Bill passed.India&#39;s enormous market--a caged tiger--will now be unleashed. GoodShowTeam India!</p>
&mdash; anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra/status/760876374634721280">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Passing of the GST Amendment Bill will boost foreign investor sentiment <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSTBill?src=hash">#GSTBill</a><br />
Watch for inflows</p>
&mdash; Mahesh (@invest_mutual) <a href="https://twitter.com/invest_mutual/status/760875005089423360">August 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
Hailing the passage of the bill as an extremely progressive step, Walmart India today reacted positively.<br />
<br />
&quot;Passing of the GST bill today in Rajya Sabha is an extremely progressive step and long awaited one. GST is one of the critical tax reforms which has potential to create one single market in India for goods &amp; services and will boost country&#39;s economy significantly,&quot; Walmart India president and CEO Krish Iyer said in a statement.<br />
<br />
Businesses have lobbied hard for the tax, with lobby group the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) estimating the GST will add 1.5 to 2 percentage points to the annual economic growth rate.<br />
<br />
&quot;It is very much in the category of what one would call a big-bang reform,&quot; CII president Naushad Forbes told AFP.&nbsp;&quot;It will be a huge benefit to the ease of doing business, it&#39;s a huge potential efficiency gainer. It&#39;s a very significant potential contribution to the economy in the longer term,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
India&#39;s GDP expanded 7.6 per cent in 2015-16, making it the fastest-growing major economy in the world.&nbsp;The actual tax is still some way off, however, with the government targeting April 2017 for its introduction, a date many experts say is overly optimistic.<br />
<br />
The bill that cleared the upper house today simply amends the constitution to grant the government new taxation powers.&nbsp;The bill must also be ratified by at least half of India&#39;s 29 states, before a specific GST bill can be introduced to enshrine the tax in law.<br />
<br />
The main rate of GST is still a hot topic for debate, with experts suggesting it is likely to end up at around 18 per cent.&nbsp;While GST may push up inflation in the short term because the price of some goods will rise, economists say it will boost business activity and deter tax evasion.<br />
<br />
About 150 countries worldwide have some form of GST or VAT (Value Added Tax), according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.<br />
<br />
(Agencies)

The passage of the bill was held up for years by political infighting, and its advancement marks a victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi

India's parliament today passed a landmark tax reform bill that will pave the way for the introduction of a new national sales tax, and create a common market across the country for the first time. Parliament's upper house, Rajya Sabha, passed the long-awaited Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill unanimously after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government reached a consensus with opposition parties over the new tax regime. The Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014 was approved by the upper house with 203 votes in favour and none against, after a seven-hour debate during which a rare bonhomie was witnessed among the ruling and the opposition parties. The GST will replace a patchwork of central and state levies on goods and services and is one of the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party government's biggest reforms since taking power in May 2014. Prime Minister Modi thanked the leaders and members of all the parties in a tweet after the bill received a thumbs up. On this truly historic occasion of the passage of the GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha, I thank the leaders and members of all parties. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2016 I would like to add that GST will also be the best example of cooperative federalism. Together we will take India to new heights of progress — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 3, 2016 The battle to introduce the economy-boosting GST has been one of the fiercest of Modi's premiership, with Congress repeatedly blocking the bill for more than a year, before finally agreeing to several amendments. "It's the biggest tax reform since independence," finance minister Arun Jaitley told the NDTV television channel earlier today. "It integrates India into one economic entity India becomes a big market, there will be a seamless transfer of goods and services across the country." Investors have billed the GST as a "silver bullet" for India's economy that would supplant multiple federal and state levies, a chaotic structure that inflates costs for businesses. GST Bill passed.India's enormous market--a caged tiger--will now be unleashed. GoodShowTeam India! — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 3, 2016 Passing of the GST Amendment Bill will boost foreign investor sentiment #GSTBill Watch for inflows — Mahesh (@invest_mutual) August 3, 2016 Hailing the passage of the bill as an extremely progressive step, Walmart India today reacted positively. "Passing of the GST bill today in Rajya Sabha is an extremely progressive step and long awaited one. GST is one of the critical tax reforms which has potential to create one single market in India for goods & services and will boost country's economy significantly," Walmart India president and CEO Krish Iyer said in a statement. Businesses have lobbied hard for the tax, with lobby group the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) estimating the GST will add 1.5 to 2 percentage points to the annual economic growth rate. "It is very much in the category of what one would call a big-bang reform," CII president Naushad Forbes told AFP. "It will be a huge benefit to the ease of doing business, it's a huge potential efficiency gainer. It's a very significant potential contribution to the economy in the longer term," he said. India's GDP expanded 7.6 per cent in 2015-16, making it the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The actual tax is still some way off, however, with the government targeting April 2017 for its introduction, a date many experts say is overly optimistic. The bill that cleared the upper house today simply amends the constitution to grant the government new taxation powers. The bill must also be ratified by at least half of India's 29 states, before a specific GST bill can be introduced to enshrine the tax in law. The main rate of GST is still a hot topic for debate, with experts suggesting it is likely to end up at around 18 per cent. While GST may push up inflation in the short term because the price of some goods will rise, economists say it will boost business activity and deter tax evasion. About 150 countries worldwide have some form of GST or VAT (Value Added Tax), according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. (Agencies)

Indian parliament's upper house passes landmark tax reform bill

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