Overview of Tax Compliance in Israel

Any country's tax law must be analyzed in detail to be fully understood, and Israel is no exception. The Middle Eastern nation of Israel is small but essential, with a complex geopolitical position, a thriving economy, and a multiethnic population. While working to promote stability and peace in the region, it nonetheless faces several obstacles. Various taxes, including income tax, VAT, corporate tax, capital gains tax, property tax, and customs duties, are all included in Israel's tax system. These taxes adhere to the values of equality, efficiency, and simplicity while being a vital part of funding government operations and promoting economic progress.

Types of taxes in Israel

• Corporate Income Tax:Corporate income tax is a tax imposed on net profits made by companies or other legal organizations. It is calculated by applying a predetermined tax rate to the net profits and is based on the company's taxable income. According to Israeli legislation, corporations with Israeli incorporation and international corporations with branches in Israel must pay corporate tax. The corporate tax rate will be 23% as of 2023. It is vital to highlight that non-resident entities must only pay taxes on revenue produced or derived within Israel. In contrast, Israeli-resident entities must pay taxes on their worldwide income.
• Value Added Tax: Value-added tax (VAT) is levied in Israel on every transaction, including the importation of goods and the delivery of services. The tax is determined as a portion of the transaction total or the item's cost. Whether or not the parties involved are registered dealers, it applies to business deals involving the sale of goods, property, or services. Even for infrequent business dealings, the buyer must pay VAT if they are a registered a merchant. VAT is designed to bring in money for the government. In Israel, the current VAT rate is 17%.
• Customs:Upholding the laws governing the importation and export of commodities is the responsibility of the Customs Directorate's workers. Their main goals are to stop illegal operations like fraud, drug trafficking, money laundering, and intellectual property infringement. Additionally, they control all commercial imports and exports from Israel, including imports to the Palestinian Authority. Israel has free trade agreements with several countries and organizations, including the US, Canada, Mexico, the EU, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
• Excise Duty: Any levy on produced items often imposed at the time of manufacture for internal consumption rather than at the time of sale is known as an excise or excise tax. Israel imposes excise taxes on various products, including alcohol, cigarettes, diesel for vehicles, and petrol. These taxes are enforced separately on each item, and the rates vary depending on the particular good.
• Real Estate Capital Gains: Israel's Land Appreciation Tax Law imposes capital gains tax on real estate properties. This law covers a variety of real properties, including homes, buildings, and other long-term affixed structures to land. It also applies to lease and real estate rights that last 25 years or longer. The tax rate under this statute is 23% as of 2023.
• Transfer Tax: Whenever certain assets or properties are transferred from one party to another, governments charge a "transfer tax." It is normally computed using the asset's worth as a basis, and its purpose is to bring in money for the government. Depending on regional laws and the type of transfer-such, such as real estate deals or the transfer of financial assets, the tax amount may change. The buyer must often pay an acquisition tax when buying real estate. The government imposes this tax, which may be as little as a few per cent or as much as 10% of the property's value.
• Stamp Duty: The tax is imposed on the legal necessary papers in relation to any transaction of properties, such as the lease, sale or mortgage of that particular property. The government will levy this tax on the execution of these legal necessary papers. The concept of stamp duties is not found in Israel. 
• Property Taxes: Local governments apply property taxes as taxation on the market value of real estate assets owned by people or organizations. This yearly charge, based on the property's assessed value, is used to pay for public amenities, including infrastructure, schools, and emergency services. Property owners must pay this tax to the appropriate local government agencies in accordance with the law. Property taxes are frequently assessed against people or organizations that use commercial and residential real estate. Usually, the property owner is responsible for paying the taxes on vacant properties. Municipal governments are in charge of implementing this taxing scheme.

Tax Period in Israel

The tax year typically follows the calendar year. A separate tax year-end date may be requested by some organizations, including mutual funds, government entities, quoted corporations, and subsidiaries of international publicly traded companies.

Tax Return

The method of calculating taxes in Israel combines assessment and self-assessment. The deadline for filing tax returns is five months following the end of the tax year, which for those who use the calendar year is typically May 31st. 

Penalty for Non-Compliance

A penalty of 30% may be applied if the Israeli Tax Authority (ITA) discovers an additional tax liability of more than ILS 500,000 during a tax assessment and the tax deficiency is greater than 50% of the total tax payable. It's crucial to remember that additional requirements must be satisfied for this punishment to be imposed.

Services offered by Enterslice

Our expertise in tax administration enables us to assist clients in effectively managing their tax obligations and identifying opportunities to lower tax expenses. We keep abreast of the most recent techniques and tools to manage tax risks and responsibilities domestically and internationally. To create tax strategies that support our customers' objectives, we actively listen to them and collaborate with them.

Our services consist of the following:

• Tax Compliance Advisory: We collaborate closely with customers to develop tax strategies that satisfy legal requirements while lowering costs and risks and delivering superior outcomes. By addressing regulatory changes, using data for value, streamlining compliance and planning, and resolving regulatory changes, we promote communication between tax, finance, legal, and other departments. 
• International Tax Advice: As the globe becomes increasingly linked, businesses regularly engage in cross-border transactions with intricate tax ramifications. Our customers obtain thorough advice on international tax compliance, double taxation agreements, transfer pricing, and international tax planning by using our worldwide tax consultancy services. Our knowledge aids companies in overcoming the difficulties associated with international taxes and strengthening their worldwide tax position.
• International Tax Planning: We provide complete services for international tax planning thanks to our in-depth knowledge of international tax laws and regulations. In order to maximize their worldwide tax status, firms may benefit from our assistance in identifying tax-efficient structures, analyzing cross-border transactions, and adhering to international tax laws. Our products help companies grow internationally while reducing tax liabilities.
• Advisory on Tax Policy: We help customers manage and settle tax disputes at both the local and multi-jurisdictional levels. Our objective is to create practical strategies that avert future issues and guarantee compliance in a setting where tax requirements need thorough justifications.
• Acquisitions: We assist customers in navigating the difficult processes involved in mergers and acquisitions as the number of international business transactions rises. We are able to help customers through the full purchase process while avoiding potential problems thanks to our vast understanding of tax changes in different jurisdictions.