ΠΕΡΙΓΡΑΦΗ

A practical, plain-English workshop explaining the Cyprus tax reform effective from 1 January 2026, and how the new rules change corporate tax costs, dividend strategy, and cross-border payments.

Participants will learn how the 15% CIT rate affects distributable profits, how the new dividend SDC framework operates, what has changed in relation to deemed distributions, and how to identify defensive withholding risks on outbound dividends and interest to certain jurisdictions. 

The workshop also covers updated transfer pricing thresholds and includes a short compliance checklist to help businesses transition smoothly.

ΣΚΟΠΟΣ ΣΕΜΙΝΑΡΙΟΥ

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain when the new rules apply and identify the key timelines.
• Calculate the CIT cash impact of moving to 15% and link it to distributable reserves.
• Apply the dividend SDC rules for Cyprus-resident individuals, including the 5% rate and the 17% transitional rate for profits up to 2025.
• Distinguish “profit buckets” (≤FY2025 vs ≥FY2026) for dividend planning and documentation.
• Understand what remains of deemed distributions (limited to 2024–2025 profits) and why it still matters in practice.
• Identify when defensive withholding/charges may apply on outbound dividends/interest to low-tax or non-cooperative jurisdictions.
• Recognise the TP threshold changes and how to re-map-controlled transactions for documentation risk.

ΣΕ ΠΟΙΟΥΣ ΑΠΕΥΘΥΝΕΤΑΙ

The programme is ideal for:

• CFOs, finance managers, financial controllers
• In-house accountants and tax staff
• Audit/assurance professionals
• Tax advisers supporting SMEs and groups
• Company owners/directors (especially owner-managed companies with dividend flows)

ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΕΣ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΕΣ

Training Outline 

Understanding the Cyprus Tax Reform (corporate lens)

• What changed and from when (2026 start; key transitional moving parts).
• “Why the reform exists” (policy aims, high-level).
• Quick comparison: pre-2026 vs from 2026 (CIT / dividends / deemed distribution framing).
• Mini exercise (10 min): classify a dividend as “≤FY2025 profits” vs “≥FY2026 profits” and pick the rate logic.

Corporate Taxation Updates

• CIT rate to 15% and the cash impact on distributable profits (simple worked numbers).
• Dividend taxation outcomes by shareholder profile (Cyprus-resident individual vs non-resident).
• Defensive outbound measures (when 5%/17% can apply to certain jurisdictions).
• Transfer pricing thresholds: what changed, what it means for Local File exposure (high level).

SDC Deep Dive for Companies (what businesses must do)

• Dividend SDC mechanics.
• Deemed distribution.
• Withholding operations.

Compliance, Reporting & Risk Management

• “Transition Checklist” (profit-year tracking, dividend register, approvals, shareholder/jurisdiction screening)
• Practical controls before paying a dividend.
• Short note: other corporate-related reform areas (e.g., admin law changes, stamp duty repeal) at awareness level.

Training Style 

• Illustration of key terms and concepts
• Preparation and discussion of practical examples, including mini cases
• The course will have both a theoretical and practical framework with real examples drawn from actual companies, local and international
• Activities and Break-out groups

 CPD Recognition 

This programme may be approved for up to 4 CPD units in Accounting and Auditing. Eligibility criteria and CPD Units are verified directly by your association, regulator or other bodies which you hold membership.