Panamá y el intercambio de información tributaria – Mossack Fonseca

La Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico (Ocde) mantiene una campaña para la implementación universal de un sistema pensado para combatir lo que dicho organismo denomina Erosión de las Bases y Transferencia de Beneficios (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting o Beps, por sus siglas en inglés). Lo llamaremos Beps. En esencia, Beps consiste en un sistema multilateral de intercambio automático de información tributaria entre los países que suscriban el acuerdo correspondiente.

Este proyecto Beps de la Ocde constituye un cambio importante respecto de la política que sobre intercambio de información tributaria había venido manteniendo dicha organización durante los últimos años, que consistía en la promoción de redes de intercambio bilateral de información entre países. Este cambio de exigir intercambio bilateral a un sistema de intercambio multilateral, la Ocde ha manifestado que se justifica por el hecho que los sistemas de intercambio bilateral tienen falencias que se prestan para esquemas de erosión de las bases del impuesto corporativo sobre la renta. Según la Ocde, el nuevo sistema está llamado a restaurar la confianza de las personas en sus sistemas impositivos, nivelar el terreno de juego para las empresas y proveer a los gobiernos con herramientas más eficientes para asegurar la efectividad de sus políticas fiscales soberanas. Además, sostiene la Ocde, el nuevo sistema de intercambio multilateral que propone, vendría a estandarizar normas y procedimientos, con lo cual el sistema redundaría en beneficios incluso para las empresas multinacionales.

¿Cuál es la posición de Panamá sobre el intercambio multilateral?

En primer lugar, en la reciente sesión anual de la Asamblea General de la Organización de Naciones Unidas (ONU), el presidente de la República, Juan Carlos Varela, expresó durante su intervención que Panamá acepta la necesidad de establecer controles adecuados para asegurar que sus sistemas financiero y logístico sean utilizados solo para fines legítimos, y que para ello el país ha venido adoptando normas y sistemas de control cada vez más estrictos. En este sentido, indicó que Panamá acepta que debe migrar hacia un sistema de intercambio automático de información fiscal. Sin embargo, acotó que Panamá continuará suscribiendo acuerdos de intercambio de información bilaterales, como lo ha venido haciendo con los principales socios comerciales del país.

Además, el presidente Varela puntualizó, en su intervención en la ONU, que cualquier cooperación de la República de Panamá en materia de intercambio de información fiscal estará condicionada a dos factores: A la capacidad y circunstancias nacionales (de Panamá) y el entorno geopolítico internacional y que se respete el derecho soberano de cada país a tomar las medidas necesarias para garantizar que el intercambio de información fiscal persiga el bien común y no sea utilizado para perjudicar la competitividad de unos países frente a otros.

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Lo anterior fue en octubre de 2015. Pero posteriormente, la postura del país ha sido reafirmada por la Cancillería. Gian Castillero, asesor del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores para temas económicos, declaró a mediados de diciembre de 2015, a un importante medio escrito de noticias financieras del país, que Panamá no suscribirá el acuerdo multilateral que resulte del proyecto Beps de la Ocde, y que en cambio continuará negociando y suscribiendo acuerdos bilaterales para el intercambio automático de información fiscal, sobre la base de los criterios enunciados por el presidente Varela en su intervención ante la Asamblea General de la ONU.

¿Por qué Panamá prefiere la vía de acuerdos bilaterales?

Castillero fue bastante franco en su declaración publicada antes referida, y dijo que la Ocde basa su proyecto Beps con intercambio multilateral sobre la premisa que todos los países son iguales, premisa que señala como equivocada y que hay muchos países con retos que pueden ser terriblemente afectados por el intercambio automático de información fiscal. Fue claro al señalar que se refiere a los riesgos de secuestro y al riesgo que la información de los activos de una persona pueda ser usada para fines políticos. Es por esto que Panamá -señala- se reserva su potestad soberana para decidir con qué países suscribe acuerdos de intercambio de información.

¿Dónde estamos parados?

El proyecto Beps de la Ocde se encuentra en una etapa en que dicha organización ha comisionado a un grupo de expertos para el diseño y redacción del tratado multilateral, así como los detalles operativos de cómo funcionaría el sistema.

La Ocde ha planteado que todo debe estar listo para que durante el año 2016 el tratado esté listo para presentarlo para firma de los distintos países. Sin embargo, aun si esto es logrado, es muy poco probable que fuese revisado, debatido internamente por las autoridades de cada país miembro de la Ocde (aparte de los demás países no miembros), firmado y ratificado, todo en poco tiempo. Seguramente, habrá mucha tela que cortar antes que un número significativo de países, y que, además, sean países influyentes en el plano internacional, firme y ratifique el tratado.

Hay, además, un elemento de incertidumbre sobre el rol que jugaría Estados Unidos (EE.UU.) en el proyecto Beps. A fines de 2016, EE.UU. tendrá elecciones presidenciales. ¿Qué pasaría si gana la presidencia un candidato republicano?  Ya ha ocurrido antes que una iniciativa con mucho momentum de la Ocde, pierda influencia al llegar a la Casa Blanca un presidente proveniente del Partido Republicano. Cuando George W. Bush llegó a la presidencia en enero de 2001, rápidamente su administración echó por tierra el apoyo que previamente había dado el gobierno de su país a una iniciativa de la Ocde contra la “competencia fiscal internacional perniciosa”. Y es sabido que el apoyo de EE.UU. es clave para cualquier iniciativa de la Ocde en materia de estándares tributarios en el plano internacional.

Por lo anterior, consideramos que en el corto y mediano plazo es poco probable que el proyecto Beps de la Ocde llegue a tener vigencia real y efectiva.  Más allá de cinco años, por otro lado, cualquier proyección es mera especulación, por lo que no podemos descartar que de aquí a dicho término pueda prosperar esta iniciativa. Por el momento, sin embargo, la situación es que Panamá ha adoptado una posición clara y firme en sentido que: No formará parte de dicho proyecto de la Ocde; se compromete al intercambio automático de información, pero mediante tratados o acuerdos bilaterales con otros países que Panamá determine.

Y se respete el principio de que el intercambio de información fiscal sea usado para perseguir el beneficio común y no para afectar la competitividad de unos países respecto de otros.

Mossack Fonseca Explains Changes to Panama’s Bearer Shares Regime

Bearer Share Custody System

The bearer share immobilization system was introduced in Panama by means of Law 47 of 6th August 2013 and was substantially amended by Law 18 of 23rd April 2015. Luis Quiel of Mossack Fonseca shall review here the most important aspects of the custody system, as modified by the most recent amendments.

Entry into Force is Moved Forward

Companies that were formed before 4th May 2015 have up to 31st December 2015 to delete from their articles of incorporation the possibility of issuing bearer shares or to deposit the bearer share certificates with an authorized custodian. The latter would require, either amending the articles of incorporation to expressly allow bearer shares under the custody system, or having such system approved in a board of directors minutes registered at the Public Registry.

If any company does not formally approve (before 31st December 2015) a decision to allow the immobilization of bearer share certificates, the bearer share certificates that it has issued shall be null and void by full right.

The deadline of 31st December 2015 applies only to companies formed before 4th May 2015. For bearer shares issued on or after 4th May 2015, the term expired on 4th August 2015.

Legal Consequences of Lack of Action

Articles of incorporation of companies that envisage the issuance of bearer shares and that have not been amended to provide for immobilization with authorized custodians (save if the decision was adopted through a board resolution duly registered at the Public Registry) will be deemed to have been amended by operation of law as of 1st January 2016. This will cause two important consequences for such companies: 1) bearer shares that are outstanding shall be irrevocably null and void, and 2) the company may not issue new bearer shares.

Immobilization or Custody System

To benefit from the bearer share custody system, certain requirements need to be complied with as follows:

1.   Amendment of the articles of incorporation or registration of the decision of the corporation’s board of directors before 31st December 2015, so as to envisage bearer shares in custody according to the system created by Law 47 of 2013 and Law 18 of 2015.

2.      Deposit of the bearer share certificates with an authorized custodian.

3.      The authorized custodian shall require a sworn statement from the shareholder that includes information allowing due identification of the owner of the bearer shares and the corporation’s resident agent, including contact details.

The law provides for two kinds of authorized custodians: 1) local authorized custodians, and 2) foreign authorized custodians. The former may be banks holding a general license and trust companies authorized by the Panama Bank Superintendence (SBP―its initials in Spanish); brokerage houses and securities clearing houses authorized by the Securities Market Superintendence (SMV―its initials in Spanish); and attorneys at law certified as such by the Supreme Court of Justice.

Banks, trust companies, and financial intermediaries may be foreign authorized custodians if they hold a license for practicing their activities as set forth in jurisdictions that are members of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Money Laundering or are associated members that are registered with the SBP on a special register that the latter keeps to such end.

Rights over Certificates in Custody

The ownership of shares in custody may be transferred without need for the physical delivery of the certificates, provided that the owner advises the custodian that he/she has made the transfer and that the acquirer submits a sworn statement to the custodian that includes the required information (name and identification data, as well as contact data).

The law provides, likewise, for an interesting pledge system that allows the creation of such encumbrance on bearer shares in custody, by the owner merely giving notice to the authorized custodian whereby he/she advises the pledging of the shares as well as the lienholder’s full name, physical address, telephone number, and email address.

Lastly, a special inheritance disposition system has been created for bearer shares that allow owners to dispose mortis cause of their shares, without need for such shares to be the object of a probate process for their transfer upon the grantor’s death.

Conclusion

As Luis Quiel of Mossack Fonseca has outlined, as of 1st January 2016, bearer shares that are not regulated by the custody system in accordance with Law 47 of 2013, as amended by Law 18 of 2015, shall be irrevocably null and void by operation of law. It is important to take provisions in time and to make corporate decisions in accordance with the formalities set by the law. Otherwise, the legal and financial consequences of the annulment of the rights inherent to such bearer shares may be quite costly.

Ankle and Knee Specialists in Huntington Beach by Dr Howard Marans

KneeSpecialists

From walking to participating in sports, each day millions of people make the decision to be fit. The healthy choices may put extra strain on the body. When continuous joint pain or an injury occurs, the task of finding the right ankle and knee specialists may add to the frustration. An orthopedist treats issues dealing with the musculoskeletal system including, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. In Huntington Beach, finding the right ankle and knee specialists may take research.

Consult Health Insurance Representative

One of the biggest factors to consider when seeking ankle and knee specialists is the current health care provider. Each health insurance provider has different guidelines and rules for medical care. The health insurance representative will be able to send a potential patient a directory of available doctors within the Huntington Beach area.

The doctors within the health care network will accept the insurance for maximum coverage according to the policy’s guideline. Working with the health insurance provider will help in reducing the out of pocket costs for medical treatment. In some situations, surgery may cost thousands of dollars. Working with the health care provider is beneficial for both medical treatment and the final expenses.

Ask the Family Doctor

With the complete medical history, the family doctor is a major resource for recommending ankle and knee specialists. Ask for referrals based on the individualized issues. The family doctor or the courteous staff may be able to make the appointment with the specialist to help speed the process along.

Go to the Internet

The Internet is a valuable resource tool for finding ankle and knee specialist in the Huntington Beach area.

- Read online review boards to find out how other patients with similar conditions viewed the doctor’s treatment and overall care approach.

- Consult the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

- Check local resources and Huntington Beach directories.

- Check the potential new doctors’ websites to see if new patients are being accepted.

Get Referrals

Under most circumstances, a person has already needed the expertise of knee and ankle specialists. Ask for referrals from friends, family members, co-workers and others. When seeking out names, find out why the doctor was the best for the treatment received. Each person will have reasons for picking the doctor of their choice. If one doctor does not work for the type of medical issue, a second opinion is available.

Huntington Beach Knee Specialists

In the Huntington Beach area, Dr. Howard Marans will work with each patient in an individualized manner to find the best treatment program for the current medical condition. Starting with an accurate diagnosis based on medical history, physical exam and testing, Dr. Marans will explain all medical treatments available with the desired outcome for each option.

In most cases, he will start with a non-surgical approach to allow a patient to return to normal, healthy activities with the shortest amount of recovery time. When the injury or disease is too severe, Dr. Marans will explain the need for surgery to correct the issue. Along with the expectations the procedure will provide in the treatment process.

Dr. Marans accepts PPO and works with other insurance companies to give each patient a chosen medical treatment program without creating a financial hardship. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981

Richard Isaacs, MD Medical Profile

Physician-in-Chief / Director, The Permanente Medical Group, Board of Directors, Oakland, CA

SUMMARY

Professional Background

“I joined Kaiser Permanente in 1995 and have Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. My specialties include: orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgery. I function as a regional resource for the management of advanced tumors of the head and neck and provide the otolaryngologic approach for tumors at the skull base. Additionally, I am trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and perform rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, and rhytidectomy. I have an interest in post-tumor facial reconstruction and facial reanimation surgery. I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

I received my Bachelor of Science degree, with Distinction, from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and my Doctor of Medicine degree, with Honors, from Wayne State University in Detroit. Then, I completed my Otolaryngology training in New York at the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital / New York Hospital-Cornell Medical College. Subsequently, I received additional Head and Neck Oncologic and Skull Base Surgical training from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and The University of California, Davis. I am also a 2004 graduate of the Kenan-Flagler School of Business Advanced Leadership Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and the University of California, San Francisco, CHCF Advanced Leadership Program. “

Roles

“In April of 2005, I was appointed to the Physician-In-Chief andChief-of-Staff positions for the South Sacramento and Elk Grove Medical Facilities. I am very fortunate to be able to continue my head and neck surgical practice and I greatly enjoy my administrative position as well. I provide leadership to our 450 physicians/providers and more than 2000 nurses and staff who care for the 200,000 Kaiser Permanente members in the South Sacramento/Elk Grove area.”

CLINICAL SPECIALTIES & INTERESTS

Otolaryngology (ENT): General Otolaryngology/ENT, Head & Neck Microvascular Surgery, Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery

EDUCATION & TRAINING

* University of California Davis

* Cornell University Medical College

* Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

* St Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center

* Wayne State University School of Medicine

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURE

* CA State Medical License

1992– 2016

* American Board of Otolaryngology

Otolaryngology

AWARDS, HONORS, & RECOGNITION

* Fellow (FAAO-HNS)

American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

* Presidents Award for Scientific Exhibit: “Skull Base Surgical Approaches to Distal Carotid Aneurisms.”

American Academy of Otolaryngology

* Top MD

Consumers Checkbook

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

PUBMED

* Anatomy and physiology of the upper airway.

Isaacs, R.S., Sykes, J.M.; Anesthesiol Clin North America. 2002 Dec.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

* American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery - AAO - NHS

Fellow

* American College of Surgeons - ACS

Member

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

* Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center

Sacramento, CA

Al Lamb's Dallas Honda: 2013 Ducati Multistrada Granturismo

GENERAL INFORMATION

DUCATI MULTISTRADA GRANTURISMO Ready to ride the world. The S Granturismo embodies the touring spirit of the new Multistrada to perfection. The 73-litre panniers, top case and Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) have been combined with even more touring-oriented ergonomics to engine protection bars, to provide an optimal set-up whatever the riding conditions. The goal: to tour the world. This Ducati Multistrada Granturismo is so rare with super low miles !!!

Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda is an exclusive Honda Only Dealer. Al Lamb's Dallas Honda carry New and Used motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, UTVs, Side by Side (SxS) and personal watercrafts.

SPECS

ENGINE

Engine - L-twin cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, Desmodromic, dual

Bore And Stroke - 106 x 67.9 mm

Compression Ratio - 11.5:1

Induction - Electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies

DRIVE TRAIN

Transmission - 6-speed

Final Drive - Chain 5.3 in.; front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 40

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

Front Brake - ABS, (2) 320 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers, 4-piston, 2-pad

Rear Brake - 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliper

Front Tire - Pirelli Angel GT 120/70 17 in.

Rear Tire - Pirelli Angel GT 190/55 17 in.

DIMENSIONS

Rake - 25°

Trail - 4.3 in. (110 mm)

Wheelbase - 60.2 in. (1,530 mm)

Seat Height - 33.5 in. (850 mm)

Curb Weight - 478 lbs. (217 kg)

OTHER

Available Colors - Touring Grey

Model Id - Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

Howard Marans MD: Affordable Ankle Surgery in Orange County, CA

Affordable ankle surgery is a dicey subject – there are many surgical interventions that can be performed on the ankle, and the costs vary depending upon the complexity of the procedure.  The patient who is having ankle distress symptoms should worry more about the cause of their issues instead of worrying about affordability.  However, if you health insurance coverage, you can be assured your surgery will be covered and your co-pay very reasonable, depending on your insurance plan. With health insurance coverage, you can have affordable ankle surgery, no matter the dysfunction.

Ankle Surgery Funding

Ankles require surgery due to arthritis, injury, and birth defects.  Complex surgical procedures, even if uninsured, can be afforded with funding loans or payment schedules with the surgeon and hospital. It is not unusual for the ankle joint to have to be totally reconstructed after an accident, and you should seek out the highest authority in orthopedic surgery to treat your issue, even if you must have affordable ankle surgery.

Orange County Orthopedic

Whether you want to get back to your softball league or play on your school team, Orange County Orthopedic provides you with prompt care by utilizing state of the art surgical, arthroscopic, and orthopedic treatments and procedures.

As an Orange County, California specialist and surgeon, Dr. Marans not only is the go-to authority for sports injuries to vital joints and the reconstruction to complete health, but he volunteers as physician for the sports teams at local secondary schools.  This is an outstanding benefit to his community and its families, and is indicative of the overall caring character of this highly skilled surgeon.

Sports Medicine and Reconstruction

Dr. Howard Marans has expertise in all of the human joints as an authoritative surgeon of wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles, hands, and knees.  His medical practice dates over twenty years in the operating rooms performing surgery for athletes, people in law enforcement, and others. Among the difficult procedures which Dr. Marans performs with expertise is the Achilles tear and reconstruction, joint replacement, and treating de Quervain’s Disease.  Some of his male patients have  experienced the need for rotator cuff repair, and he has extensive experience in ACL knee repair and reconstruction.

His practice and studies have taken him to Canada, Australia, and the U.S. His offices in Fountain Valley, California have the highest quality equipment and diagnostic tools and his staff shares his mission of caring for patients with professionalism and timeliness.

Top Affordable Ankle Surgery in Orange Couny, CA

Dr. Howard Marans has received the following honorary awards for exemplary service:

- J.C. Kennedy Award for Excellency in Sports Medicine

- Excellence in Research Award (Sport Sciences) American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

- Healthgrade Honor Roll

If you are experiencing any inflammation, stiffness, pain, or limited movement in your ankle, contact Dr. Howard Marans immediately for his evaluation and correction of your medical issue.

Richard Isaacs MD - Kaiser Permanente

Company wants employees to serve as role models in community

Carman stopped exercising after leaving the military in 1991, and the pounds began piling on. But after his father died at age 54, and at the urging of his daughter, a nursing student, Carman decided in 2012 to start making a change.

He credits Kaiser’s Live Well, Be Well program for his improved fitness. Carman dropped 40 pounds since starting the program and trimmed 6 inches from his waist. And in September, he was able to stop taking the blood pressure medication he’d been on for 10 years.

Carman ran in the December marathon as part of a four-member relay team with his daughter and friends. His goal is to run half the marathon this year, and the entire course in 2015. He’s also working on losing another 20 pounds.

The constant encouragement Carman receives through Kaiser has helped him overcome his biggest obstacle: sticking with his exercise program consistently. “I’m just very grateful for everything my employer does,” Carman said.

While many employers encourage a healthy workforce, Kaiser, which employs 66,000 in its Northern California region, including 12,000 in the Sacramento area, has an additional motivation as a health-care provider.

“We want all of our staff and physicians to be role models for our community,” said Dr. Richard Isaacs, physician-in-chief of Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center.

Kaiser’s program offers more than 250 wellness options that focus on six categories: physical activity, healthy eating, emotional health, prevention, healthy workplace and healthy community.

Issacs, a head and neck surgeon, said the program has caused a cultural transformation at the company, reducing absenteeism and making employees happier and more engaged.

“I’m watching our employees actually transform their lives,” Isaacs said. “They look different. They just exude health.”

Employees encourage colleagues to get involved, take lunch-time walks or train for competitions. There are free exercise classes, with yoga, Zumba and boot camp among the popular options.

Employees can track their health improvements online and enroll in a wellness university, where they earn credits and even graduate.

To encourage healthy eating, there are on-site farmers markets and employee gardens at Kaiser’s South Sacramento Medical Center, as well as at offices in Davis and Rancho Cordova. There, workers grow vegetables and chefs demonstrate healthy cooking techniques.

The program’s emotional health component encourages employees to pursue creative outlets. Toward that end, the South Sacramento Medical Center held its third annual art show March 28, where physicians and employees displayed paintings, photographs, sculptures, quilts, beadwork and floral arrangements.