Will Be Free Zone Companies subject to the Corporate Tax?
As announced in January 2022, the United Arab Emirates will introduce a federal Corporate Tax (CT) on business profits that will be effective for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. The following statements are based on a Public Consultation Paper and do not necessarily reflect the final tax environment in June 2023. The tax rate will be 9% of the income (profit) exceeding AED 375,000.
1. No CT for income not related the UAE mainland
Companies and branches that are registered in a Free Zone will be within the scope of the UAE CT and subject to tax return filing requirements. The UAE CT regime, however, will honour the tax incentives currently being offered to Free Zone Persons that maintain adequate substance and comply with all regulatory requirements.
Consequently, a business registered and licensed in a Free Zone Person can benefit from a 0% CT rate on income earned from transactions with businesses located outside of the UAE, or from trading with businesses located in the same or any other Free Zone. The 0% CT rate may also apply to income from certain regulated financial services directed at foreign markets.
2. CT will be applicable to a mainland branch of a Free Zone Company
If the business registered and licensed in a Free Zone conducts business through a branch in the mainland of the UAE, such income (of the branch) will be taxed at the regular CT rate on its mainland sourced income, whilst continuing to benefit from the 0% CT rate on its other income.
3. Direct Transactions with the UAE Mainland
To prevent Free Zone businesses from gaining an unfair competitive advantage compared to businesses established in mainland UAE, any mainland sourced income will disqualify a Free Zone Person from the 0% CT regime in respect of all their income. In other words, such income will be subject to the CT. There will be, however, two exceptions:
3.1 Sales from a ‘Designated Area’
A business licensed and registered in a Free Zone which is a Designated Zone for Value Added Tax (VAT) purposes can benefit from the 0% CT rate on income from the sale of goods to UAE mainland businesses that are the importer of record of those goods. It has to be seen, whether this only covers transactions with a distributor who is registered under the UAE Agency Law or also with unregistered agencies.
3.2 ‘Passive’ Income not subject to the CT
A Free Zone Business can continue to benefit from the 0% CT rate if its income from the UAE mainland is limited to ‘passive’ income. This would include – inter alia – interest, royalties, dividends and capital gains from owning shares in mainland UAE companies.
SCHOLZ KAUFT STEUERDATEN AUS DUBAI –
STRAFFREIHEIT DURCH STEUERLICHE SELBSTANZEIGE
SCHOLZ KAUFT STEUERDATEN AUS DUBAI
STRAFFREIHEIT DURCH STEUERLICHE SELBSTANZEIGE
In der deutschen und internationalen Presse wurde in den letzten Tagen berichtet, dass die Bundesrepublik Deutschland Steuerdaten aus Dubai gekauft habe und diese Daten jetzt von den Ländern ausgewertet würden. Es geht darum, mögliche Steuerstraftaten aufzudecken.
Personen, die in Deutschland unbeschränkt steuerpflichtig sind, haben in Deutschland ihr Welteinkommen zu versteuern. Hierzu zählen auch Mieteinkünfte und Veräusserungsgewinne (und andere Einkünfte) die im Ausland, also auch in Dubai erzielt werden. Wer dies unterlassen hat, droht ein Steuerstrafverfahren.
Straffreiheit durch eine steuerliche Selbstanzeige nach § 371 Abgabenordnung (AO)
Wer wirksam eine Selbstanzeige erstattet, kann gemäß § 371 Abgabenordnung (AO) nicht bestraft werden, obwohl er eine Steuerhinterziehung (§ 370 AO) vollendet hat. Wichtigster Grund der strafbefreienden Selbstanzeige ist die Erschließung von Steuereinnahmequellen, die dem Staat bis zur Selbstanzeige nicht bekannt waren.
Eine Selbstanzeige ist allerdings nicht mehr möglich, wenn
- Die Tat bereits entdeckt wurde.
- Eine Steuerprüfung bereits angeordnet wurde.
- Ein Straf- oder Bußgeldverfahren bereits bekannt gegeben wurde.
- Ein Finanzbeamter bereits zur Steuerprüfung oder Ermittlung der Steuerstraftat erschienen ist.
Da eine strafbefreiende Selbstanzeige nicht mehr möglich ist, wenn die Tat bereits endeckt wurde, sollten Sie möglichst zeitnah handeln.
Wenn die verkürzte Steuer oder der für sich oder einen anderen erlangte nicht gerechtfertigte Steuervorteil einen Betrag von 25.000 Euro je Tat übersteigt, ist zudem ein Geldbetrag in folgender Höhe zugunsten der Staatskasse zu zahlen:
- 10 Prozent der hinterzogenen Steuer, wenn der Hinterziehungsbetrag 100.000 Euro nicht übersteigt;
- 15 Prozent der hinterzogenen Steuer, wenn der Hinterziehungsbetrag 100.000 Euro übersteigt und 1.000.000 Euro nicht übersteigt;
- 20 Prozent der hinterzogenen Steuer, wenn der Hinterziehungsbetrag 1.000.000 Euro übersteigt.
Unterlaufen bei einer Selbstanzeige Fehler, ist man trotz der Selbstanzeige dem Risiko von hohen Geldstrafen und sogar Freiheitsstrafen ausgesetzt. Daher sollte man sich professionel von Steuerexperten vertreten lassen, die sich auch mit den Gepflogeheiten in Dubai und dem Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen zwischen den VAE und Deutschland auskennen.
Wir koennen Sie bei der Prüfung und Erstattung einer Selbstanzeige unterstützen. Prof. Dr. Jörg Wilhelm hat im Zusammenhang mit dem Kauf von Steuerdaten von schweizerischen Banken zahlreiche Selbstanzeigen erfolgreich betreut. Dr. Ghassan Azhari ist zugelassener Rechtsanwalt in Deutschland und Fachanwalt für Steuerrecht. Er ist seit mehr als 15 Jahren praktizierender Rechtsanwalt in Dubai. Zudem unterrichtet Dr. Azhari internationales Steuerrecht an der Middlesex University in Dubai und hat in den vergangenen Jahren internationales Steuerrecht an der SRH Hochschule in Berlin doziert.
Sie können mit uns einen persönlichen Termin sowohl in Zürich als auch in Dubai vereinbaren.
Kontakt:
Azhari Legal Consultancy
Executive Tower D, Office 901
Business Bay
P.O. Box 213811
Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Tel.: +971-(0)4- 447 35 57
Mail:info@azhari-law.com
Web: www.azhari-law.com
Dr. Ghassan Azhari: +971 50 6884811 (Dubai)
Senator Prof. Dr. Joerg E. Wilhelm: +41 79 2079898 (Zürich)
TODAY, Tuesday 30. March 7.00 PM: ‘Employment Laws and Regulations in UAE’ with Dr. Ghassan Azhari @ GoToMeeting Online
On 30 March 2021, Dr. Ghassan Azhari held a lecture on UAE Labour Law at Middle Sex University. His lecture covered the mainland jurisdiction and the Labour Laws in the DIFC and other Free Zones.
Part 32 Offer – Early Disposal of Claims at DIFC Courts
Parties of a lawsuit can, and frequently do, attempt to settle a claim before having to go to a trial. In fact, the DIFC courts encourage parties to settle their disputes, for example through mediation and conciliation. A party may try to settle in any form or way, within the framework of the law, but Part 32 of the Rules of the DIFC Courts (RDC) sets out a formal mechanism for the parties to settle their claims, with possible cost consequences.
It can be substantially expensive and time consuming to litigate a case before DIFC courts. A “Part 32 Offer” (equivalent to Part 36 offers in the English Courts) permits parties to attempt to settle a claim during a lawsuit.
Either party can make a Part 32 Offer to save costs and time in avoiding full trial. In the event, the offeror (the party making the offer) makes a Part 32 Offer which, for whatever reason, is not accepted, and the offeror is granted a ‘judgment more advantageous’ than the offer, the offeree (the party receiving the offer) may be liable for the legal costs of the lawsuit starting from the date on which the offer was rejected, plus interest.
A Part 32 Offer is a formal offer, and it is treated as “without prejudice except as to costs.” This means that, if the offer is not accepted, it cannot be used or referred to during legal proceedings in relation to the claim, save as to the issue of costs. It is important to note that, there is no limit to the number of part 32 offers.
Nothing in Part 32 of the RDC prevents a party making an offer to settle in whatever way it chooses, but a Part 32 Offer must be in accordance with Rule 32 of the RDC, to have the consequences specified in the law. To that effect, it is highly advised to consult with a competent lawyer to ensure the form and content of the offer are in compliance with the RDC.
To put things in a practical perspective, consider the following hypothetical:
A ‘service provider’ (Party A) receives a termination letter from its client (Party B) and Party A chooses to file a claim against Party B at DIFC court. The claim of Party A includes its services provided till termination (let’s assume USD 1 Million) and a compensation for the untimely and unjustified termination (let’s assume another USD 1 Million). It is arguably clear in most cases that Party B will have to pay the claim for the services provided by Party A till the termination. The compensation amount for an asserted untimely or unjustified compensation is by far not that clear and it will remain to be seen by the court to determine the amount of compensation the court will grant.
In the middle of this litigation, Party A may, as encouraged by the DIFC courts, try to settle its claim with Party B and to that effect it files a Part 32 Offer to settle its claim for USD 1.5 Million.
In this hypo, if Party B accepts the offer, Party A would get the settlement amount of USD 1.5 million in a timely manner. But if Party B, for whatever reason, chooses to not accept the offer, and if upon trial the court awards Party A a judgement that is ‘more advantageous’ to what Party A had offered in its Part 32 Offer (USD 1.5 Million), then Party B is liable for the legal costs of the lawsuit starting from the date on which the offer was rejected, plus interest.
Azhari Legal Consultancy is registered with the DIFC courts and we are committed to achieve optimal results for every client.
Deutsche Influenzer in Dubai
Was brauche ich, um als Influencer in Dubai arbeiten zu können?
Um als Influencer in Dubai arbeiten zu können, benötigt man eine sog. Lizenz (Gewerbeerlaubnis). Zudem braucht man eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis und ein Bankkonto bei einer lokalen Bank in Dubai.
Wie erhalte ich eine Lizenz/ Gewerbeerlaubnis?
Jeder Gewerbetreibende in den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten benötigt eine sog. Lizenz. Als Influencer beantragt man diese Lizenz bei dem Dubai National Media Council. Sobald diese Lizenz erteilt wird, kann der Lizenzinhaber das in der Lizenz genannte Gewebe ausüben. Man kann eine Influencer-Lizenz auch in der Dubai Media City beantragen. Bei der Dubai Media City handelt es sich um eine sogenannte Free Zone. In der Dubai Media City kann man eine Kapitalgesellschaft (vergleichbar mit einer deutschen GmbH) mit einer Influencer-Lizenz gründen. Dies kann steuerliche Vorteile mit sich bringen.
Wie erhalte ich eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis und wie kann ich ein Bankkonto in Dubai öffnen?
Die Lizenz ist nicht nur eine Gewerbeerlaubnis, sondern auch die rechtliche Grundlage für den Lizenzinhaber, in den VAE eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis (Residence Visa) zu beantragen. Mit dem Residence Visa kann z.B. eine Wohnung gemietet, ein lokaler Führerschein beantragt und ein privates Bankkonto eröffnet werden. Zudem ist das Residenz Visa wichtig, um ein Geschäftskonto eröffnen zu können. Normalerweise eröffnen die Banken in den VAE keine Geschäftskonten, wenn der Geschäftsinhaber kein Residenz Visa besitzt.
Steuerrechtliche Situation in den VAE
In den VAE werden keine Einkommen- oder Unternehmenssteuern erhoben. Die Gewinne (eines Influencers) unterliegen also keiner Besteuerung. Jedoch gibt es in den VAE eine Umsatzsteuer (VAT) in Höhe von 5%. Das Umsatzsteuerrecht in den VAE sieht vor, dass man bei einem Jahresumsatz von AED 187.500 (Voluntary Threshold) sich freiwillig als umsatzsteuerbares Unternehmen registrieren kann und ab einem Jahresumsatz von mehr als AED 375.000 (Mandatory Threshold) als umsatzsteuerbares Unternehmen registrieren muss. Da Influencer in der Regel Jahrsumsätze von mehr als AED 375.000 erzielen, muss sich der Influencer als umsatzsteuerbares Unternehmer registrieren werden. Dies hat zur Folge, dass der Influenzer:
- eine sog. Tax Invoices für seine Werbeleistungen erstellen muss;
- Bei „Geschenken“, die er als Gegenleistung für seine Werbtätigkeit erhält, die Umsatzsteuer herausrechnen und eine entsprechende Tax Invoice erstellen muss;
- Quartalsmässig eine Umsatzsteuererklärung abzugeben und die entsprechende Umsatzsteuer an das Finanzamt abzuführen hat.
Bei der Nichteinhaltung des Umsatzsteuerrechts drohen empflindliche Geldstrafen. Daher sollte darauf geachtet werden, dass man die Vorschriften des Umsatzsteuerrechts genau einhält.
Steuerpflicht in Deutschland
In den VAE sind die Gewinne aus der Influencertätigkeit steuerfrei. Dies bedeutet aber nicht, dass man diese Gewinne nicht in Deutschland versteuern muss. In Deutschland unterliegen die weltweiten Einkünfte (also auch Gewinne aus den VAE) einer Person dem deutschen Besteuerungsrecht, sofern diese Person einen Wohnsitz oder einen gewöhnlichen Aufenthaltsort in Deutschland hat. Hieran ändert auch das Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen zwischen den VAE und Deutschland (DBA VAE) nichts. Artikel 22 Abs. 1 des DBA VAE besagt, dass eine Doppelbesteuerung von einer in Deutschland ansässigen Person dadurch vermieden wird, dass die in den VAE erhobene Steuer auf die deutsche Steuer angerechnet wird. Da man in den VAE keine Einkommenssteuer bezahlt, unterliegt das gesamte Einkommen, das ein Influencer in Dubai erzielt, dem deutsche Besteuerungsrecht.In Deutschland sind nur dann keine Steuern zu zahlen, wenn man in Deutschland keinen Wohnsitz und keinen gewöhnlichen Aufenthaltsort hat. Bei der Aufgabe des deutschen Wohnsitzes hat man sehr umsichtig zu handeln, da die steuerlichen Voraussetzungen für einen Wohnsitz in Deutschland sehr gering sind. So reicht es für einen deutschen Wohnsitz aus, dass man noch eine Wohnung in Deutschland hat, auf die man jederzeit Zugriff hat. Hierbei kommt es nicht darauf an, ob und wieviele Tage im Jahr man in dieser Wohnung tatsächlich „wohnt“; dies hat auch nichts mit der oft in einem völlig falschen Zusammenhang erwähnten 6-Monats-Regel zu tun. Auch kann die Tatsache, dass der Ehepartner und Kinder noch in Deutschland wohnen, für einen deutschen Wohnsitz einer in den VAE lebenden Person ausreichen. Die Abmeldung des Wohnsitzes bei dem Einwohnermeldeamt hat allenfalls einen indikativen Charakter.
Zudem gibt es in Deutschland eine sog. Wegzugsbesteuerung, die allerdings in der Praxis häufig nur eine untergeordnete Rolle spielt.
Bei dem Wegzug aus Deutschland sollte man die deutschen Steuergesetze genau beachten, um später „böse Überraschungen“ zu vermeiden.
Azhari Legal Consultancy unterstützt Influencer bei der Beantragung der Influencer-Lizenz, der Aufenthaltserlaubnis und berät Influencer in steuerlichen und zivilrechtichen Fragestellungen.
Die enthaltenen Informationen in diesem Artikel dienen allgemeinen Informationszwecken und beziehen sich nicht auf die spezielle Situation einer Einzelperson oder einer juristischen Person. Sie stellen keine betriebswirtschaftliche, rechtliche oder steuerliche Beratung dar. Im konkreten Einzelfall
How to bequeath Bitcoin and other crypto currencies in the UAE
The UAE is governed by the UAE Federal Laws that give – so far – very little indication about the legal classification of bitcoins and other crypto currencies.
There is, however, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) that has its own probate court. The DIFC is a Federal Free Zone and applies the Laws of England and Wales. The Laws of England and Wales classify crypto currencies as a ‘property’ so that cryptocurrencies can be held on trust (e.g. by a financial institution) for the benefit of accountholders (see: http://www.nzlii.org/nz/cases/NZHC/2020/728.html).
Having said this, you can register a last will at the DIFC probate court under the Laws of England and Wales if (1) you have a residency in the UAE or (2) you have assets in the UAE. In either cases, you need to be at least 21 years old and a non-Muslim.
If you have a residency in the UAE, a DIFC-Will can be drafted in a way that it covers all your assets worldwide. While doing so, one has to consider the (inheritance) laws of the jurisdiction(s) where your assets are located.
A residency in the UAE can be demonstrated by a UAE Visa and a physical address.
If it comes to crypto currencies, it is difficult to prove that the crypto currencies are in the UAE as crypto currencies are in the blockchain and as such not within any particular jurisdiction. If, however, the crypto currencies are held on trust by a financial institution operating in the UAE, the crypto currencies should be considered as an asset located in the UAE. The mere fact that a cold wallet, i.e. a hard ware stick, is located in the UAE might also create an asset in the UAE.
The Laws of England & Wales consider Bitcoin and other crypto assets as a ‘property’ (see: The UK Jurisdiction Taskforce (‘UKJT) Legal Statement on crypto assets and smart contracts’). Consequently Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can be bequeathed by a DIFC-Will.
In the DIFC-Will, however, the crypto currencies have to be mentioned in a manner that it is clear which crypto currencies shall be covered by the Will. In this context, it is important to clarify whether you hold your crypto currencies in a cold wallet or a hot wallet. For the purpose of inheritance, it would be beneficial, if the crypto assets will be held in a cold wallet (preferable a hardware rather than a paper wallet) or on trust by a financial institution.
It is worthwhile to mention that according to Part 3 Rule 10 (4) the DIFC Wills and Probate Rules (‘WPR Rules’) that the Director or an Authorized Officer shall have a discretion to register a document including on grounds of confidentiality or sensitivity of information (such as sealed documents or documents containing confidential passwords and personal codes). Having said this, the Testator may register together with his Will a sealed document containing his ‘private key’ that allows to withdraw crypto currencies from public key/address.
Finally, is advisable not only to mention the wallet type, but also the crypto assets the wallet is giving access to, e.g. ‘the Trezor Model T hardware wallet holding/giving access to 50 Bitcoins’. This provision can be important for the beneficiaries for two reasons: (1) the inheritance of crypto currencies might be subject to inheritance tax (depending on the residency of the testator and beneficiaries) and (2) in case the beneficiary wants to convert the crypto currencies to fiat money, e.g. to US-$. In this case, the (converting) bank will ask for a disclosure regarding the ‘source of wealth’. Considering the permanently increasing compliance requirements of financial institutions, clear provisions in the Last Will should make the compliance procedure at least easier.
Employers’ rights during the Covid-19 Crisis
Resolution No. 279 of 2020 issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation on 26 March 2020 (‘the Resolution’) reacts to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on businesses providing a fair balance between employers and employees. Employees are for many businesses the most valuable assets.
The Resolution gives employers certain liberties to keep employees during the crises at lower costs that gives the employers the advantage of not losing the employee and the employee will keep his employment at less favorable conditions instead of losing his job.
The instruments provided by the Resolution are – inter alia – the following:
– Implementing a remote work system;
– Granting employees paid leave;
– Granting employees unpaid leave;
– Temporarily reducing salaries;
– Permanently reducing salaries.
An employer should carefully consider these options prior terminating an employment and thereby losing employees the employer might need after the Covis-19 crisis.
You are an employer and need further assistance, please contact us: info@azhari-law.com
Dr. Ghassan held a seminar at the Middlesex University Dubai
On 10th and 11th November 2019 Dr. Ghassan held a seminar on the “UAE Economic Substance Regulations” at the Middlesex University’s Institute for Entrepreneurship and Business Excellence (IEBE) in Dubai. Dr. Ghassan gave an insight on the backgrounds of the “UAE Economic Substance Regulations” and the impacts of the “Exchange of Information”.
DIFC Enacts New Employment Law
The new DIFC Employment Law, Law No. 2 of 2019, which was enacted on 30th May 2019 and will come into force on 28 August 2019, revised its provisions regarding inter alia sick pay, end-of-service gratuity, and settlements in a manner that protects and balances the interests of both employers and employees. Furthermore, it introduces new regulations such as provisions regarding paternity leave and anti-discrimination. Regarding its applicability, where a claim has been initiated on the basis of the old DIFC employment law, any provisions which may apply to such proceedings will be deemed to survive the repeal of the old law, if no equivalent provision exists under the new law. Whereas, any to be commenced legal proceedings must be interpreted under the new DIFC Employment Law. It is important to note that the new law mandates that proceedings must be initiated no later than 6 months following the employee’s termination date.
We have listed some of the key changes of the new DIFC Employment Law in summarized form for you.
Sick pay
The new provisions include a reduction of the statutory sick pay. Now, an employer shall pay sick pay to an employee at 100% of the employee’s daily wage for the first 10 work days of sick leave taken in a 12 month period; 50% of the employee’s daily wage for the next 20 work days of sick leave taken in the same 12 month period. The employee shall not be entitled to receive any wage for any additional sick leave taken in the same 12 month period. In cases where an employee takes more than an aggregate of 60 work days of sick leave in a 12 month period, the employer may terminate the employment contract with immediate effect on written notice to the employee.
Penalties for late payment
The new law also limits the application of late fines for not paying salary or end-of-service settlements on time. Penalties will only be triggered if the amount due and not paid to an employee is held by a Court to be in excess of an employee’s weekly wage. A late payment penalty will be waived entirely by a Court in respect of any period during which a dispute is pending in the Court or in case the employee’s unreasonable conduct is the material cause of the employee failing to receive the amount due from the employer. Moreover, penalties will be capped at 6 months’ daily wage as a result of a new 6 month limitation period for employees to bring claims.
End of service gratuity / pension
Regarding the end of service gratuity, the new law introduced some key changes regarding how and when it will be paid. Under the old law the employee’s basic wage was the basis for calculation of the end of service gratuity. As per the new law the employee’s basic wage for the purpose of the end of service calculation shall not be less than 50% of the employee’s annual remuneration package (including an employee’s allowance but excluding bonuses, grants, commission or other payments which are discretionary, non-recurring expressly agreed not to form part of an employee’s wage or allowance).
One important change is that the end of service gratuity will be payable even in cases where the employee was terminated for cause.
Furthermore, instead of the end of service gratuity, employees may choose to receive pension contributions into a non-UAE retirement fund (or similar scheme) instead of receiving a gratuity payment, provided the contributions made by an employer are not less than the gratuity payment the employee would have been entitled to receive.
Settlement agreements
The requirements of the new DIFC Employment Law are minimum requirements and a provision in an agreement to waive any of those requirements, except where expressly permitted by law, is void in all circumstances. However, an employee may waive any right, remedy, obligation, claim or action under this Law by entering into a written agreement with their employer to terminate their employment or to resolve a dispute with their employer, provided the employee warrants in the written agreement that they were given an opportunity to receive independent legal advice from a legal practitioner as to the terms and effect of the written agreement;
Recruitment costs
As per the new DIFC Employment Law an employer is not permitted to recoup from an employee any costs or expenses that incurred in the course of recruiting the employee, unless the employee terminates their employment contract for any reason other than termination for cause and their termination date falls within a period of 6 months from the employee’s date of commencement of employment (provided such expenses were directly incurred by the employer in the course of recruiting the Employee, are supported by proof, and such provision was included in the employment contract).
Paternity leave
Provisions targeting employees include the introduction of 5 days paid paternity leave provided he was continuously employed by his employer for at least 12 months.
Discrimination
As per the new law a provision or practice which is discriminatory in relation to the employee’s sex, marital status, race, nationality, age, pregnancy, maternity, religion, or mental or physical disability is prohibited. With respect to age an employer does not discriminate against an employee on grounds of age if the employer can show his treatment of the employee to be a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. The DIFC Courts have the discretion to provide employees who file a claim for discrimination or victimization with a remedy, by making a declaration as to the rights of the parties, award the employee compensation (up to an amount equivalent to the employee’s annual wage), make a recommendation that within a specified period the respondent takes specified steps for the purpose of obviating or reducing the adverse effect on the complainant, or do a combination of the aforementioned. If the employer fails to comply with any recommendations set by the DIFC Court and compensation has been awarded, the DIFC Court has the power to grant compensation to the employee up to 2 times the equivalent of the employee’s annual wage.