On 12 January 2015, Oman's Council of State (upper house of the Council of Oman) approved a proposed increase in the standard corporate tax rate from 12% to 15%. Oman's Consultative Assembly (lower house) approved the change on 23 December 2015 ({News-2015-12-30/P/3- previous coverage}). The increased rate applies for any company, establishment or business in Oman, although the higher rate of 55% continues to apply for oil sales. The associated decree must be published in the Official Gazette, and is to apply from 1 January 2016.