COOKING
Let’s be real: VAT is like getting a backstage pass to the world’s economic kitchen. For every single transaction, there’s a story—a recipe, if you will. VAT doesn’t just skim the surface; it digs into how goods and services are cooked up, marketed, and devoured. It’s like getting a seat in the chef’s kitchen of business transactions, with VAT as the relentless critic checking every ingredient!
The funny thing? I was blissfully unaware of VAT’s existence until (very) late in my studies. Sure, I knew I was paying VAT every time I bought something, but much like you don’t question the spices in a meal unless you’re a chef, I never thought twice about it. Learning about VAT was like finding out what goes into making a soufflé—not for the faint-hearted or those who just want to enjoy the meal without the “behind-the-scenes” stress.
Think of it this way: anyone can follow a recipe. That’s your average taxpayer. But being a VAT expert is like being a Michelin-star chef—someone who goes beyond, creating instead of copying, adding originality to something most find mundane. And yes, it takes a ton of time and energy. It’s like cooking while navigating a jungle blindfolded, trying to solve a mystery with a million ingredients (and a lot of trial and error). Meanwhile, being a “cook” (the taxpayer, in this analogy) is far simpler and a lot less…sticky.
Some might say, “Why go through all this trouble?” True, life is short, and time is precious. But for those of us in VAT, there’s a thrill in cracking the code of every transaction. It’s like getting to create the ultimate dish from scratch, one transaction at a time—even if that dish sometimes looks like a VAT return.
For the latest news on VAT, check out www.vatupdate.com!
If you have any comments, questions, or ideas that you want to share with us, please send us an email at [email protected] or leave a comment under the posts of this newsletter on LinkedIn.
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WORLD
WORLD
- Calculate your direct and indirect tax compliance expenses
- E-Invoicing & E-Reporting developments in the news in week 43/2024
- Global Interoperability Forum (GIF): Connecting the World for Easy Cross-Border E-Invoicing and Trade
- UN Tax Committee: Enhancing VAT Compliance in Developing Countries – Strategies for Small…
- October VAT news: 10 updates from around the world
- International Tax Competitiveness Index 2024 – South Korea ranks #1
- Customs Watch Highlights: Essential Updates for Professionals
- Peppol – Key Questions Answered
- Digital services tax jurisdiction activity summary
- 8 Common Sales Tax Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- E-Invoicing vs. E-Reporting: Understanding the Key Differences for Compliance and Efficiency
- UN Report: Assessing and Correcting Interaction Between Carbon Taxes and VAT
- Towards digital invoicing: what is UBL?
- The 5-Corner Model of PEPPOL: An Evolution in e-Invoice Exchange
- EPPO Busts Chinese Underground Banking Network in Italy for €113 Million VAT Fraud
- Changes in standard VAT rates in Estonia, Indonesia and Slovakia per Jan 1, 2025, Switzerland may increase in 2026
WEBINARS / EVENTS
- Sovos webinar Recording + Slides: VAT Snapshot: Global E-invoicing Plans, Proposals and Deadlines
- ecosio Webinar – Country-specific E-invoicing Updates at a Glance (Oct 29)
- RTC Webinar – Is ViDA the Tip of the European e-Invoicing Iceberg? (Oct 23)
- ecosio Webinar – Peppol – How Acknowledgments Will Change the E-invoicing Game Forever (Oct 23)
- Webinar Recap: Is ViDA the Tip of the European e-Invoicing Iceberg?
MIDDLE EAST
SAUDI ARABIA
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
- Zero VAT Rate – Recent Amendments
- UAE Unveils eInvoicing Implementation Timeline to Enhance Digital Economy
- UAE’s 2026 B2B and B2G e-Invoicing Mandate: Understanding the Decentralized…
- B2B e-Invoicing in UAE: Peppol DCTCE scheduled for 2026
- UAE Ministry of Finance Unveils E-Invoicing Plans to Streamline Tax Reporting and…
- UAE Ministry of Finance Updates E-Invoicing Guidance for 2026 Mandate: FAQs and Phased Implementation
- UAE Publishes Further Details on Upcoming E-Invoicing Mandate
- Ministry of Finance Releases the Intention to Introduce E-Invoicing in 2026
- UAE’s Bold Move: Eliminating Crypto Transaction Taxes and Its Implications
- FTA partners with Dubai Land Department to streamline VAT collection on property sales.
AFRICA
ETHIOPIA
MAURITIUS
MOROCCO
NIGERIA
- Nigeria to Raise VAT to 15% on Luxury Goods, Exempt Essentials for Poor Citizens
- President Tinubu’s Tax Reforms: Nigeria’s Plan to Increase VAT Rate and Improve Tax Compliance
- FG Confirms Plan to Raise VAT on Luxury Goods by 2.5% to Boost Revenue
- FG Exempts 63 Items from VAT
- Experts Praise FG for VAT Exemption on 63 Items, Urge Transparency, and Implementation Care
TUNESIA
ZIMBABWE
AMERICAS
ARGENTINA
- Elimination of VAT exemptions on newspapers and digital subscriptions to increase tax revenue.
- Government Removes VAT Exemptions on Print and Digital Media to Boost Revenue
- Argentina Dissolving Federal Administration of Public Revenue, Removing Certain VAT Exemptions
- Argentina reduces payment term for imports
BELIZE
BOLIVIA
CANADA
- GST/HST Implications for Bitcoin Transactions in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
- Navigating Revenue-Sharing Arrangements and GST/HST: Legal Flow of Money in Business Partnerships
COLOMBIA
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
ECUADOR
MEXICO
UNITED STATES
- Washington DOR Asks for Comments on Draft MPU Exemption Guidance by November 4
- Texas: Processing Pre-Authorization Requests Using Proprietary Software Tool Deemed Not Taxable
- PetMeds Challenges Illinois “Leveling the Playing Field” Law in Tax Tribunal Petition
- CDTFA’s Tax Rate Map: Instantly Find Sales and Use Tax Rates by Location
- SST: Simplifying Sales Tax Compliance for Businesses through Collaborative Efforts
- A guide to Sales and Use Tax in Louisiana
- Federal Deductibility of State and Local Taxes: Updated Report from Congressional Research Service
- Navigating Sales Tax Implications of Intercompany Fees: A Guide for Businesses
- NJ Tax Department Introduces Enhanced Sales Tax Filing System for 2025
- 2025 Sales Tax Trends: Navigating Changes for Compliance in Online Retail by Sarah Craig
- Recent Updates in Sales Tax: Alaska Repeals Transaction Count Requirement
- State Tax Updates Impacting Businesses in Illinois, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Vermont, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington
- States’s Tax Websites and Sales Tax Searches
- Pennsylvania DOR Addresses Taxability of Canned Computer Software, Digital Goods, and Related…
- Ohio Board of Tax Appeals Says Services are Not Taxable when True Object is Data Authorization
ASIA PACIFIC
ASIA PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA
- Australian Greens Advocate for Enforcing Digital Services Tax
- Australia’s Top Priorities for GST Enforcement
- The Tax Institute’s National GST Conference: ATO Update for Public and Multinational Businesses
- Taxpayer Prevails in Landmark Case Against Luxury Car Tax: HCA Rules in Favor
- ATO Commissioner outlines current GST complexities in National GST Conference address
CHINA
INDIA
- Judgment Analysis: ITC Availment under CGST Act
- Akzo Nobel India Receives Reduced GST Demand in Telangana Department Appeal Order
- Latest Updates on Customs, GST, and Tax Laws in India
- Kerala State Electricity Board Exempts Services from GST: Circular Update
- Impact of GST Exemption on Life and Health Insurance Premiums: What You Need to Know
- DA – Indirect Tax Fortnightly Update – October 2024
- GoM recommends lowering GST rate on water bottles, bicycles to 5%: Report
- GST Exemptions for Insurance Premiums Likely as GoM Supports Tax Relief for Key Sectors
- Panel Meeting on GST Rate Rationalisation and Insurance Tax Cut Scheduled for Saturday
KAZAKHSTAN
- MIC Initiates Public Consultation to Expand SEZ Goods Eligible for Zero VAT Rate
- A Pilot Project Has Been Developed for the Execution of Public Procurement Contracts in the IS E-Invoices
MALAYSIA
- Malaysian Ministry of Finance Unveils 2025 Budget with Tax Reforms for Revenue Enhancement
- 15 Top Benefits of E-Invoicing for Malaysian SMBs: Streamline Operations & Boost Efficiency
- Malaysia’s 2025 Budget: Sales and Service Tax Hike Plans Unveiled
- Dr Wee Advocates for GST Revival with a New Identity to Boost Economy
- Clear Definitions Needed for Expanded SST: Impact on Consumers and Industry Players
PAKISTAN
- FBR Implements Power Cut Drive to Enforce Tax Compliance and Curb Revenue Losses
- FBR Recovers Rs700 Million in Sales Tax Fraud Crackdown, More Expected Soon
- FBR Cuts Steel Goods Valuation for Sales Tax, Boosting Industry Competitiveness and Market Dynamics
- FBR Crackdown Recovers Rs700m from Sales Tax Fraud, Expects Rs1.1bn More Soon
PHILIPPINES
- BIR Warns: Document Deficiencies Increase Risk for VAT Refund Claims – October 22, 2024
- PH Tops Southeast Asia with Highest VAT Rate at 12%
- Philippines imposes new VAT obligations for foreign digital service providers
- Philippine Congress Extends VAT Obligations to Non-Residential Digital Service Providers
SOUTH KOREA
TAIWAN
- Taxation on Sales of Development Rights: Clarification by Northern Tax Bureau of Ministry of Finance
UZBEKISTAN
- Tax Inspector Assistance: Real-time Data for Taxpayers in 14 Sectors with 902 Industries.
- Request for Refund of Negative Tax Difference in Taxpayer’s Report: Procedure and Requirements.
- Request for Refund of Negative Tax Difference in Taxpayer’s Report: Procedure and…
VIETNAM
EUROPE
EUROPE
EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
- Comments on ECJ C-741/22: Belgian abolition of VAT exemption for online gambling not in conflict with EU law
- Comments on ECJ C-73/23: Abolition of VAT exemption for online gambling not contrary to EU law
- ECJ Ruling: VAT Reduction for Medicines Subsidies
- Agenda of the ECJ VAT cases – 2 Judgments till November 14, 2024
- Comments on ECJ C-475/23: VAT deduction for provision of goods to subcontractor
- Comments on ECJ case C‑60/23: Confirmation of Reseller Model for E-Charging: New Questions for…
- Comments on ECJ C-60/23: Charging point operator supplies electricity to EV users under certain conditions
- Comments on ECJ C-83/23: Reemtsma Claim Rejected – Implications for Cross-Border VAT Transactions
- Comments on ECJ C-475/23: ECJ Rules Against Romanian VAT Practice Denying Reclaim on Goods for Subcontractors
- ECJ WHT C-525/24 (Santander Renta Variable Espana Pensiones, Fondo de Pensiones) – Questions – Evidentiary Barriers in Pension Fund’s Tax Exemption Case
- ECJ C-570/24 (Ecoserv) – Questions – Tax Liability in Missing Alcohol Case
- Comments on ECJ case C-60/23: ECJ Allows VAT Recovery for Electric Vehicle…
EUROPEAN UNION
- E-invoicing is gaining momentum – Update from France, Germany & Belgium
- EU Countries Extend VAT Overhaul Implementation Deadline to 2030 to Accommodate Estonia’s Concerns
- EU Parliament Behavioural Tax Briefing
- Proposed postponement of the entry into force of the EU Deforestation Rules
- A Guide to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation
- Your Guide to Electronic Invoicing EU
- EU Council Proposal to Extend Latvia’s VAT Derogation for Passenger Cars
- EU Council Proposal to Extend Hungary’s VAT Deduction Limit for Passenger Cars Until December 2027
- EU Council Proposal to Extend Croatia’s VAT Deduction Restriction on Passenger Cars Used for Private Purposes
- EU Council proposal: Right to Deduct Input VAT on Business Goods and Services Used for Private Purposes
- Understanding VAT Validation Responsibilities Under DAC7
- EC: Proposal to Extend Italy’s Mandatory E-Invoicing Authorization
- Italy and France: Proposed Changes to Digital Services Taxes
EUROPEAN UNION – ViDA
- ViDA on the provisional agenda of the Ecofin meeting on November 5, 2024
- Progress on VAT rules in the digital age (ViDA)
- Hungary’s Proposal: 10-Year Opt-Out to Resolve Dispute on ViDA VAT Package
- EU Council Presidency Proposes 10-Year Opt-Out for VIDA – Platform Economy
- Estonia Optimistic About Revised EU VAT Reform Proposal
AUSTRIA
BELGIUM
- Reform of VAT Compliance: Key Changes in Belgian Taxation System from January 2025
- Belgium’s VAT Chain Modernization: End of Current Account and New Procedural Rules, Effective 2025
- New Circular 2024/C/63 on Customs Debt: Key Changes and Implementation Date of 23 October 2024
- Royal Decree implementing the VAT chain published
- Belgium releases an official list of compliant e-invoicing solutions
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
BULGARIA
CYPRUS
DENMARK
ESTONIA
- Estonia’s National E-Invoice Project: Standardizing B2B Invoicing by 2025
- Estonia’s Unique E-Invoicing Mandate: Implementation Postponed to July 2025
FINLAND
FRANCE
- French DST Rate Increase Proposed
- French National Assembly Proposes Increase in Digital Services Tax Rate for 2025 Finance Bill
- French Government Shifts to Registered PDPs for E-Invoicing Compliance: What Businesses Need to Know
- France Mandates Third-Party E-Invoicing Services for Businesses by 2027
- New Mandatory Invoice Details: Key Information for E-Invoicing Compliance in France
- France Mandates PDPs for e-Invoicing: What Businesses Need to Know
- E-Invoicing in France: Complete guide
- French e-invoicing mandate: shift from hybrid to PDP-only model for invoice exchange.
- France DST rise to 6% proposal
- France’s Finance Committee to Review Proposal to Double Digital Services Tax in 2025 Budget.
GERMANY
- German Ministry of Finance Issues Final Guidance on Mandatory E-Invoicing Including Transitional Provisions
- Final Guidance from German Ministry of Finance on Mandatory E-Invoicing with Transitional Provisions
- Finalised Guidelines for Mandatory B2B e-Invoicing in Germany: Key Takeaways and Requirements
- Germany’s Detailed Guidance Letter on E-Invoicing Mandate Effective January 2025
- E-Invoicing in Germany: Complete Guide
- Germany’s Online Guidance on Cross-Border VAT in One-Stop-Shop System: Key Areas Addressed
- The right to deduct input tax in the case of supplying tenant electricity
- Interpretation of § 2b UStG: School contribution not subject to VAT –…
- Bundesfinanzhof: Electricity supply to tenants is an independent service – implications for landlords
- Deducting Import VAT as Input Tax: Challenges and Opportunities for German Businesses
- Germany’s Phased Transition to Mandatory E-Invoicing for B2B Transactions by 2028
- Input Tax Deduction for the Supply of Tenant Electricity
- BMF publishes letter offering regulatory guidance on the upcoming e-invoicing mandate
- BMF Letter Provides Regulatory Guidance for Upcoming E-Invoicing Mandate in Germany
GREECE
- Greece’s Mandatory E-Delivery Requirement: Implementation Phases and Reporting Obligations
- Investigation of €40 million VAT fraud with airpods in Italy by EPPO.
- Greek Parliament Considers 2025 Budget with VAT Increase and Rental Tax for Multiple Apartment Owners
- Parliament Reviews Draft Bill for 2025 State Budget
HUNGARY
ITALY
- Proposal to Extend Italy’s Mandatory E-Invoicing Authorization until 2025 without Reporting Requirement
- Italy’s Updated List of Companies Subject to VAT Split-Payment System in 2025
- Clarification of DAC7 Platform and Seller Definitions in Italy
- Italy Publishes Lists of Companies Subject to VAT Split-Payment for 2025
- EU Council Proposes Extension of Italy’s Mandatory e-Invoicing Derogation until 2025
- EPPO Freezes €28.8 Million in Probe of €40 Million VAT Fraud in Italy
- Italy’s Mandatory e-Invoicing Derogation: EU Council’s Proposal for Extension
- Changes in Sanctions for Improper Deductions in Periodic Settlements from September 1, 2024
LITHUANIA
- Lithuania Proposes Zero VAT Rate for Residential Fuel and Hot Water Supply
- Amendment of VAT Refund for Foreigners in Lithuania: Government Decision No. 813 of 2024
- Lithuanian Parliament Considers Bill to Reduce VAT on Residential Heat Energy and Hot Water
LUXEMBOURG
MACEDONIA
MONTENEGRO
- Montenegro Introduces New 15% VAT Rate Alongside Existing 7% Rate from January 2025
- VAT Rates Updates in Montenegro from January 2025
NETHERLANDS
- Internet consultation on the Implementation of the EU Directive on the Exchange of Crypto-Assets Data Directive (DAC8)
- Court awards X BV €500 for non-material damage due to exceeding reasonable time limit.
- Appeal Court Upholds VAT Assessments with Punitive Fines, Reduces Penalties for Financial Hardship
- Confrontation Looms as Senate Rejects VAT Increase on Sports, Books, and Hotels
- Elegant Solution Proposed for Controversial VAT Increase: First Chamber Remains…
- Elegant Solution: Separate Treatment of VAT Increase in Tax Plan 2025.
- No VAT exemption, but immaterial damages
- Court Rules on Reimbursement of Costs and VAT in Negligent Tax Authority Case
- Uncertainty Surrounding Effects of VAT Increase on Accommodation: Answers to…
- Resale of Tickets Eligible for Reduced VAT Rate: Knowledge Group Position
NORWAY
POLAND
- Entrepreneurs win battle against tax authorities for VAT refund on take-out meals at 8% rate.
- Navigating Customs Risks in Poland: Top Pitfalls and Proactive Strategies for Effective Management
- Customs and Tax Service dismantles VAT fraud group, arrests 14 individuals on 21.10.2024
- KSeF on the horizon: Are we ready for the comeback?
- Poland Delays Mandatory E-Invoice System Implementation to 2026: Updates and Implications
- Understanding VAT in Consortium Agreements: Challenges and Differences from VAT…
- Latest E-Invoice Obligation Updates in Poland
- Continuous services in VAT still causing trouble for taxpayers
PORTUGAL
RUSSIA
SLOVAKIA
- Slovak Republic to Implement VAT Rate Increase to 23% Starting January 1, 2025.
- Slovak President Signs Law Amending Tax Measures, Including VAT Rate Increase to 23%
- Slovakia increases VAT rate
SLOVENIA
SPAIN
- Change of Criteria: Deductibility of VAT paid by Universities in Teaching and Research Sectors.
- Álava Tax Regulations Adjusted with New VAT rate Changes
- VAT implications in a commitment to purchase and promote products: a case study.
SWEDEN
- Swedish Lawmakers Endorse VAT Law Amendments
- Sweden’s registration threshold from SEK80,000 to SEK120,000
- Swedish Parliament Approves VAT Law Changes to Boost Small Businesses and Cultural Events
SWITZERLAND
- Proposal to Parliament to increase VAT rates from 8.1% to 8.8% and from 3.8% to 4.2% per 2026
- Swiss Federal Council Approves VAT Increase to Fund Additional Pension Payment
UKRAINE
- Payment of agreed amounts of VAT with PDV from own current account to budget.
- When not to indicate adjustments to VAT returns and annex 1 due to RK before PN?
- Raising VAT: Most Effective Potential Source of Additional Revenue – IMF’s Unchanging Position
- Taxation of Waste and Scrap Metal Supplies: VAT Implications for Ukrainian Businesses
- Claiming VAT refund for services from non-resident: key rules and procedures in Ukraine.
- Memorandum with IMF: which Tax is Ready to be Raised in Ukraine.
- Raising VAT as the most effective potential source of additional income – IMF memorandum
UNITED KINGDOM
- Tribunal Rules in Favor of Boehringer Ingelheim on VAT Repayment under Price Control Schemes
- UK HMRC Issues VAT Registration Guidance Following Removal of Exemption for Private School and Boarding Fees
- UK Digital Platform Reporting Rules: Guidelines for Reporting Sellers to HMRC
- UK HMRC Issues VAT Registration Guidance Following Removal of Exemption for Private School and Boarding…
- Navigating VAT Reverse Charge: Checklist for Construction Businesses to Ensure Compliance and Financial Health
- HMRC Guidelines for VAT Compliance Controls: Best Practices for Businesses to Minimize Errors
- Church advocates for VAT exemption on school fees in Northern Ireland to protect religious education.
- Navigating VAT complexities: Lessons from TalkTalk Telecom Limited v HMRC
- Navigating VAT Recovery on Legal Costs: Lessons from Visual Investments International Limited v HMRC
- Understanding Bad Debt Relief and VAT: A Guide for Businesses in the UK
- Denial of Input VAT Due to Fraud: Harris t/a Glam Tanning and Beauty Case
- HMRC Updates Guidance on VAT for Private School Fees: Important Changes for Education Providers
- Sandra Krywald: VAT Penalties and Reasonable Excuse – First-tier Tribunal Decision
- Harries v Revenue and Customs: VAT Input Tax Denial Appeal Dismissed [2024] UKFTT 909 (TC)
- Treasures of Brazil Ltd v Revenue and Customs: VAT Registration Legitimate Expectation Appeal
- HMRC Guidance: Insolvency (VAT Notice 700/56)
- HMRC Guidance: Check if you must register for VAT if you receive private school fees
- HMRC Revenue and Customs Brief 8 (2024): removal of VAT exemption for private school fees and boarding fees withdrawn
- Sandra Krywald: VAT Penalties and Reasonable Excuse – FTT Decision
- HMRC to Release Preliminary VAT Gap Estimate for 2023-2024 on 30 October 2024 at 3pm
