Listen to the PODCAST HERE on ”Global VAT updates & News Week 47/2024”
GENERATION
Most people think of VAT as endless calculations and complicated rules. It can come across as a dry and abstract subject, but nothing could be further from the truth! VAT is all around us and plays a crucial role in our economy—even in the latest trends, like the rise of young entrepreneurs.
Take, for example, the growing number of young people stepping away from traditional office jobs. No more grey cubicles or mandatory Friday drinks, but instead, running their own food truck, launching a trendy clothing line, or freelancing from a tropical island. Freedom, flexibility, and passion reign supreme… until VAT comes into play.
Because yes, whether you’re selling tacos from a colourful van or designing logos from Bali, your administration can’t escape VAT. Invoices need to be accurate, VAT returns have to be filed, and rules must be followed. Otherwise, fines or missed income might be just around the corner.
Fortunately, VAT doesn’t have to be a burden. Think of it as that dependable friend who reminds you to wear your helmet on a bike—it can save you a lot of trouble. And once you master the basics, VAT actually turns out to be quite logical.
Keeping up-to-date is even easier. Just follow us on www.VATupdate.com for the latest VAT news from around the world. We make VAT as clear as your post-vacation tan (and way easier to maintain).
So, to all (young) entrepreneurs: don’t fear VAT! It might not be the most glamorous part of your business, but it’s an essential one. Plus, having a solid grasp of VAT can help you make smarter business decisions and save money—kind of like finding out your favourite coffee shop offers a loyalty program.
Stay tuned to VATupdate for more insights, laughs, and updates from the ever-evolving world of VAT!
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.
To go directly to the region, click below:
WORLD
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
WORLD
- Common Errors in E-Invoicing
- Classic EDI vs Network Interoperability
- A Brief History of Peppol
- Global 2024 VAT / GST changes
- EU’s Exploration of an AI Tax Shows an Anti-Innovation Mindset
- OECD: Consumption Tax Trends 2024
- Singapore and EU Digital Trade Agreement
WEBINARS / EVENTS
- Fonoa Webinar – Tax in Real Time – Navigating the Shift to Continuous Compliance in 2025 (Dec 10)
- Conference “Cross-Border VAT/GST Disputes: Exploring Prevention and Resolution Mechanisms”
- Sovos Webinar – Maximizing Business Value with SAF-T: More Than Just a Tax Reporting Tool (Dec 5)
- Sovos Webinar: Latest Developments in European Tax Compliance Reporting (Dec 11)
- RTC Webinar – Beyond Compliance: A Complete Approach to e-Invoicing and e-Reporting (Nov 27)
- Comarch Webinar: Global E-Invoicing Mandates – Trends, Strategies & Key Deadlines (Dec 3)
- ecosio Webinar: E-invoicing in Germany: An Update (Nov 21)
AFRICA
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
- DR Congo Suspends VAT on Food and Reduces Import Duties to Boost Economy
- DRC Halts VAT on Vital Food Items
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo Suspends VAT on Essential Food Products and Reduces Customs Duties on Imports
EGYPT
ETHIOPIA
KENYA
- Kenya Introduces 2024 Tax Laws Amendment Bill with Significant Economic Presence Tax and VAT Changes
MOROCCO
NIGERIA
- Proposed Tax Reform Bill: Equitable VAT Distribution Among Nigerian States and 0% VAT on Essentials
- Tax Reform Bill: Reshaping Nigeria’s Economy Through Equitable VAT Distribution Formula
- States Collecting VAT Could Spell Economic Trouble for Nigeria, Warns Tinubu’s Tax Team
SOUTH AFRICA
TANZANIA
AMERICAS
ARGENTINA
BAHAMAS
- Chamber of Commerce Opposes IMF’s VAT Increase Suggestion: News Report
- Opposition Leader Criticizes Government’s Tax Plans to raise VAT
- Opposition Leader Opposes IMF Recommendation for VAT Increase in The Bahamas
- IMF Urges VAT Rate Increase to Meet Debt Goal by 2031
- No Plans to Raise VAT on IMF Advice – PM Davis at EmpowerMen Forum
BARBADOS
BOLIVIA
CANADA
- CFIB Urges Permanent Tax Relief Over Temporary GST/HST Holiday
- Trudeau’s Plan: Cut Sales Tax, Send Checks to Canadians as Election Nears
- Government Announces GST/HST-Free Items: Groceries, Children’s Clothing, Christmas Trees, Restaurant Meals, and More
- Liberal Government Plans Tax Break for Canadians Over Holidays to Boost Affordability
- NDP Leader Singh Urges Premiers to Match GST Relief with Provincial Sales Tax Relief
CHILE
- Chile: Additional Mandatory Information for Taxpayers Who Conduct Forestry Activities
- Chile Extends Deadlines for Tax Obligations and Penalty Relief until December 31, 2024
COLOMBIA
COSTA RICA
- Costa Rica Establishes New Regulations on Electronic Invoices
- Costa Rica VAT E-invoicing update
- Costa Rica’s DGT Updates E-Invoicing and Receipts Technical Specifications for June 2025
- Final Resolution on Electronic Invoicing Technical Requirements by Tax Administration
- Costa Rica Introduces New Technical Provisions for E-Invoices Effective June 1, 2025
- Costa Rica Introduces New E-Invoice Regulations for Tax Compliance
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
MEXICO
SURINAME
- Suriname VAT grouping
- Update on VAT Rates for Water, Electricity, Cooking Gas, and Fuel Effective July 1, 2024
UNITED STATES
- Georgia’s Request for Feedback on Proposed Digital Sales Tax Regulations
- Ohio Department of Taxation: Sales Tax Filing Frequency Change Notification Process
- Import and Export Implications after the US Election
- Master State and Local Taxes for Your U.S. Expansion
- Tax Reform Progress in Louisiana; Illinois Retailers Challenge Sales Tax Law
- Navigating Sales and Use Tax Compliance: Understanding Voluntary Disclosure Agreements for Business Owners
- Navigating Sales Tax Risks in M&A Due Diligence: A Comprehensive Guide for Executives
ASIA-PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA
- Australia – Introduction of Digital Services Tax to Protect Traditional Media Outlets
- ATO’s Top GST Target Areas: Practitioners Cautioned by Tax Specialist at Tax Practitioners Day
- ATM Service Fees and Card Surcharges: GST Ruling GSTR 2014/2A1 Amendment and Addendum
- Addendum to Goods and Services Tax Ruling GSTR 2002/2 – Financial Supplies and Acquisitions
- Applying for Commissioner’s Discretion: Refunds of Excess GST – How to Guide
AZERBAIJAN
BANGLADESH
CAMEROON
CHINA
- China’s VAT Refund Changes Impact Export of Specific Goods
- China MOF Reduces Land VAT Prepayment Rate Lower Limit by 0.5 Percentage Points
FIJI
INDIA
- Budget 2025: Govt may introduce arbitration mechanism to streamline tax disputes
- 5% on dining, 12% on cancer drug: Entrepreneur slams GST structure, asks, who is deciding this?
- GST council to take call on tax cut on EV batteries, charging
- Kerala State Electricity Board exempts certain services from GST in India: Details and Impact
- New GST Invoice Matching Feature to Streamline Credit Claims and Reduce Disputes
INDONESIA
- Indonesia Plans to Increase Value Added Tax to 12% by 2025: Impact and Controversy
- Apindo Asks For 12 Percent VAT Tariff Increase Plans Need to Be Reviewed
- Government’s Authority to Delay VAT Hike Without Amending Law: House of Representatives Member Clarifies
- Indonesia Considers Reviving Tax Amnesty Amid Pushback Against VAT Hike
- 2025 Tax Amnesty Bill Included in Legislative Agenda Amid Public Opposition to VAT Increase
- Indonesia to Implement 12% VAT Rate Despite Calls for Postponement
JAPAN
KAZAKHSTAN
- Kazakhstan’s Proposal to Expand Zero VAT Eligibility in SEZs Boosts Economic Activities
- Preventing Excessive VAT Refunds to Unscrupulous Suppliers: Draft Order November 19, 2024
MALAYSIA
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand: e-Invoicing to Become Standard for B2G Transactions by 2026
- Employee Accommodation Dispute: Taxation Laws and Legislative References –…
- Understanding the Impact of GST on Land Transactions: A Comprehensive Guide by the Commissioner
PHILIPPINES
- Philippines Jun 2025 12% VAT on Digital Services Update
- BIR Implements Risk-Based System for VAT Refund Applications in the Philippines
- Implications of Republic Act No. 12023: VAT on Digital Services for Non-Resident Providers
- Philippines Introduces New VAT Obligations for Foreign Digital Service Providers
SINGAPORE
- Singapore Publishes Summary of Responses on Draft GST Guide on Adopting InvoiceNow Requirement for…
- Singapore’s Summary of Responses to Draft GST Guide for InvoiceNow Requirement for Businesses
- Singapore’s Response Summary on Draft GST Guide for Implementing InvoiceNow for GST-Registered Businesses
- Implementing InvoiceNow: IRAS Response to Public Consultation on GST e-Tax Guide
TAIWAN
- Zero Tax Rate Applicable for Sales to Foreign Customers in Tax-Free Zone: Tax Bureau Clarification
- Contractors must issue invoices and pay business tax on project funds, not use them for fines.
- Issuing Unified Invoices for Construction Contracts to Pay Business Tax: Guidelines and…
THAILAND
- Thailand Implements Temporary Measures to Tax Low-Value Imported Goods: What You Need to Know
- Thailand Proposes VAT Registration for Foreign Online Platforms to Boost E-commerce Regulation…
UZBEKISTAN
VIETNAM
- Vietnam to Extend VAT Cut Until 2025: International Update Nov. 25, 2024
- 2025 Proposal: 2% VAT Cut to Boost Economy and Support Businesses
EUROPE
EUROPE
- Navigating Foreign VAT Compliance for Distance Sales and Digital Services
- European Public Prosecutor’s Office Investigating EUR 520 million in VAT Fraud Involving Several…
- Trade Specialised Committee Meeting: VAT Co-operation and Recovery under EU UK Trade Agreement
EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
- ECJ VAT C-624/23 (SEM Remont) – Judgment – VAT Deduction Denied for Late Registration and…
- Comments on ECJ case C-603/24: VAT Treatment of Transfer Pricing Adjustments: Stellantis Portugal Case
- Comments on ECJ C-624/23: ECJ Rules on VAT Deductions for Unregistered Service Providers
- Comments on ECJ case C-594/23: Foundations Not Considered Buildings for VAT Purposes –…
- Comments on ECJ case C-594/23: Are Foundations Considered Buildings for VAT Purposes?
- ECJ: Solidary Responsibility of Administrators for VAT Debts Upheld Under Proportionality Principle
- Comments on ECJ case C-594/23: Danish VAT on Land Supplies – Clarification on Residential…
- Comments on ECJ case C‑613/23: Reporting obligation for VAT debts is acceptable, according to EU Court ruling.
- Agenda of the ECJ VAT cases – 4 Judgments, 2 AG Opinions till December 19, 2024
- Comments on ECJ case C-624/23: VAT deduction involving Bulgarian and Russian companies
EUROPEAN UNION
- European Commission Announces New Web Portal for Special VAT Regime for Small Enterprises
- EU 2028 Single Customs Authority; Data Hub; Scraps €150 Customs & VAT Thresholds
- E-Bill Obligation for Intra-EU Transactions from 1 July 2030
- EU Council adopts trade, import and export ban on products made using forced labour
- VAT Committee 125th meeting – November 18, 2024 – Agenda & Working Papers
- Working Party on Tax Questions – Draft agenda of the meeting dd. November 27, 2024
- Public Consultation: Administrative cooperation on taxation – adoption of standard forms and computerised formats
- New SME VAT Regime Web Portal Live: Information, FAQs, and VAT Simulator Available
- EU Council proposal: Austria to Continue Excluding Private Use VAT Deductions
- EPPO Convicts Two in VAT Fraud Case: Germany’s Landshut Regional Court Delivers Justice
EUROPEAN UNION – ViDA
- The European Council Reaches Consensus on the ViDA Proposal
- VIDA: E-Invoicing and Digital Reporting
- VAT in the Digital Age (“ViDA”) – 10 key insights for success
BELARUS
- VAT Implications for Commercial Organizations Created by Individual Entrepreneurs Clarified by Belarusian Ministry
- VAT Implications for Commercial Organizations Created by Individual Entrepreneurs…
BELGIUM
- Modernization of VAT Chain: Changes for Businesses from January 1, 2025
- Overview of Penalties Related to VAT Non-Compliance in Belgium
- Modernization of Belgium’s VAT System: Key Amendments Overview
- Transition to Electronic Customs Systems: No More Paper Prints for Customs Formalities
- Impactful Changes in VAT Compliance and Procedures: New Regulations Effective from January 1, 2025.
- Belgium VAT Return Changes: Quarterly Submission Extension, Non-Paid Sanctions, and New Refund…
- Belgium VAT Return Changes: Quarterly Submission Extension, Non-Paid Sanctions, and New Refund Process by 2025
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
- Modernizing Fiscal System in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Draft Law on Fiscalization Adopted
- Modernizing Fiscal System in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Draft Law on Fiscalization…
- Bosnia and Herzegovina Prepares for Mandatory e-Invoicing: Proposed Bill for 2025
BULGARIA
CROATIA
CZECH REPUBLIC
DENMARK
- Greenland Mandates E-Invoicing for Public Entities Starting in 2025
- E-invoicing for public entities in Greenland will come into effect in 2025
- Dispute over Tax Exemption for Membership Fees: Land Tax Board Upholds Decision
- Tax Evasion and Accounting Violations: Case Study of T’s Legal Battle and Court Verdict
- Deadline for Submission, Decision, VAT Deduction, Subcontractor Services – Case Summary: Challenge of Tax Decision.
ESTONIA
- Estonia VAT Act Amendments: Clarity, Exemptions, and Updates for Small Businesses
- Estonia combines EC Sales List with VAT Return
- Estonian Parliament Approves VAT Law Changes to Benefit Small Businesses, Simplify Registration Requirements
- Estonian Parliament Approves Consolidation of EC Sales List and VAT Return for 2025.
- Estonian Parliament Passes Bill Amending VAT Act to Include Tax Exemptions and Definitions
FINLAND
- Finnish Guidance on Intrastat Code 12 Usage
- Updated Guidance on VAT-Free Minor Activity in Finland: Threshold Increase and EU Registration Procedures
FRANCE
- France E-Invoicing & E-Reporting Sep 2026 New Fact Sheets & FAQs
- Reduced VAT Rates for Animal Feed Products – Updates on Application Guidelines (CGI, art. 278 bis)
- Reduced VAT Rates for Agricultural Products: Guidelines and Updates as of 20/11/2024
- Special VAT Rates in Corsica: 0.90% for Certain Services and Products – BOI-TVA-GEO-10-10
- Exclusions of Input Tax Deduction for Vehicles Designed for Transporting Persons – General Rule
- VAT – Clarification on Exclusion of VAT Deduction for Mixed-Use Vehicles – Doctrinal Publications
- Clarifications on Reduced VAT Rates for Organic Agricultural Fertilizers and Animal Feed Products
GERMANY
- Germany’s VAT Threshold and Retention Changes
- Ensuring E-Invoice Compliance for Cross-Border Trade in Germany
- E-Invoicing for B2B vs. B2G Transactions in Germany: Key Differences and Benefits
- Germany: B2B E-Invoicing Updates
- German issues 2023 VAT Handbook
- German B2B e-invoicing 2025-28 new FAQ’s
- Classic: The Maierhofer Judgement as the Cornerstone of the Concept of Real Estate
- FAQ: Mandatory E-Invoice Implementation from January 1, 2025 – Answers to Common Questions
- Germany Publishes Final Regulatory Guidance for Upcoming E-Invoicing Mandate
- Factur-X 1.07/ZUGFeRD 2.3 Updated for Hybrid E-Invoicing as of November 15, 2024
- Tax Exemption Scope for Aviation: Precedent on VAT, Input Tax Deduction, and Direct Claim
- New VAT Refund App for US Military in Germany Launching January 1
- Germany Implements New Laws for Document Conservation and VAT Return Simplification
GREECE
HUNGARY
ICELAND
- Icelandic Parliament Approves Tax and Fee Law Amendments for Accommodation Units and Domestic Cruises
- Icelandic Tax Guidelines for Podcasters: Income Declaration, VAT, and Commercial Operation Criteria
IRELAND
- Updated Guidance on VAT Return of Trading Details for Filers – Revenue eBrief No. 286/24
- Changes in Preferential Origin Status for Vanuatu Effective January 1, 2025
- Impact of VAT Registration Threshold Changes in Ireland under Budget 2025
ITALY
- Reduction of VAT rate to 5% for live horses not for food purposes – DL 113/2024.
- Recent Publication on VAT Regime for Healthcare Services from June 22, 2022: Analysis and Reflections
- Italy Repeals VAT Exemption for Staff Secondment
- Italy Repeals VAT Exemption for Staff Secondment: Law 131 of 2024 Conversion and Publication
- Italian VAT Law Update: Secondment of Staff Now Taxable Supplies under Law Decree No. 131/2024
- Exclusion of VAT for compensation payments in case of work suspension: A clarification.
- Significant Reform of Tax Evasion Crimes: VAT and Withholding Taxes – DLgs. 87/2024
- Italy’s New Import VAT Classification: Implications for Importers and Customs Representatives
LATVIA
- European Commission Proposes Extension of Latvia’s Reverse Charge Mechanism for Timber Supplies
- Update – Latvia Introduces Mandatory B2B and B2G e-Invoicing and Reporting…
- Latvia Mandates E-Invoicing for Business-to-Government Transactions Starting 2025
- Latvia mandates e-invoicing with amendments to the Accounting Law published
LIECHTENSTEIN
LITHUANIA
- Lithuanian State Tax Inspectorate Consultation on VAT Law Amendment for EU Passenger Goods…
- Consultation on VAT Law Amendment for Charitable Exports by Lithuanian State Tax Inspectorate
MONTENEGRO
NETHERLANDS
- VAT Liability for EU Damage Settlement Services – Coöperatie X UA Case Analysis
- Appeal Court Dismisses Late Tax Return Request for Office Space Deduction in The Hague
- Dispute over VAT liability for real estate sale and business termination – Asset labelling.
- 2025 Tax Plan Adopted by the House of Representatives
- Reimbursement of coordination of care by healthcare institution falls under medical exemption
- Taxpayer’s Appeal Denied: Auto Dealer’s Records Deemed Unreliable for Revenue Calculation
- Legal Battle Over Imported Gold Bracelets: Dutch Court Upholds Customs Duties and VAT
- Justified additional VAT assessment due to unincluded sales
- Changes in VAT rates for certain agricultural goods and services from 2025
- Compromise Reached: VAT Increase Temporarily Off the Table – FD News, 19 Nov 2024
- Mitigation penalty for major VAT fraud due to exceeding a reasonable period
NORWAY
- Responsible Innovation in Norway’s Payment System: Balancing Efficiency, Security, and Inclusivity for Trust
- Norwegian Tax Administration Decision: VAT Clarification for Road Facility Construction…
POLAND
- Scheduled Maintenance on UBD and KMDOR Test Environments – 26.11.2024 from 11:00 to 15:00
- VAT Exemptions for SMEs in the EU: Webinar by Ministry of Finance on 21.11.2024
- Integration of Cash Registers with Terminals Postponed until the End of March 2025
- Local Governments Bear the Costs of Constant Changes in Tax Positions
- New VAT exemption rules for small businesses in EU countries through e-US notification system.
- Double VAT on cross-border e-commerce packages: a challenge for buyers and sellers alike.
- Fiscalization of Vending Machines and Cash Registers in Parking Lots: Poland’s New Regulations
- Deducting VAT without NIP on invoice: New Interpretation by Tax Office Director
- VAT can be deducted even if the invoice does not include a VAT identification number
- New Export Confirmation Documentation Requirements in Poland Effective 31 October 2024
PORTUGAL
- Portuguese Government Proposes VAT Exemption Expansion to Boost SME Competitiveness
- Portugal Extends Recognition of PDF Invoices as “Electronic” Until End of 2025
- Portugal Delays QES and SAF-T Mandates: What Businesses Need to Know
- Portugal: SAF-T Postponed to 2026
ROMANIA
- Extension of the Pre-Filled e-VAT Deadline: A Step Toward Streamlined Tax Compliance
- New Obligation for Small Taxpayers: Reporting Standard Fiscal Control File D406 SAF-T from 2025
RUSSIA
- Ministry of Finance proposes VAT exemption for all veterinary services in Russia.
- Tax Exemption for Participants of Innovation Technopolis “Era” from January 1, 2025: New Amendments Adopted
- Proposal to Fully Exempt Veterinary Services from VAT
- Russian Government Approves Tax Amendments for Cryptocurrency Transactions and…
- Russian Government Approves Tax Amendments for Cryptocurrency Transactions and Mining
- Proposal to Reduce VAT on Socially Significant Goods to 5% by 2026: Details and Implications
- President of Russia extends VAT preferential rate for hotels until 2030: What it means for tourism
SERBIA
SLOVAKIA
- Slovakia’s VAT Act Amendment: Key Changes Announced
- Slovakia’s New Electronic Transaction Control Statement for VAT Reporting: A Step Towards Mandatory E-Invoicing
SPAIN
- Spain’s Self-Employed VAT Reforms: Simplifying Tax Processes for Freelancers and Small Businesses
- Spain approves invoicing software specifications for taxpayers not using electronic VAT system
- Spain Updates E-Invoicing Standards with Order HAC/1177/2024
SWEDEN
- Swedish Tax Court Clarifies VAT Directive Application for Housing Association Input Tax Deductions
- Sweden’s Move Towards Modern E-Procurement: Transitioning to Peppol BIS Standards
- Tax Refund for Tobacco Exporters under Chapter 12, Section 7 of LTS in EU.
- Tax Refund for Alcohol Exports: Rights and Regulations by Skatteverket in Sweden
- Swedish Tax Court Rules on VAT Rate for Digital Training Subscriptions
SWITZERLAND
- New Compliance Obligations for E-commerce in Switzerland from January 1, 2025
- Swiss Federal Tax Administration Consultation on Revised VAT Guidelines for Electronic Platforms
- The revised draft of the Sector-specific VAT Info No. 27 concerning digital platforms
TURKEY
- Changes in Some VAT Rates Published in Official Gazette on 14.11.2024 – Tax Circular
- Turkish Parliament Considers Bill to Exempt Taxes on Diesel Fuel for Agriculture
- Turkey Implements New VAT Rates for Medical Products and Telecom Equipment
UKRAINE
- Ukraine Introduces SAF-T UA Requirements for Enhanced Tax Compliance
- Ukrainian Ministry of Finance Implements New SAF-T UA 2.0 for Transactional Level Reporting
- Updated version of the Detailed Technical Description of SAF-T UA 2.0 elements
UNITED KINGDOM
- VAT Relief for Charities: A Guide to Qualifying and Claiming
- UK HMRC Tax AI Chatbot Trials
- VAT Treatment of Therapy Services in Private Schools: HMRC Guidance and Examples
- HMRC Guidance: Apply to join the VAT Annual Accounting Scheme
- Regulations published to amend the reformed penalty system for late payment of tax
- Recent Tax Appeal Decisions in UK Courts: Updates on Various Cases as of November 2024
- Updated HMRC Guidance on VAT Appeals Lost: Implications for Businesses – November 2024
- Beware of Scam Email Impersonating HMRC – Protect Yourself from Fraudulent Activity
- Ask HMRC online – Raise your questions to the Chatbot
MIDDLE EAST
BAHRAIN
OMAN
SAUDI ARABIA
- Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) Conducted Tax and Zakat Workshops
- Saudi Arabia: ZATCA Introduces New Guidelines for VAT Audit Procedures and Compliance
- ZATCA announced the seventeenth wave of taxpayers required to comply with Phase 2 of the e-invoicing mandate
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
- UAE Federal Tax Authority Provides Guidance on Private Clarifications
- Guide to Private Clarifications for UAE Federal Tax Authority: TPGPC1 Procedures and Eligibility
- Key Changes to UAE VAT Regulation No. 100 of 2024: What You Need to Know!
- UAE Introduces Legislative Amendments to Support E-Invoicing Mandate
- FTA Releases Arabic Version of CT Guide for Investment Funds and Managers
