SIZE
In Brazil, an enterprising fellow has made headlines by selling tiny sandals—not for people, but for fish. These mini flip-flops help fishermen stage their catches for social media, making their fish look much bigger than they really are. It’s a clever illusion, a harmless bit of trickery… unless, of course, you’re a tax authority. Because when it comes to VAT, size does matter.
The tax world is no stranger to creative exaggeration. Businesses and individuals have long found ways to make their taxable transactions look a little… different than they really are. Sometimes, it’s a matter of undervaluing goods to reduce VAT payments; other times, it’s inflating invoice amounts to reclaim more VAT than is due. Just like the fishermen with their miniature footwear, it’s all about perspective.
Consider the classic VAT fraud schemes: missing trader fraud, carousel fraud, and good old-fashioned misreporting. Each one involves adjusting the ‘size’ of transactions—either inflating, deflating, or disappearing them entirely—to manipulate tax liabilities. And much like a fish story, some of these get bigger and bigger until authorities start reeling them in.
Tax authorities are increasingly using technology, AI, and data analytics to detect businesses that are ‘bending the rules’. Real-time reporting requirements and pre-filled VAT Returns are becoming more common around the world. Businesses will not be able to lie about the size of the fish in the near future.
VAT rules exist to ensure fairness, but the temptation to tweak figures—whether in fish or finances—remains strong. The lesson? Whether you’re dealing with tax audits or Instagram-worthy catches, size matters. And in both cases, waiting too long could leave you with a real mess.
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
- E-Invoicing & E-Reporting developments in the news in week 12/2025
- UK Weighs Abolishing Digital Services Tax to Avoid US Tariffs
- Business Groups Push Back on Trump’s Tariff Proposal
- Third Edition of the IVA University Complete Program for 2025
- Collection of E-Invoicing Guides – Worldwide
- How eBay Sellers can Simplify Sales Tax Management
- US Should Retaliate Against Europe’s VAT with a VAT of Its Own
- The Platform Economy: Challenges and Tax Implications under DAC7 and VAT
- How to Outsource Sales Tax Compliance for Startups
- Intrastat Reporting Thresholds 2025
- Pre-Filled VAT Returns: A Global Trend
- The Future of Indirect Taxes to 2030
- Muted Response from UK On US Tariffs
- EU Responds to US Tariffs on Steel and Aluminium
WEBINARS / EVENTS
- SNI Webinar – e-Invoicing Spotlight: Monthly Insights from Around the World | Poland & Belgium (March 26)
- VATupdate welcomed as media partner at the E-Invoicing Exchange Summit in Miami (March 24-26)
- Sovos Webinar: Navigating Germany’s E-Invoicing Mandate: Regulation Update & Live Product Demo (April 1)
- Sovos Webinar: Mirror Visibility: The Key to Controlling Evolving Tax Mandates (March 25)
- MDDP Webinar – KSeF – it is high time to prepare! (April 2)
- IVA Conference – Viva La ViDA! – gain unique insights from experts involved in shaping the future of VAT (May 15 & 16)
- Comarch webinar: The Future of E-Invoicing: Key Insights from Europe and Beyond (feat. PwC) (April 10)
- Zampa Partners – Online sessions – Build your knowledge and stay updated with latest trends
AFRICA
AFRICA REGION
- Recent E-Invoicing developments in Africa
- West Africa: Tax developments in Nigeria and Ghana in FY2024
ANGOLA
BURKINA FASO
GHANA
- Ghana’s Tax Cuts Risk Revenue Targets: Deloitte
- Ghana’s 2025 Budget: Reduction of the effective VAT rate for households and businesses
- Ghana to Abolish Several Taxes and Implement VAT Reform as Part of 2025 Budget
NAMIBIA
NIGERIA
- Experts Call on National Assembly to Exclude VAT Rate from Tax Bill for Flexibility
- Stakeholder Engagement on Nigeria’s e-Invoicing Implementation: Key Insights &…
- Nigeria’s FIRS to Launch Phased E-Invoicing System in July 2025
- House Passes Tax Reform, Keeps VAT at 7.5%
SOUTH AFRICA
- VAT Rate Increase: Key Considerations for Businesses Ahead of May 2025
- South Africa VAT Rate Increase Effective 1 May 2025
- South Africa Amends Definitions Regarding Electronic Services
- South Africa Provides Guidance on VAT Rate Increase from 1 May 2025
- South Africa Excludes B2B Transactions from Electronic Services VAT
- VAT Increase Least Damaging to Economic Growth: Expert
- South Africa to Raise VAT Amid Budget Uncertainty
- 2025 Budget Speech Announces VAT Increase and Tax Measures
- South Africa Faces VAT Increase Amid Rising Living Costs
- South Africa Excludes Certain B2B Transactions from VAT Electronic Services
- Mining Giant Loses R17.5m VAT Battle Over Employee Expenses
- South Africa’s Budget: VAT Hike in Limbo
- VAT Hike: Guidance for Businesses on Supply Rules and Timing
- MK Party Calls for National Shutdown Against VAT Increase
- South African VAT rate set to increase by 0.5% from 1 May 2025 and another 0.5% from 1 April 2026
TOGO
AMERICAS
ARGENTINA
BAHAMAS
- Bahamian Homeowner Slams DIR’s First Home VAT Refund Program as a “Farce”
- Bahamas To Halve VAT On Food
BELIZE
CANADA
- Tax Measures in 2025 Budget (Manitoba)
- HST vs. GST in Canada: A Guide for Businesses
- Canada To Waive Carbon Tax on Consumers’ Fuel
- HST & GST Filing for Canadian Businesses: A Complete Guide
CHILE
COLOMBIA
GUATEMALA
MEXICO
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
SAINT LUCIA
UNITED STATES
- Virginia Consolidates Sales Tax Forms with New ST-1
- California Sales and Use Tax Guidance for Construction and Restaurant Equipment Contractors
- Maine Sales Tax Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- DBNAlliance Network to introduce e-remittance support
- The ABCs of Tax Compliance Jargon
- Woodland Park, CO Lowers Sales Tax Rate to 3%
- Sales Tax Updates: Recent Changes and Trends Across the US
- US Tariff Industry Analysis: How Trump’s tariffs could impact US companies
- Iowa Announces Annual Sales Tax Holiday for August
- What is a Tax Engine?
- April 2025 Sales Tax Due Dates
- How US Sales Tax Works
URUGUAY
ASIA-PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA
BANGLADESH
- DCCI Urges Single-Digit VAT for Bangladesh’s RMG Sector
- DCCI Calls for Single-Digit VAT Rate, Tax Reforms
INDIA
- GST administration urges taxpayers to use Amnesty scheme to settle pending tax before March end
- GSTN’s Important Advisory on Issues and Deadlines for Filing Waiver Applications (SPL 01/SPL 02)
- India Mandates ISD for Input Tax Credit Claims
- AP Chambers Urges CBIC to Extend GST Amnesty Scheme Deadline
- Indirect Tax Digest: Key Legislative and Judicial Updates – March 17, 2025
- BDO India: Indirect Tax Digest | 17 March 2025
- Delhi Revenue Lags Behind Projections, Except for GST and VAT
- MSME Groups Push for E-commerce Export Reforms at RBI
- Jaipur Reduces VAT on CNG and PNG to 7.5%
KAZAKHSTAN
- The List of Goods Exempt from VAT when Imported under an Investment Contract has been…
- B2B vs. B2C: How Tax Changes Impact Business in Kazakhstan
MALAYSIA
- Malaysia’s E-Invoicing Guidelines: Updated Requirements and Implementation Dates
- E-Invoicing Overview
- Malaysia’s E-Invoicing Mandate: AI-Powered Compliance for Businesses
MONGOLIA
- Mongolia Proposes Bill to Lower VAT to 5%
- Mongolia’s New VAT Bill: Simplified System, Relief Measures, and Uncertainties
NEW ZEALAND
- UN Report Challenges Fairness of NZ’s GST, which may disproportionately burden low-income households
- VAT & GST Implications for Ride-Sharing Platforms in the Gig Economy
- New Zealand GST Changes for Online Marketplaces in 2025
- GST Opt-Out Agreement Criteria for Hostel & Motel Suppliers on Electronic Marketplaces
PAKISTAN
- KCCI Requests Sales Tax Filing Deadline Extension
- Karachi MTO Seals Hobnob Outlets for Sales Tax Fraud
- KTBA Urges Sales Tax Deadline Extension Due to IRIS Portal Issues
- Taxpayers Struggle with FBR’s IRIS System, Seek Filing Extension
PHILIPPINES
- FDA Expands List of VAT-Exempt Meds for Non-Communicable Diseases
- BIR eyes P338 billion from Excise Taxes
- Philippines Mandates Cross-border E-Invoicing for Imports
- VAT on Local Sales of Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs) in the Philippines
- FDA Recommends 17 More Medicines for VAT Exemption
- Retail Group Supports New VAT Refund Rules for Tourists
SINGAPORE
- Guidance Issued on InvoiceNow Requirement for GST-Registered Businesses
- Adopting the GST InvoiceNow Requirement: A Guide for Businesses in Singapore
- GST InvoiceNow Requirement: Phased Implementation for Businesses
- Singapore Issues Update On E-Invoicing Implementation,
- Singapore Issues New e-Tax Guide on Adopting GST InvoiceNow Requirement for…
THAILAND
UZBEKISTAN
VIETNAM
EUROPE
EUROPE
EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
- ECJ To Rule on Dutch-Belgian Excise Duty Penalty Dispute
- ECJ Excise T-690/24 (Kolinsen) – Questions – Dutch court seeks ECJ ruling on excise…
- ECJ Customs T-28/25 (Hauptzollamt A) – Questions – Customs valuation of Design, commissions, production costs
- ECJ Customs C-844/24 (ECDC Logistics and Others) – Questions – Customs fraud case involving undervalued imports, prosecution and legal questions
- ECJ Customs Case T-28/25 (B GmbH & Co. KG): Transaction Value and Customs Duties
- Comments on ECJ C-640/23: No VAT Deduction for Incorrectly Charged Tax
- Briefing Document: Elida Gibbs Ltd v Commissioners of Customs and Excise (Case C-317/94)
- Top 10 ECJ/CJEU Decisions: A Personal Selection of VAT Milestones – Which are yours?
- Podcast ”ECJ VAT Insights” – C-640/23 (Greentech)- with Piotr Chojnacki
- Briefing Document: Adient Case (C-533/22) – VAT Fixed Establishments in the EU
- Comments on ECJ C-640/23: VAT Refund from the Tax Office when it cannot be Recovered from the…
- Briefing document: ECJ C-475/23 (Voestalpine Giesserei Linz) – ECJ allows VAT deduction for goods provided to subcontractors under conditions
- Briefing document: ECJ C-527/23 (Weatherford Atlas Gip) – VAT Deduction for Group Services
- Comments on ECJ C-808/23 – AG Kokott on the concept of ‘open market value’ and single vs. multiple supplies
- Comments on ECJ C-640/23: Tax Office Should Refund VAT If Supplier Cannot
- Agenda of the ECJ VAT cases – 2 Judgments, 4 AG Opinions, 1 Hearing till April 10, 2025
EUROPEAN UNION
- EPPO Busts €10 Million VAT Fraud, Arrests Suspects in Germany
- EU Postpones Response to US Tariffs Until Mid-April
- EU permits Estonia to maintain 50% VAT deduction for cars
- VAT Committee: Agenda 126th meeting – March 21, 2025
- Group of the future of VAT: Agenda 48th meeting on March 28, 2025
- EU VAT exemption on Defence Fund
- VAT Committee – WP 1103 – ViDA IOSS
- VAT Expert Group – Agenda of the 39th meeting on March 26, 2025
- CBAM Implementing Regulation from March 28 – what are the key changes for companies?
- EU VAT Committee Discusses New Electronic Invoicing Rules and Implementation…
- European Commission sets conditions and procedures for authorized CBAM declarants
- EU Member States reach political agreement on DAC9
- EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: A Guide to Understanding and Compliance
- EU Defense Fund Proposes VAT Exemption for Military Purchases
- Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS): A Guide to EU VAT Compliance
- EU Approves Special E-Invoicing Regime
- The Future of EU Tobacco Taxation: Insights from Member States and Best Practices for the Next Tobacco Excise Tax Directive
- EU’s Updated Rules of Origin: A Guide for Preferential Trade Agreements
- VAT Registration for E-Commerce Sellers: The Complete Guide
- IOSS Consignment Numbers: Combating Fraud and Simplifying EU Imports
EUROPEAN UNION – ViDA
- VAT in the Digital Age (“ViDA”): Prepare your Hotel, Hospitality and Leisure Business
- EU ViDA 2028 IOSS transaction numbers to combat fraud
- ViDA Package Approved: A Triumph for VAT Modernization in the EU
- ViDA Package gets EU Council nod
- EU Council Approves ViDA
- VAT And ViDA: What’s Changing Before 2028 And What Won’t Be Fixed
- VAT in the Digital Age – Proposal Finally Adopted
ALBANIA
AUSTRIA
- Austria Abolishes VAT Exemption for Solar Panels in 2025
- Goods and Services Tax Ruling: Improvements on Land for Subdivision 38-N and Division 75
BELGIUM
- Belgian E-Invoicing Mandate Exempts Non-Resident Businesses
- Belgium Eases E-Invoicing Rules for Non-Resident Businesses
- E-invoicing in Belgium: Complete Guide
- Submit Your Customer Listing by March 31, 2025
- No obligation to receive structured electronic invoices for non-resident VAT taxpayers
BULGARIA
- Bulgaria Lowers VAT Registration Threshold for Businesses
- Restaurant Industry to Block Roads in Bulgaria Over VAT Increase
- Bulgarian Restaurants Go Dark to Protest VAT Increase
CROATIA
- Croatia’s Road to Mandatory E-Invoicing: Key Highlights & Draft Law Insights
- Croatia’s Mandatory E-Invoicing: Public Consultation Open
CZECH REPUBLIC
ESTONIA
- VAT in Estonia: A Comparative Guide for Businesses
- Estonia To Prolong Planned VAT Hike
- Estonia’s Defense VAT Hike to Become Permanent
FRANCE
- French E-Invoicing Mandate: A Comprehensive Briefing
- France: Strict Evidence Needed for VAT Deduction on Real Estate Investments
GERMANY
- Germany Raises Intrastat Thresholds for 2025
- New Regulations for Small Businesses in Germany: Changes to § 19 and § 19a of the German VAT Act
GREECE
- Greece Eliminates Deviation Limits for VAT Returns
- Greek Council of State Ruling on VAT and Commercial Discounts
- New Set of Changes to eTransport Framework
- Greece to Mandate B2B E-Invoicing
- Greece Secured EU Nod to Mandate B2B E-Invoicing
- Greece’s 2025 Amendments to Digital Stock Movement Documents: Key Updates & Insights
- Council Implementing Decision Authorizing Greece to Impose Mandatory E-Invoicing
- 2025 Investment Gold Coin Catalog: VAT Exemption
- Greece Tightens E-Transport Framework: New Amendments and Exemptions
HUNGARY
IRELAND
ITALY
- VAT Variation Allowed for Approved Restructuring Plans: New Agency Guidelines
- US Imposes Reciprocal Taxes on EU VAT: Trump Declares “Day of Liberation”
- Special VAT Regime for Travel Agencies: Pre-Acquired Services
- VAT Deduction on Preliminary Agreement: When Does It Stop?
- VAT Regime for Travel Agencies: Rights to Availability and Single Tourism Services
- Italy Clarifies VAT Application for Co-Interest Contracts
- ATECO 2025: What Changes for Businesses and Taxes
- Excise duty and VAT treatment for goods sent to offshore platforms
- Reduced VAT for Building Construction: Impact of Property Classification
- VAT Exemption for Self-Interest Sharing Agreements
- VAT on Residential Buildings Purchased by Companies: A Destabilizing Ruling
- White House’s Take on VAT: A Neutral Tax for Non-EU Transactions
- VAT Treatment of Profit-Sharing Agreements in Italy
- Prioritized VAT Refunds: Updating ATECO Codes for 2025
- Italy Extends B2C Healthcare E-Invoice Ban to 2025
- New Coefficients for “Shell Companies” and VAT Restrictions
- B2C healthcare e-invoice ban extended through 2025
- E-Invoicing Ban for B2C Healthcare Services Extended to the End of 2025
- VAT 2025: Regulating Missed Payments and Recovering Credit
- ATECO 2025: Impact on VAT Models and Refunds
KOSOVO
LATVIA
- Latvia Updates VAT FAQs: Key Changes for Businesses
- Latvia’s e-Invoicing Mandate: Five Key Questions
LITHUANIA
- Lithuania Proposes 9% VAT Rate for Catering and Takeaway Food
- In which Situation do Online Sales Require Issuing a Receipt in Accordance with the Fiscalization Rules in…
NETHERLANDS
- Dutch Court Upholds Interest on Late Import VAT Payments
- VAT on Maintenance Packages for Bicycles: Court Ruling on Reduced Rate
- Bloemencorso: One Economic Performance, Reduced VAT Rate Applicable?
- Amendment of the Implementation Order OB 1968 due to Digitisation of VAT Refunds for Non-EU Travellers
- Renting out office space in a home to a private limited company leads to a VAT deduction
- Digitalization of VAT Refund for Non-EU Travelers in the Netherlands
- Dutch Environmental Tax Refunds May Be Claimed Online
- Digitalisation of VAT refunds to non-EU travellers as of 1 January 2026
- Knowledge group: online learning environment does not always qualify as digital educational…
- Dutch Court Rules Against Car Dealer’s Use of Margin Scheme
NORWAY
- Norway Proposes VAT Changes for Remotely Delivered Services
- Norway 2025 eInvoicing Country Sheet
- Goods Exported from the Norwegian VAT Area are Exempt from VAT.
POLAND
- VAT in Poland – A comprehensive up to date guide
- A Texture Revolution in the EU is Getting Closer
- New VAT Declaration Forms in Poland: What’s Changing?
- VAT 2025: Who Can File Quarterly?
- Seasonal Sale of Ice Cream Possible without a Receipt
- Split Payment VAT: When is it Mandatory?
- Correcting Invoices: Deadline and Tax Implications
- VAT Refund Delays: Supreme Administrative Court to Rule
- VAT Refund in Poland: How to Get Your Money Back
- Separate NIP for Foreign Company Branches in Poland: A KSeF Dilemma
- Exporting from Poland: Proving Your Right to 0% VAT
- KSeF: A Challenge and Opportunity for Polish Businesses
PORTUGAL
ROMANIA
- PwC Tax Conference: Navigating SAF-T, e-Invoice, e-Transport Data Reporting
- Romania Releases Guide on VAT Registration and RO e-Invoice
RUSSIA
- Zero VAT for International Rail Transport Confirmed by Registers from April 1st
- Era Technopolis Participants: How to File for VAT Exemption
- Russia’s Tax Service Reminds About Correct Application of Reduced VAT Rates
SERBIA
- Ministry of Finance Hosts 11th Conference on Electronic VAT Recording
- Serbia Pre-Filled VAT Return 2027
SLOVAKIA
- Slovakia Introduces Reverse Charge on Import VAT
- Slovakia Gets EU Approval to Limit VAT Deductions for Vehicles
- VAT in Slovakia – A comprehensive up to date guide
SLOVENIA
- Slovenia’s E-Invoicing Mandate: What Businesses Need to Know
- Beginning in July 2025, Mandatory VAT Reporting and Pre-Filled VAT Returns
- Slovenia Proposes Mandatory E-Invoicing for Businesses
SPAIN
- Spain Refines B2B e-Invoice Rules: Second Public Consultation
- Spanish Electronic Invoice Regulation: Public Consultation
- E-invoicing in Spain: Complete Guide
- VAT Rate for Common, Special, and Gluten-Free Bread in Spain
- VAT Exemption for Ambulance Services in Sporting Events
- VAT on Compulsory Transfers of Commercial Premises in Urban Planning Plans
- VAT Rate for Olive and Seed Oil Mixtures in Spain (2025)
- VAT Rate for Elderly Residence Rehabilitation in Spain
- TEAC Approves Global VAT Rounding for Retailers
- VAT Rate on Selling a House and Garage Spaces to a Couple
- Second Consultation on Draft Royal Decree for Electronic Invoicing
- Spain Clarifies Verifactu Regulation for Spreadsheet-Based Invoicing
- Spain Opens Public Consultation on B2B E-Invoicing Mandate
- Reduced VAT Rate for Housing Deliveries: Legal Criteria and Case Law
SWEDEN
- Fiscalization in Sweden: What Information should be Provided in a Manufacturer’s Declaration when Updating a Cash Register Version?
- Import VAT in Sweden: Legal Uncertainty and Business Risks
- VAT in Sweden: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses
TURKEY
- Turkey Increases Minimum Input VAT Refund Claim Amounts
- Turkey Raises Threshold for Small VAT Refund Claims
- VAT Withholding in Turkey: A High-Risk Tax Obligation
- Minimum Threshold for VAT Refund Requests in Turkey
UKRAINE
- Ferrexpo’s VAT Refunds Suspended by Ukraine Tax Authorities
- Common Mistakes When Registering as a VAT Payer in Ukraine
- VAT Inclusion in Tax Credit After Unblocking Invoice
- VAT Registration Cancellation Grounds in Ukraine
- Get VAT payer extract electronically: New option available
- VAT Deregistration in Ukraine: What Operations Are Considered?
- VAT Refund Adjustment: Who is Liable for Late Registration?
- VAT payer data table row limit: 99 rows per table, unlimited tables per period.
- VAT Registration for Joint Activity Agreements in Ukraine
- VAT Cash Method: What Taxpayers Should Know
- VAT on Real Estate Sales: When and How to Calculate?
UNITED KINGDOM
- Government Consultation on E-Invoicing
- VAT Returns – a Fiscal Theme Park where Nothing is Certain
- Businesses Face ‘Wake Up’ Call about International VAT and Customs Obligations
- International Indirect Tax Mistakes: Costing Businesses Millions
- UK Finance Act 2025: VAT on Private School Fees
- HMRC Updates VAT Import One Stop Shop Scheme Guidance
- Bolt Warns UK Over Uber VAT Ruling, Withholds £200m Investment
- Navigating the New School VAT Regime: Opportunities and Challenges
- UK VAT Receipts Revised Downward After Methodology Change
- An Essential Guide to VAT Registration in the UK
- Influencer Tax: Do Online Creators Pay VAT?
- Understanding VAT Rates Based on Product Marketing Strategies
- Delta Taxi and Veezu Fight Uber in Supreme Court Over VAT on Private Hire Fares
- HMRC’s Digital Transformation: Modernizing Tax and Customs
- Corporate report – People involved in transactions connected with VAT fraud
- Hastings Insurance: VAT Recovery and Offshore Looping Regulations
- VAT on Further Education: A Looming Crisis?
MIDDLE EAST
BAHRAIN
SAUDI ARABIA
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
- Accreditation Portal for e-invoicing Service Providers is now available
- Guidance on Recent Amendment to VAT Regulation
- Exports and Imports under VAT in UAE
- Compliance Challenges for SMEs in the UAE: A Guide for Business Owners
- UAE Tax Agents: A Complete Guide for Businesses
- UAE Guides on New VAT Regulation
- UAE B2B & B2G e-invoicing July 2026 update
- UAE VAT Executive Regulation Amendments: Key Changes and Impact
- Update Your UAE VAT Portal Details by March 31st, 2025: Avoid Fines
- UAE Launches Accreditation for E-Invoicing Service Providers
- UAE FTA Clarifies VAT Executive Regulations Amendments
- UAE VAT Authority Clarifies Recent Amendments
- UAE VAT Implications on Cryptocurrency Mining
- UAE Federal Tax Authority Provides Detailed Clarification on Amendments to VAT Executive…
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA) Issues a Public Clarification on the Amended VAT Executive Regulations
