Advice
We all know that VAT rules can be as clear as mud. There’s a main rule, an exception to that rule, and then an exception to the exception. It’s like trying to follow a plot twist in a TV-soap! Fortunately, we’ve got plenty of VAT wizards who can unravel these mysteries and explain them to us mere mortals.
Unless, of course, you get two experts in a room together. Then it’s like watching a debate on which way is up. Asking a VAT advisor for their opinion can sometimes feel like buying an insurance policy: if the advice turns out to be wrong, at least you had a professional opinion to back you up, which might soften the blow when the taxman comes knocking.
Advisors have a tough gig. They need to be walking encyclopaedias of VAT rules and also have a knack for understanding the ins and outs of the businesses they advise. The best ones can apply these rules in the most efficient way possible and then, with the finesse of a diplomat, convince tax inspectors or judges that their interpretation is the right one.
Advice isn’t cheap. Back in the day, you might have paid good money just for someone to look up a VAT rate. But now, businesses expect a lot more bang for their buck. They want added value, innovative solutions, and maybe even a little magic.
I remember a story about a business asking an advisor for his fees. “It’s USD 300 for three questions,” said the advisor. “Wow, that’s pretty steep, isn’t it?” replied the business. “Yes, I suppose so,” said the advisor. “Now, what’s your final question?”
If you want answers to your VAT questions without the hefty price tag, just visit our website every day. We’re also exploring new ways to share information, like WhatsApp Groups and LinkedIn. Drop us a message and let us know what you think of our website!
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
- Join Our VAT Discussion Forum on WhatsApp – Explore, Learn, and Connect!
- Technical and Process Challenges in E-invoicing
- API governance: What is it and why does it matter?
- Conducting ECI via API – What are the benefits?
- Trade Talking Points | Latest insights from EY’s Trade Strategy team (May 2024)
- Benefits and drawbacks of voluntary VAT registration for businesses: a comprehensive guide
- OECD Blueprint: Effective VAT/GST Collection for Cross-Border Digital Sales
- Optimizing VAT Refunds for Companies with Local VAT Numbers: A 4-Step Strategy
- NEW VATupdate.com Job Opportunities on Whatsapp – Where talent meets!!!
- Four steps to take now to meet the evolving e-invoicing regulations
- Introduction into Tax@SAP S/4HANA: General tax set-up (Part 1)
- The future of indirect taxation in a digital world
- Guidance for National Tax Crime Strategies: OECD Report on Design and Implementation
- E-Invoicing & E-Reporting developments in the news in week 22/2024
- SNI Webinar – e-Invoice Guide for Businesses in the APAC Region | Part 2 – Recorded session &…
- CBAM Training Notice by European Commission on 19th June 2024
- Webinar – Update on E-Invoicing in Germany (June 27)
- Fonoa Webinar – Tax for Digital Platforms: Business Models Pros and Cons (June 12)
- ecosio Webinar – Partner Opportunities: E-invoicing (June 6, 2024)
AFRICA
- Text of the E-Invoicing Regulations (2024)
- Kenya Sugarcane Farmers Protest 16% Transport Tax: Impact on Industry and Proposed Solutions
- Nigerian Tax Reform Panel Suggests VAT Rate Increase to Boost Revenue
- Nigerian 7.5% to 10% VAT rate proposal
- Zambia President Expresses Concern Over Delay in VAT Refunds
- Modernizing Tax Compliance in Zambia: Transitioning to Smart Invoice for Improved Revenue Collection
- Zambia Mandates E-Invoicing for VAT-Registered Taxpayers
- Mandatory Electronic Invoicing in Zambia
AMERICAS
- Brazil Unveils Second Bill for Overhaul of Consumption Taxes: Focus on Regional Tax Management
- Electronic invoicing in Brazil: NF-e, NFS-e and CT-e
- Tax Implications of Inventory Withdrawal for Self-Consumption: Obligation to Invoice Samples Given for Free
- Colombia: Rising e-Invoicing Audits and Inspections for Non-Compliance in 2024
- Colombia’s DIAN Cracks Down on E-Invoicing Non-Compliance with Increased Audits and Inspections
- USTR seeks input on proposed tariffs on key Chinese imports
- Hawaii General Excise Tax: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners
- Louisiana Board Rules Apple Music Streaming in New Orleans Not Taxable Under ITFA
- Maryland Mandates Electronic Filing for Various Taxes Starting in 2027
- New York Raises Cap for Sales Tax Exemption on Electronic News Services
- Navigating Healthcare Providers’ Indirect Tax: FAQs on Medical Equipment, Supplies, and Devices
- Virginia Tax Commissioner Rules on Subject-to-Tax Exception for Intangible Expenses Addback
- Pennsylvania Court Rules Perrier Taxed as Soft Drink: Sales Tax on Carbonated Water Upheld
- New York Budget 2024: Sales Tax Amendments, Credits, and Incentives
- Kentucky DOR Confirms Governor’s Line-Item Vetoes on Tax Legislation Still in Effect
- Georgia Implements Sales and Use Tax on Digital Products, Goods, and Codes from 2024.
- Colorado: Eagle County and Avon, CO Exempt Period & Incontinence Products
- Pennsylvania: Purchased Electricity Used in Concrete Producer’s Blending Activities Qualifies for Manufacturing Exemption
- State Sales Tax Laws: Taxability of Services Explained
- Ohio 2024 Sales Tax Holiday: Extended Dates and Expanded Eligibility for Tax Exemption
- Navigating Hidden Sales Tax Risks: A Guide for Modern Businesses
- Choosing the Right Sales Tax Automation System: 4 Key Considerations
- Tax Exemption for Residential Energy Storage Systems Equipment: June 2024-May 2026.
- The Role of ERP Integration Services in Achieving E-Invoicing Compliance in the U.S.
- Colorado Sales Tax Exemption for Subscription-Based Membership Fee with Free Delivery
- California Sales and Use Tax Guidance for Auto Repair Garages and Service Stations
- South Dakota Sales Tax Guidelines for Professional Employer Organizations Updated
- Arkansas Sales Tax: Aircraft Sightseeing Tours Taxability Explained
- State Sales Tax Exemption for Electricity Generation and Transmission: SB 1129
- South Dakota Sales Tax Guide for Speculative Builders: Updated
- California Updates Use Tax Registration Requirements for Service Enterprises
- Tennessee: Notice Reflects Adoption of Streamlined Sales Tax Sourcing Provisions Effective July 1
ASIA-PACIFIC
- Australia Seeks Public Input on New GST Return for Top Corporate Taxpayers
- Australia Tax Agency Announces 2024-25 Car Tax Thresholds
- E-Invoicing in Australia
- FICCI Urges Automation of Tax and VAT System in Proposed Budget for 2024-25 Financial Year
- AmCham President Urges Automated Tax System to Regulate VAT and Boost Investment
- Bangladesh Government Proposes VAT Increase on Light Bulbs and Tube Lights to 15%
- Bangladesh Plans to Increase VAT on SIM Cards in 2024/25 Fiscal Year Budget
- Bangladesh to Remove VAT Exemptions for Local Electronics and Goods in 2024 Budget
- Airlines Face Scrutiny Over Taxing No-Show Passengers: GST Implications and Regulatory Actions
- CBIC Circular on Customs Duty for Display Assembly of Cellular Mobile Phone: Interpretational Challenges
- Trade body urges new government to address GST complexities and support MSMEs and farmers.
- Pharma Companies Under Scrutiny for Suspected GST Evasion: DGGI Crackdown
- DA Tax Alert – Indirect Tax – June 2024
- GST rate rationalisation may see further delay
- No IGST credit is required to be reversed when credit is wrongly claimed instead of CGST and SGST
- India: Launch of E-Way Bill 2 Portal
- Guidelines for Initiation of Recovery Proceedings Before Three Months from the Date of Service of Demand Order
- IATA opposes GST levy on foreign airlines in India
- GST Reduction, Rationalization of Taxes Key to Spurt Affordable Housing Demand: CBRE
- Relaxation in the provision of submission of ‘Bill of Export’ as evidence of export obligation
- Weekly GST Communique dated June 3, 2024
- Maruti Urges Govt to Extend GST Benefits to Hybrid Vehicles
- Transitioning Unutilized VAT Credit Under GST: Madras High Court Pronouncement
- Potential Elimination of 12% GST Slab: Fitment Committee’s New Rate Rationalization Exercise
- FPCCI Urges Repeal of Section 8B in Sales Tax Act for Fiscal Year 2024-25
- FBR Recommends Reduction of Sales Tax Exemptions to Enhance Revenue in 2024-25 Budget
- KTBA Raises Concerns Over FBR Portal Glitches Hindering Sales Tax Registration Process
- FBR’s Proposed Sales Tax on Mobile Phones: Impact on Industry and Consumers in Budget 2024-25
- Massive Rs 22 Billion Sales Tax Fraud Unearthed by FBR Intelligence Officers
- Potential Sales Tax Increase to 19% in 2024-25 Budget Sparks Inflation Concerns
- Singapore Implements New GST Registration System for Foreign Digital Companies
- Singapore VCC Tax Guide: New GST and Deduction Rules – June 2024 Update
- IRAS e-Tax Guide: Understanding the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) – Eighth Edition
- Singapore Tax Agency’s Updated E-Tax Guide for Variable Capital Companies and GST Treatment
- Compensation Process: Invoices and Supporting Documents Required by Insurance Company for Insured Party
- Abolishment Circular on Import VAT in Vietnam
- Enhanced VAT Refund Management: Enforcement Measures and Coordination in 2024
- Vietnam Extends 8% VAT Rate Until December 31, 2024
- Proposal to continue reducing 2% VAT for certain goods and services approved for discussion.
- Thailand Implements New VAT Policy on Imported Goods
- Understanding VAT Refund Policy for Exported Goods and Services
- Extension of VAT Reduction until 31 December 2014: Draft Resolution and Proposed Changes
- Extending VAT tax reduction policy: Necessary move to boost economic recovery.
EUROPE
- ECJ C-243/23 (Drebers) – AG Opinion – Qualification as ”new building” – extended revision period of 15 years in case of renovation of an existing building
- CJEU Ruling on VAT Registration Delay: Case C-122/23 Legafact
- CJEU Ruling on Input VAT Refund Procedure in the EU: Case C-746/22 Slovenské Energetické Strojárne
- Comments on ECJ C-241/23: Determination of the VAT tax base in the case of in-kind contribution in exchange for issued shares
- Agenda of the ECJ VAT cases – 2 Judgments, 2 AG Opinions announced till June 30, 2024
- Advocate General’s Opinion on German VAT Grouping Provisions – CJEU Case C184/23
- ECJ Case C-73/24 (Keladis II) – Questions: Determination of Transaction Value in Customs Cases
- ECJ C-248/23 (Novo Nordisk) – AG Opinion – Reduction taxable amount on ex lege payments to the State health insurance agency
- Comments on ECJ C-243/23 (Drebers) – Real Estate Investment Goods: How to Rectify VAT?
- Non-decadence nature of deadline for non-resident VAT refund: implications of C-746/22 ruling.
- Comments on ECJ C-248/23: AG advises to consider ex lege payment obligations as a price reduction
- Navigating and Managing CESOP: 5 Key Considerations for EU Payment Service Providers
- EU’s ViDA Package: Digital VAT Amendments and Challenges in Achieving Political Agreement
- Assessment of In-Kind Contributions for Consideration: CJEU Ruling Case C-241/23
- VAT Qualification of Electric Vehicle Charging Services: CJEU Case C-60/23
- Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Implementation and Reporting…
- Report of Mr. Letta – ”Much more than a market”
- EN16931 standard: overview of electronic invoice compliance
- Finance specialists need to prepare for EU ViDA regulations
- ICS2 Phase 2: Mandatory for Maritime and Inland Waterway Transport from June 2024
- What is Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) Scheme?
- ECOFIN Council Cannot Find Consensus in VAT in Digital Age (ViDA)
- Dutch Cabinet Opinion re. Decision-making on VIDA Package at Eurogroup/Ecofin Council Meeting
- Transitioning to Mandatory E-Invoicing: Belgium’s Fiscal System Updates and Requirements by 2026
- The Evolution and Updates of Belgium’s Co-operative Tax Compliance Programme (CTCP)
- Tax Department Launches Raids to Ensure 5% VAT Compliance in Residential Properties
- Landmark Victory: Tax Tribunal Vindicates Antonis Askanis Ltd in €1.26M VAT Assessment Case
- Danish Lawmakers Pass Environmental Tax Reform Law to Achieve 2030 Goals
- Danish Parliament approved Act on tax on CO2 emissions from ETS sectors
- Danish Parliament Approves Carbon Tax Legislation for Green Tax Reforms
- E-Invoicing in Denmark
- Finnish Parliament Considers Bill to Raise VAT and Insurance Tax Rates
- Finland Parliament Considers Bill to Raise VAT
- E-Invoicing in Finland
- Government Proposal: General VAT rate to increase to 25.5% in September by Ministry of Finance
- E-Invoicing in France
- E-Invoicing in France: Complete guide
- Intermediary Services and Advertising: Determining the Place of Supply for VAT Purposes
- Transfer and grant of copyrights, patents, licenses, trademarks, and other similar rights: CJEU case law analysis.
- Taxation of Rentals of Movable Property to Non-EU Tenants in France from 2024.
- Germany Slashes Art VAT to 7% in 2025: Boost for Art Market and Galleries
- Germany Approves Annual Tax Act 2024, Reducing Art Work Tax Rate to 7 Percent
- Germany Slashes VAT on Art Sales to Boost Market Competitiveness and Cultural Contribution
- Guidance on Online Event Services in B2C Sector: BMF Regulations
- BFH Resolution on Allocation of Goods in Chain Transactions and Broken Transportation
- Tax Implications of 2024 European Football Championship in Germany: VAT, Reverse Charge, and More
- Tax Deductions for Heating System Installation in Rental Properties
- Taxation of Rental of Stand Spaces at Car Markets
- New VAT rules for online events introduced by the German Ministry of Finance
- Monthly Updated Overview of VAT Conversion Rates 2024 According to BMF Letter of June 3, 2024
- Imported Vehicle VAT Compliance: F24 for Auto Imported to Italy from Another EU State
- Non-taxable Grants: Clarification from the Revenue Agency on VAT Exemption for Contributions
- No VAT for public contributions representing State aid: Agenzia delle Entrate clarification.
- Italian Police Arrest Seven in €18M VAT Fraud Case: EPPO Investigation in Rome
- Restrictions on VAT deduction for vehicle purchases under exceptional circumstances: Cassation ruling.
- Inclusion of Group VAT in Invoices: Regularization and Consequences – Agenzia delle Entrate Response
- Italy Further Extends Suspension of Plastic and Sugar Tax
- EPPO Exposes €18 Million VAT Fraud in Italian Beverage Trade
- Finance Guard Busts VAT Evasion Scheme Across Seven Italian Provinces
- Latvia’s New E-Invoicing Regulations: What Businesses Need to Know
- Latvia B2B e-invoicing Jan 2026 consultation
- Latvia: Mandatory B2B and B2G e-Invoicing
- Draft law on the use of e-invoicing submitted for public consultation
- Lithuania’s New SABIS Platform
- Lithuania Shifts to B2G e-Invoicing Through SABIS
- Lithuania’s Proposal to Reinstate VAT Compensation Scheme for Heat Energy and Hot Water
- Judicial Decision Confirms AEDT’s Position on VAT Deduction and Partial Taxpayer Qualification
- Luxembourg VAT Deduction Rules Upheld by Judges in Recent Decision
- Education organizations oppose VAT increase on learning materials to protect affordability and quality.
- Court Rules in Favor of Dutch VAT for Independent Services Provided to German Client
- Impact of VAT Increase on Educational Materials: Costing Schools 60 Million Euros
- Stop the VAT Hike on Books: Protecting Higher Education Accessibility Through Petition
- VAT and/or real estate transfer tax in the case of real estate transformation
- VAT increase causes demarcation problems at campsites
- Renting out workspaces to one’s own private limited company is an economic activity
- No VAT on on-passed third-party insurance premiums
- Tax-exempt sale of parcels with shares in common road – not a building site
- Porsche Events for Germans at Zandvoort with NL VAT
- No Penalty for VAT Entrepreneur in Financial Distress
- VAT Corrections for Gold Trader: Court Rules
- Norway Tax Agency Clarifies VAT Treatment for Construction of Additional…
- Unlocking the Future of Financial Reporting: The SAF-T 1.30 Update in Norway
- President signs amendment on mandatory KSeF invoices to February 1, 2026 – key changes ahead.
- Poland 2026 KSeF Data Security Challenge: Ombudsman and Tax Authority Address…
- Polish Parliament Approves DAC7 Implementation Act
- Poland: Changes to JPK_VAT and KSeF Timeline by Minister of Finance
- Can the buyer deduct VAT if the seller did not accept the corrective note?
- Tax implications of employee vehicle use: VAT and parking at employee’s residence.
- National Park operates like any other VAT taxpayer. What about the right to deduct?
- Update of SSL certificate for JPK test environment
- Rising VAT Fraud in the EU: Urgent Need for Tax Reform, Experts Warn
- VAT Implications of Early Contract Termination: Recent Rulings and Interpretations by NSA
- Reporting of online sales – the act will go to the president (DAC 7)
- KSeF may threaten trade secrets and violate the GDPR
- Sovos Webinar – VAT Reporting and SAF-T updates in Poland and General Audit Insights (June 27)
- Polish Parliament Approves Act for Implementation of DAC7
- The National Revenue Administration will check the supply of so-called “conflict minerals”
- The importance of issuing an invoice to take advantage of the bad debt relief
- VAT Settlement for Goods Transported in Phases
- Limit of VAT exemption after resuming business activity
- Police Vehicle Towing and Storage Exempt from VAT: Recent Court Decisions
- VAT Settlement for On-Site Sewage Treatment Plants: Incorrect Interpretation After Court Ruling
- Separation and Transfer of Development Department for Tax Exemption and Business Continuity
- Summary: Recognition of VAT Taxpayer Status and Possibility of VAT Exemption Application
- Water and Sewage Services: VAT Taxation, Deduction, and Proportional Calculation for Municipalities
- Social Welfare Home No. 1: Budgetary Unit with Three Floors and Catering Facilities
- Transfer of Business Assets: Tax Implications and Exemption for Family Foundation Donation.
- Acquisition and Utilization of Land by Foundation: Planned Sale for Financial Support
- VAT Deduction Rights Denied for Municipality: Eligible Costs and Individual Interpretation
- Investment in Renewable Energy Installations in Municipality
- Inability to Deduct VAT: Impact on Public Services and IT Security in Municipality
- Upcoming Changes in Portugal: Future Deadlines for Fiscalization and E-Invoicing Regulations
- How to send PDF invoices legally in Portugal
- EU Council Allows Romania to Maintain VAT Deduction Restrictions on Motorized Vehicles
- Romania Updates VAT Rules for Territorial Application
- Companies will be fined at ANAF controls and for invoices prior to May 31 that are missing from the e-Invoice system
- Changes to Form (D300) “Value added tax return”
- Delay of Verifactu Obligation in Spain: Postponed to 2026, Impact on Taxpayers Explained
- Financial Intermediary and Financial Transactions Tax
- Electronic Teaching Books: Tax Implications and Exemptions for Educational Products
- Service of mooring and navigation aids fee
- Digital Interface Streamlining Sales Process for Logistics Services Company
- Training Services for Pilot License Acquisition: Exemptions and Requirements
- E-Invoicing in Spain
- Swedish Trafikverket requires digital environmental data reporting for procurement in the transport sector
- Special reasons to waive the requirement for issuing an amended invoice for correcting incorrectly charged VAT
- Special Reasons for Waiving Requirement to Issue Amendment Invoice for Incorrectly Charged VAT
- VAT Tax Declaration Filling Algorithm: Educational Video by State Tax Service of Ukraine
- Tax Obligations of Tour Operators in Forming VAT: Important Information from Dnipro Tax Office
- Adjusting Tax Obligations for Taxable Transactions: VAT Treatment for Non-Taxable…
- Challenging Commission Decisions on VAT Data
- Successes of the State Tax Service in combating VAT fraud revealed by Hetmantsev
- Need to indicate codes of goods purchased from non-VAT payers in taxpayer data table?
- Dismissed Appeals: Consequences of Delayed Filings and the Importance of Respecting Time Limits
- Dip Pots in Takeaway Meal Deals
- Unintentional Mishandling of Luggage Leads to Duty Dispute at Manchester Airport
- VAT Treatment of Outsourced Healthcare in Prisons: Spectrum Community Health Case – Upper Tribunal
- CA Decision: VAT Recovery Denied on Share Sale Costs – Hotel La Tour Ltd Case
- Charity Fundraising Exemption: Avoiding VAT on Fundraising
- Top 10 Tips for DIY Housebuilders’ Scheme: Recovering VAT
- HMRC’s New Guide to VAT Tertiary Legislation
- Customs Warehouse Management: Updated HMRC Guidance
- Taxable Treatment of Voluntary Carbon Credits: HMRC’s New Guidelines
- Updated VAT Refund List for Museums and Galleries: Order SI 2024/720
- HMRC Customer Service Crisis: Impact on VAT Registrations for Businesses – Lubbock Fine Analysis
- Changes to VAT Registration Timelines: Extended Response Time to 40 Working Days
- Are Cosmetic Skin Treatments Exempt Medical Care?
- SilverDoor Ltd: VAT on Merchant Acquirer Costs Recharges – Upper Tribunal Ruling
- Review of Virtual Offices and Principal Place of Business: Current Status and Future Updates
- Update on VAT Registration Sub-Group Forum: Multiple Authorisations for VAT Clarified in Guidance
- HMRC Guidance: Get your postponed import VAT statement
- Upper Tribunal rules on the VAT liability of payment handling fees
- Forms for claiming a VAT refund if your business is registered in a country outside the UK
- UK Court’s update Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- HMRC’s Stringent VAT Registration Process Stifles Business Growth: Lubbock Fine’s Concerns
- HMRC v Hotel La Tour Ltd – What does the Court of Appeal’s decision mean for input tax recovery on deal fees?
- What is a VAT Loan? A Guide for UK Businesses
MIDDLE EAST
- ZATCA Criteria for Targeted Taxpayers in Wave 12 for E-invoicing Integration Phase
- VAT Refund deadline for Non-Resident Businesses is June 30, 2024
- Saudi Arabia’s Twelfth Wave of VAT E-Invoicing Integration: Selection Criteria and Key Dates
- KSA ZATCA Approval: Duty-Free Shop Regulations Updated for Travelers’ Convenience
- Tax Authority Requires Advance Submission of Customs Transit Declarations from Taxpayers
- KSA Cabinet Approves Duty Exemptions to Boost Industrial Competitiveness and Foreign Investment
- Final Opportunity: KSA Tax Amnesty Program Ending on 30 June 2024
- ZATCA Tax Bulletin: Excise Refund Procedures for Non-Consumable Goods in KSA
- ZATCA Approves Duty-Free Market Exemption Requirements for Arrival Lounges at Customs Ports
- Saudi Arabia tax bulletin clarifies requirements and procedures for excise tax refund
- ZATCA Board of Directors Extend VAT Refunds for Real Estate Developers in New Decision
- Real Estate Developers Eligible for Additional VAT Refund Cases
- Comprehensive Guide to VAT in UAE: Understanding Standard, Zero-Rated, and Exempt Supplies
- UAE FTA VAT Exemption for Board Members: New Public Clarification Simplifies Tax Obligations
- FTA Clarifies VAT Treatment of Manpower and Visa Services: Public Clarification on…