Botswana introduces VAT amendment bill to tax digital services, apply reverse charge, and modernise compliance.

The Government of Botswana has introduced Value Added Tax (VAT) Amendment Bill (Bill No. 22 of 2025) on 12 August 2025, proposing expansion of the VAT base by taxing digital services from non-residents and applying reverse charge VAT to supplies made to registered persons, Government entities, or large unregistered persons.

It also modernises the VAT system by requiring registered traders to use electronic fiscal devices and issuing fiscal invoices. New definitions cover remote services, electronic fiscal devices, fiscal receipts, Government entities, large unregistered persons, taxable activities, and electronic marketplaces.

The Bill is part of Botswana’s effort to improve tax compliance, strengthen revenue collection, and adapt VAT rules to the digital economy.