Switzerland issues final VAT guidelines for e-commerce platforms
The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) issued final guidelines on 28 January 2025, concerning platform rules for goods. Under the new Article 20a of the VAT Act, platforms that enable transactions through electronic interfaces will be deemed
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Belgium announces modernisation of VAT rules
Belgium has issued Guidance (Circular 2025/C/6) on 27 January 2025, announcing various updates to the VAT rules by modernising procedures, compliance, and refunds. The key changes include new deadlines for periodic and special VAT returns, VAT
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Kazakhstan proposes VAT rate increases and exemptions in tax code overhaul
The Kazakhstan government has introduced proposed amendments to its Tax Code on 11 February 2025, aimed at reshaping the country’s VAT framework. The key changes include raising the standard VAT rate from 12% to 16%, alongside a new reduced 10%
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EU Parliament approves digital age VAT package
The European Parliament has approved the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) Package on 12 February 2025. This update aims to modernise the EU's VAT system, fight VAT fraud, and simplify administrative tasks for small businesses and service
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Netherlands: MoF seeks alternatives to cover budget gap after scrapped vat hike on media, culture, and sports
The Netherlands Ministry of Finance issued a letter to the parliament outlining alternative measures to address the budget shortfall caused by cancelling the proposed VAT increase on media, culture, and sports from 9% to 21%. The VAT increase
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Lithuania: Parliament to discuss reduced VAT rate for food and catering in spring session
Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas announced that the Lithuanian Parliament will consider introducing a reduced VAT rate for food products and public catering establishments in the spring session. Though he has not pledged his support, he recognized
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Greece expands debt relief and VAT policies amid economic reforms
The Greek Ministry of National Economy and Finance announced changes to its debt relief framework, aiming to provide stronger protection for thousands of borrowers. The initiatives announced on 5 February 2025 expand the scope of the
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Lithuania considers raising VAT registration threshold to new level
Lithuania's parliament is considering a proposal to raise the VAT registration threshold from EUR 45,000 to EUR 60,000. Under the new rule, businesses in Lithuania would only need to register for VAT if their annual turnover surpasses EUR 60,000.
See MoreLithuania: VMI clarifies EU VAT scheme for small businesses
The Lithuanian State Tax Inspectorate (VMI) announced the publication of guidelines on how to become users of small business schemes for VAT exemptions in other EU member states on 21 January 2025. The rules are accessible through the VMI
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Lithuania introduces new VAT registration rules
The State Tax Inspectorate of Lithuania has issued a new order (VA-5) outlining updated procedures for registering and deregistering VAT identification numbers for taxable persons. The order was published on 17 January 2025 and is effective from
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El Salvador amends VAT and withholding tax returns
El Salvador’s Ministry of Finance has introduced new fields to Form 07 and Form 14, which taxpayers will be required to complete starting 1 February 2025. The forms have been updated to include the following changes: Sales to taxpayers;
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Serbia adopts amendments to e-invoicing rulebook
Serbia’s Ministry of Finance has adopted the amendments to the electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) rulebook. The amendments address the electronic recording of input VAT, customs declaration lists, documents related to VAT adjustments, delayed
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IMF: Revenue and Spending Measures for Developing Countries to Reduce Debt Levels
An IMF Public Finance Management (PFM) Blog, written by Talal Rafi (a Director at EY Sri Lanka) and published on 27 January 2025, looked at the measures developing countries can take to reduce public debt levels. The author notes that more than 3
See MoreIMF Report Makes Tax Policy Recommendations for Japan
On 7 February 2025 the IMF published a report following discussions with Japan under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The report notes that Japan’s economy contracted in the first half of 2024 as a result of temporary supply
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Ecuador announces VAT exemption for pet food from February 2025
The Ecuadorian Internal Revenue Service (SRI) announced that pet food, including nutritionally balanced dry and wet food, will be exempt from VAT on 30 January 2025. This applies to both imported and locally purchased products, as they are
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Hungary tightens import VAT deduction rules from March 2025
Hungary will implement stricter import value-added tax (VAT) deduction regulations for indirect customs representatives from 1 March 2025. The amendment requires importers to file monthly VAT returns and avoid being classified as “risky
See MoreEU Commission issues January 2025 infringement package, highlights VAT concerns
The European Commission has published its Infringement Package for January 2025 – addressing VAT-related issues affecting multiple countries – on 31 January 2025. The Commission is sending a letter of formal notice to those Member States who
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Poland: Parliament passes bill on VAT changes, expands excise duty to nicotine products
Poland’s lower house of Parliament (Sejm) has passed a bill delaying changes to VAT rates during its January 22-24, 2025 sittings. The Sejm also extended the reverse charge mechanism to gas, electricity and services associated with the transfer
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