Curated from 50+ official sources. Twice-weekly digest, free.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree launching a pilot program that allows importers to defer VAT payments by up to three months, interest‑free. The program applies only to goods imported from outside the Eurasian Economic Union and is available to companies meeting specific eligibility criteria. It will run until June 30, 2027.
The article outlines practical lessons for businesses preparing for e‑invoicing mandates across Europe, highlighting the Belgian experience with the Peppol network, Poland’s KSeF system, and the importance of early stakeholder alignment, data quality, and automation. It stresses that compliance deadlines are tight, with Belgium’s mandate taking effect in December 2025 and a March 2026 compliance check revealing 17 % non‑compliance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree launching a pilot program that allows importers to defer VAT payments by up to three months, interest‑free. The program applies only to goods imported from outside the Eurasian Economic Union and is available to companies meeting specific eligibility criteria. It will run until June 30, 2027.
The article outlines practical lessons for businesses preparing for e‑invoicing mandates across Europe, highlighting the Belgian experience with the Peppol network, Poland’s KSeF system, and the importance of early stakeholder alignment, data quality, and automation. It stresses that compliance deadlines are tight, with Belgium’s mandate taking effect in December 2025 and a March 2026 compliance check revealing 17 % non‑compliance.
Today's VAT news highlights key developments in Europe, including a significant shift in Russia's import policies with the introduction of a VAT payment deferral option for importers. Meanwhile, the rollout of eInvoicing systems continues to gain traction, with valuable lessons emerging from real-world implementations. These updates underscore the evolving landscape of VAT regulations and compliance requirements across the region.
Today's VAT news highlights significant developments across the globe, including cuts to fuel VAT rates in Kenya and the introduction of VAT on iGaming services in Ecuador. In other regions, Singapore is expanding its InvoiceNow adoption, while Belgium's VAT threshold reform is expected to have minimal impact on its e-invoicing plans for 2026. These updates, along with insights from Deloitte on Canada's indirect tax landscape, demonstrate the ongoing evolution of VAT policies and regulations worldwide.
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The European Commission released the minutes from its 51st Group on the Future of VAT meeting, held on 3 March 2024, which discussed the ViDA package’s e‑invoicing, digital reporting, platform economy VAT and single VAT registration provisions. Key dates include the start of OSS guidelines on single VAT registration on 1 January 2027 and several upcoming GFV/VEG meetings in mid‑2026 that will shape the final Explanatory Notes for 2027.
A UK court decision allows a travel agency to contest HM Revenue & Customs’ trimming of its VAT credit by approximately £187,000. The ruling spiked the tax authority’s bid for an early end to the case, giving the agency the right to pursue a full challenge. The case highlights the importance of monitoring HMRC adjustments and the potential for judicial review.
Poland’s Council of Ministers has drafted legislation extending the deadline for submitting the JPK_KR accounting file to 31 July 2026, moving it from the traditional 31 March CIT filing date. The new SAF‑T requirement will be phased in: large companies (sales ≥ €50 million) from 1 January 2025, other businesses with accounting records from 1 January 2026, and all remaining corporate or personal income taxpayers from 1 January 2027. The extension also simplifies authorisation, allowing existing e‑filing powers of attorney to be used for JPK submissions.
Saudi Arabia has rolled out a comprehensive e‑invoicing mandate led by ZATCA, requiring all companies to issue and transmit electronic invoices via the Fatoora platform. The phased implementation includes mandatory clearance for B2B/B2G and e‑reporting for B2C, with progressive waves based on turnover thresholds. As of March 31, 2026, companies with annual turnover above SAR 750 000 must comply, with further thresholds set for June 2026.
The European Commission has launched a public consultation and a "Reality Check" event to shape the upcoming revision of EU e-invoicing rules, including the e-invoicing directive and EN 16931 standard. The consultation runs until 10 June 2026, while the interactive event is scheduled for 27 April 2026. The Commission expects the revised directive to be adopted in Q4 2026 as part of the Single Market Strategy.
Kenya has temporarily reduced VAT on petrol and diesel from 16% to 13% for a three‑month period, effective 15 April to 14 July 2026. The measure, announced under Legal Notice No. 69, aims to ease inflationary pressure from rising global energy prices.
Law No. 7577, published on 17 April 2026, introduces significant amendments to Turkish tax, social security, energy, and real‑estate legislation. Key changes include new VAT exemptions for property transfers to public authorities, expanded non‑deductibility of advertising for gaming sectors, broadened free‑zone income benefits, and a presidential power to adjust unemployment insurance contributions by up to 50%.
The article outlines practical lessons for businesses preparing for e‑invoicing mandates across Europe, highlighting the Belgian experience with the Peppol network, Poland’s KSeF system, and the importance of early stakeholder alignment, data quality, and automation. It stresses that compliance deadlines are tight, with Belgium’s mandate taking effect in December 2025 and a March 2026 compliance check revealing 17 % non‑compliance.
Spain’s new ministerial order on electronic invoicing takes effect on 1 October 2026, starting the clock for adaptation periods. Companies with annual turnover above €8 million must be compliant by 1 October 2027, while others must comply by 1 October 2028. The order activates the technical framework set out in Law 18/2022 and Royal Decree 238/2026.
Spain’s Council of Ministers approved Royal Decree 238/2026 mandating structured B2B e-invoicing and 4‑day real‑time reporting. The phased rollout will start on 1 Oct 2027 for large firms (€8 m+ turnover) and extend to all taxpayers by 1 Oct 2028, with payment status reporting added in 2029. The regime requires EN 16931‑UBL invoices, a faithful copy to the public system, and a free public platform built by the Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree launching a pilot program that allows importers to defer VAT payments by up to three months, interest‑free. The program applies only to goods imported from outside the Eurasian Economic Union and is available to companies meeting specific eligibility criteria. It will run until June 30, 2027.
Poland’s parliament is reviewing a draft bill to temporarily zero‑rate domestic food items, excluding imports, from 1 April to 31 December 2026. The proposal would reduce the current 5 % VAT on a defined list of staple foods to 0 %, mirroring earlier COVID‑era cuts. Imported food would not benefit from the relief.
Spain’s Council of Ministers approved Royal Decree 238/2026 mandating structured B2B e-invoicing and 4‑day real‑time reporting. The phased rollout will start on 1 Oct 2027 for large firms (€8 m+ turnover) and extend to all taxpayers by 1 Oct 2028, with payment status reporting added in 2029. The regime requires EN 16931‑UBL invoices, a faithful copy to the public system, and a free public platform built by the Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria.
Poland’s parliament is reviewing a draft bill to temporarily zero‑rate domestic food items, excluding imports, from 1 April to 31 December 2026. The proposal would reduce the current 5 % VAT on a defined list of staple foods to 0 %, mirroring earlier COVID‑era cuts. Imported food would not benefit from the relief.
Kenya has temporarily reduced VAT on petrol and diesel from 16% to 13% for a three‑month period, effective 15 April to 14 July 2026. The measure, announced under Legal Notice No. 69, aims to ease inflationary pressure from rising global energy prices.
Ecuador’s tax authority has announced a 15% VAT on iGaming services, including betting, sports prediction markets, online video games, and digital entertainment platforms. Operators must issue receipts, collect VAT from users, and remit payments to the Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI), while non‑resident operators using intermediaries face withholding requirements.
Today's VAT news highlights key developments in the Asia-Pacific region, including an update on Vietnam's B2B e-invoicing system and a guide to VAT exemptions for natural gas stakeholders. Meanwhile, in Europe, Iceland has responded to inflationary pressures sparked by the Iran conflict by reducing fuel VAT to 11%. These updates underscore the evolving nature of VAT policies globally, with governments adapting to economic pressures and technological advancements.
