VAT & Indirect Tax Intelligence
VAT news digest
Curated from global sources. Twice-weekly digest, free.
North Macedonia’s Public Revenue Office has launched the third pilot phase of its e‑Faktura e‑invoicing platform, moving from API testing to end‑user business process testing. The mandatory rollout of the system is scheduled for October 2026, requiring all non‑cash B2B invoices to be issued, validated and cleared electronically via the DAP central platform.
Today's VAT news highlights key developments in global tax compliance, including updates on e-invoicing systems in the UAE and France, as well as sales tax filing and amnesty initiatives in the Americas. Additionally, we explore VAT registration thresholds in Europe, providing insight into the complex and evolving tax landscape. These articles offer essential guidance for businesses navigating international tax regulations and seeking to mitigate compliance risks.
Today's VAT news highlights key developments in European tax regulations, including Germany's shift to an opt-in VAT grouping system and the EU's imposition of an e-commerce customs duty fee. Additionally, we explore the French e-invoicing mandate and its implications for businesses. Meanwhile, African countries such as Nigeria are also implementing tax reforms, including automated tax administration systems and proposed VAT amendments to support healthcare services.
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The Thomson Reuters Institute report highlights that EU‑wide ViDA mandates for cross‑border e‑invoicing and digital reporting will come into force in 2030, while many member states are already implementing national e‑invoice and real‑time reporting requirements. Despite widespread awareness, only 22% of EU tax and finance professionals have a formal, funded transition program, underscoring a significant readiness gap.
France’s e‑invoicing reform mandates all VAT‑subject businesses to use an approved platform from 1 September 2026, with SMEs joining in 2027. The article explains the difference between accreditation and live invoice exchange, outlines penalties, and highlights the possibility of a 1 December 2026 deferral.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on children’s meals from 20% to 5% for the period 25 June to 1 September 2026, as part of the Great British summer savings scheme. Pubs and restaurants are already devising menus to take advantage of the discount, while industry leaders criticize the measure as a token gesture. The scheme also applies to cinema and theatre tickets and family attractions, with an estimated cost to the Treasury of £10.5 bn to £13 bn.
The UAE's Cabinet Resolution 106 imposes escalating penalties for e‑invoicing non‑compliance, with specific deadlines for appointing an accredited service provider and implementing the system. Phase 1 businesses (annual revenue ≥AED 50 million) must appoint an ASP by 30 Oct 2026 and have the system live by 1 Jan 2027, while Phase 2 businesses face similar obligations by 1 Jul 2027. Penalties include AED 5 000 per month for missed appointments, AED 5 000 per month for delayed implementation, AED 100 per invoice outside the system (capped at AED 5 000/month), and AED 1 000 per day for unreported system failures.
UAE Ministry of Finance has extended the deadline for appointing an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) to 30 October 2026 for businesses with annual revenues of AED 50 million or more. The mandatory implementation of the UAE e‑invoicing system remains 1 January 2027 for that revenue bracket, while lower‑revenue businesses and government entities have separate deadlines. Businesses must prepare ERP readiness, XML invoice compliance, and VAT configuration ahead of the implementation dates.
The UK will apply a temporary 5% VAT rate to children’s meals and family‑friendly entertainment from 25 June to 1 September 2026. The guidance clarifies eligibility, exclusions such as sports events, and that businesses are not obliged to pass the cut on to consumers.
Sweden has submitted a ViDA VAT amendment bill to Parliament, which will enter into force on 1 January 2027. The bill updates cross‑border VAT rules, reporting deadlines, expands special regime scopes, introduces new output‑VAT accounting rules for electronic interfaces, and revises input‑VAT deduction limits for certain non‑EU taxpayers.
Illinois Department of Revenue has launched a Remote Retailer Tax Amnesty Program for 2026, allowing remote retailers without physical presence to settle unpaid sales tax without penalties or interest. The program runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, and offers simplified tax rates of 9% for general merchandise and 1.75% for qualifying items, provided retailers meet specific gross‑receipt thresholds.
Germany proposes to replace its automatic VAT grouping regime with an opt‑in system effective 1 January 2029. The reform requires formal application, expands eligibility to partnerships, and introduces retroactive non‑recognition and increased scrutiny of intra‑group transactions. Businesses must plan ahead to assess the impact on compliance and cash flow.
The EU will introduce a fixed customs duty fee of EUR 3 per distinct item for low‑value B2C imports from outside the EU, effective 1 July 2026. The previous duty relief for consignments valued up to EUR 150 will end, and the Commission has issued guidelines to help vendors comply.
France will enforce a comprehensive e‑invoicing and e‑reporting mandate from 1 September 2026. Large and intermediate‑sized companies must issue e‑invoices immediately, while SMEs and foreign firms begin on 1 September 2027. The guidance outlines size thresholds, real‑time reporting requirements, and the penalty regime during the pilot phase.
FIRS has announced a phased e‑invoicing and e‑reporting mandate in Nigeria, with the second wave becoming mandatory on 1 July 2026 for taxpayers with annual revenues between N1 bn and N5 bn. The authority will also introduce Peppol-based invoicing, implement the Automated Tax Administration System (ATAS) for audits, and impose soft‑landing penalties effective 2027. The final wave for small enterprises is planned for 1 July 2027.
Egypt’s Tax Authority has drafted VAT amendments that lower the rate on medical devices to 5% from 14% and exempt manufacturing inputs for dialysis equipment and kidney filters. The changes aim to reduce costs for healthcare providers and boost domestic medical manufacturing.
