Curated from 50+ official sources. Twice-weekly digest, free.
Kenya Revenue Authority will automatically link export records from the customs platform iCMS to VAT returns in iTax starting May 2026, requiring exporters to have verified export values linked to their PIN and valid electronic tax invoices. This eliminates manual zero‑rated sales declaration, blocks unsupported refund claims at source, and extends oversight to services exports prefilled via electronic invoices.
Oman is rolling out a structured e-invoicing system called Fawtara, mandating XML-based invoices, Peppol network routing, and real‑time reporting. The phased rollout begins in August 2026 for large taxpayers and expands to all VAT‑registered businesses by August 2027. Key technical requirements include Oman‑specific PINT format, seller UUID, and accredited access points with MFA and ISO 27001.
Kenya Revenue Authority will automatically link export records from the customs platform iCMS to VAT returns in iTax starting May 2026, requiring exporters to have verified export values linked to their PIN and valid electronic tax invoices. This eliminates manual zero‑rated sales declaration, blocks unsupported refund claims at source, and extends oversight to services exports prefilled via electronic invoices.
Oman is rolling out a structured e-invoicing system called Fawtara, mandating XML-based invoices, Peppol network routing, and real‑time reporting. The phased rollout begins in August 2026 for large taxpayers and expands to all VAT‑registered businesses by August 2027. Key technical requirements include Oman‑specific PINT format, seller UUID, and accredited access points with MFA and ISO 27001.
Today's VAT news highlights key developments in international tax compliance, with a focus on e-invoicing mandates and best practices in the Middle East and Europe. Additionally, updates from Africa include changes to VAT registration certificate validity in Egypt and new return rules for exporters in Kenya. These articles provide essential guidance for businesses navigating complex and evolving VAT landscapes worldwide.
Today's VAT news focuses on key developments in Europe, including updates on the tax treatment of exchange transactions and the ongoing harmonization of EU VAT rules in the digital age. Additionally, several countries are implementing changes to VAT payment procedures, such as deferred payments for importers in Russia and updates to electronic invoicing standards in Germany. These changes highlight the evolving landscape of VAT regulations across the European region.
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The Egyptian Tax Authority has extended the validity of VAT registration certificates until June 30, 2026, giving taxpayers who had certificates expire on March 31 or April 18, 2026, additional time to renew. The extension is the final opportunity; the deadline will not be extended further.
The Kenya Revenue Authority will integrate export VAT return data from its integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) with the iTax filing platform effective May 2026. Exporters will see validated export values automatically prefilled in their VAT returns, but must capture their PIN and a valid TIMS/eTIMS zero‑rated invoice number when lodging export documents in iCMS. Only transactions validated and linked to the taxpayer’s PIN and invoice will be accepted in VAT returns.
The Egyptian Tax Authority has extended the validity of VAT registration certificates until 30 June 2026. Taxpayers whose certificates expired on 31 March or 18 April 2026 must renew before the deadline, with integrated offices required to submit electronically via SAP and non-integrated offices in person.
Indonesia has introduced a regulation covering VAT on base fares and fuel surcharges for economy‑class domestic flights to help reduce airfares amid rising fuel costs. The measure applies for 60 days from 25 April 2026 and includes a fuel surcharge cap of 38% for both jet and propeller aircraft, while limiting fare increases to 9‑13%.
The UAE Ministry of Finance has launched a 4‑Corner e‑invoicing model that lets suppliers and customers exchange electronic invoices through accredited service providers. The system will pilot in July 2026, with a tax‑reporting function (Corner 5) expected to go live before the pilot. Businesses must sign a commercial agreement with a provider and can onboard via the Federal Tax Authority’s EmaraTax platform.
Hungary plans to reduce VAT on healthy foods and firewood from 27% to 5% and exempt prescription medicines, following the Tisza Party’s 2026 election victory. The reform will require businesses to update ERP and tax engine rate mappings and may trigger classification disputes.
UAE has launched a Peppol-based 4‑corner e‑invoicing model with a phased rollout. Large businesses must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 31 July 2026 and begin mandatory e‑invoicing on 1 January 2027, while smaller businesses and government entities follow later dates. The mandate requires PINT AE format invoices transmitted via Peppol, with penalties up to AED 5,000 per month for non‑compliance.
Kenya Revenue Authority will automatically link export records from the customs platform iCMS to VAT returns in iTax starting May 2026, requiring exporters to have verified export values linked to their PIN and valid electronic tax invoices. This eliminates manual zero‑rated sales declaration, blocks unsupported refund claims at source, and extends oversight to services exports prefilled via electronic invoices.
Oman is rolling out a structured e-invoicing system called Fawtara, mandating XML-based invoices, Peppol network routing, and real‑time reporting. The phased rollout begins in August 2026 for large taxpayers and expands to all VAT‑registered businesses by August 2027. Key technical requirements include Oman‑specific PINT format, seller UUID, and accredited access points with MFA and ISO 27001.
UAE has launched a Peppol-based 4‑corner e‑invoicing model with a phased rollout. Large businesses must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 31 July 2026 and begin mandatory e‑invoicing on 1 January 2027, while smaller businesses and government entities follow later dates. The mandate requires PINT AE format invoices transmitted via Peppol, with penalties up to AED 5,000 per month for non‑compliance.
Kenya Revenue Authority will automatically link export records from the customs platform iCMS to VAT returns in iTax starting May 2026, requiring exporters to have verified export values linked to their PIN and valid electronic tax invoices. This eliminates manual zero‑rated sales declaration, blocks unsupported refund claims at source, and extends oversight to services exports prefilled via electronic invoices.
The article examines the ownership of the SAF‑T compliance process across European organisations, outlining the roles of tax, finance, IT, and external advisers. It highlights the challenges of multi‑country mandates and proposes a three‑layer model—accountability, operational ownership, and execution—to streamline responsibilities. The piece also notes the expanding SAF‑T requirements, such as Bulgaria’s 2026 launch, and stresses the importance of clear ownership for accurate, timely filings.
This guide explains how to design an e‑invoicing RFP that accommodates the growing number of mandates worldwide, highlighting the EU’s ViDA deadline of July 2030 for intra‑EU B2B e‑invoicing and outlining five compliance models. It offers practical steps for mapping mandates, drafting model‑specific questions, and evaluating vendors on regulatory adaptability, integration, and security.
Indonesia has introduced a regulation covering VAT on base fares and fuel surcharges for economy‑class domestic flights to help reduce airfares amid rising fuel costs. The measure applies for 60 days from 25 April 2026 and includes a fuel surcharge cap of 38% for both jet and propeller aircraft, while limiting fare increases to 9‑13%.
Hungary plans to reduce VAT on healthy foods and firewood from 27% to 5% and exempt prescription medicines, following the Tisza Party’s 2026 election victory. The reform will require businesses to update ERP and tax engine rate mappings and may trigger classification disputes.
Russian e‑commerce industry group APET has called for a gradual introduction of a 22% VAT on imported goods, citing the risk of a 15–25% price shock if imposed immediately. The Finance Ministry proposes a phased rollout of 7% in 2027, 14% in 2028, and 22% in 2029, while the Industry and Trade Ministry supports a full 22% rate from January 1 2027.
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.
