VAT & Indirect Tax Intelligence
VAT news digest
Curated from global sources. Twice-weekly digest, free.
France's B2B e-invoicing mandate will see new technical specifications released by AFNOR, with the first mandatory phase starting 1 September 2026. The documentation expands on business use cases, invoice data flows, third-party relationships, and ecosystem interactions to guide businesses, software vendors and ASPs.
Today's VAT headlines highlight a mix of constitutional, regulatory and policy developments across regions. The Supreme Court confirmed the constitutionality of the refund scheme for foreign tourists in APAC, while a European appeals court extended VAT exemption to education services; in the United States, California's SB 122 broadens the
Today's VAT news highlights key developments affecting businesses globally, including the implications of marketplace facilitator laws for online sellers in the Americas and updates on GST treatment for advance payments in the APAC region. Meanwhile, European businesses are preparing for significant changes to customs rules and VAT registration. These updates, along with guides to state-specific sales tax and upcoming EU VAT reforms, underscore the need for businesses to stay informed about evolving tax regulations.
The VATfaqs digest
Global VAT news, delivered Tuesday and Thursday. Free, curated from 50+ official sources, no spam.
No spam · Unsubscribe any time
EU: ViDA, the Council Directive (EU) 2025/516, will harmonise digital reporting for B2B transactions from 1 July 2030, affecting national reporting systems. Existing real-time reporting systems in force before 1 January 2024 may transition by 2035, while new systems introduced after that date must comply by 1 July 2030. Member states retain limited authority for B2C reporting and other non-harmonised obligations.
Philippines' VAT refund rules have evolved significantly since 1987, with recent changes under the Create More Act affecting zero-rated taxpayers. The Supreme Court clarified processing periods and documentation requirements in December 2025, tightening the 90+30 day rule.
France: The Administrative Court of Appeal of Paris has ruled that input VAT cannot be deducted for pre-incorporation acquisitions unless the transaction is clearly linked to the future company. The decision underscores the need for consistent documentation and evidence that the purchase was made on behalf of the company before incorporation.
Philippines Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of VAT refund law for foreign tourists, confirming the policy as a valid tourism incentive.
Philippines Supreme Court declares VAT refund for foreign tourists constitutional, upholding Republic Act No. 12079. The decision affirms the state’s right to offer fiscal incentives to boost tourism without violating equal protection.
UK: The London appeals court has ruled that alternative education providers can claim a VAT exemption for their services. The decision overturns HMRC's earlier denial and may affect VAT treatment for educational institutions.
California has amended its Revenue and Taxation Code under Senate Bill 122 to impose sales and use tax on digital products and services from 1 January 2027. The tax rate is 7.25% plus local rates, and providers must register once they exceed economic or physical nexus thresholds of USD 500,000 or have a physical presence.
Belgium has approved a preliminary draft law to amend the VAT Code, partially transposing the EU’s ViDA Directive. The measure focuses on Pillar 2 - Platform Economy and Pillar 3 - Single VAT Registration, with application dates of 1 January 2027 and 1 July 2029. Businesses should anticipate further legislation for digital reporting and e-invoicing ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Romania's 2026 e-invoicing law changes B2C reporting rules, exempting suppliers from reporting when customers lack a tax ID. From 1 July 2026, suppliers may use a 13-zero code for non-TIN customers. Penalties of 15% apply if retailers fail to issue e-invoices when customers provide a firm TIN.
Philippines Supreme Court upholds law allowing VAT refunds for foreign tourists on purchases of at least P3,000, valid for goods taken out within 60 days.
Moldova is consulting on major VAT reforms to align with EU standards, including extending the 20% rate and broadening the tax base. Key changes cover rate adjustments, registration thresholds, deregistration rules, and a new general right to reclaim input VAT from 1 January 2027.
Portugal has approved an amendment to clarify the application of the reduced 6% VAT rate to urban rehabilitation projects, regardless of an approved urban rehabilitation operation. The change, which is retroactive to 2008, will bring legal certainty to builders and developers and is expected to recover millions of euros in VAT.
Philippines: The article outlines how VAT refund rules have evolved since 1987, detailing changes in claim periods, documentation, and appeal procedures.
