VAT & Indirect Tax Intelligence
VAT news digest
Curated from global sources. Twice-weekly digest, free.
The article explains that for services, GST becomes payable immediately upon receipt of an advance, while for goods, advance receipts are exempt under Notification No. 66/2017-Central Tax and GST is due only when goods are supplied. It also details the required receipt and refund vouchers and how to calculate GST on inclusive and exclusive advances.
Today's VAT news highlights significant developments in e-invoicing regulations across the globe, with Spain and the United Kingdom making strides in implementing mandatory e-invoicing systems. Meanwhile, in other regions, the UAE is pushing forward with its e-invoice plans, while the government in a key APAC nation has withdrawn a proposed VAT package for small businesses. These updates underscore the evolving landscape of tax compliance and digital invoicing requirements for businesses worldwide.
Today's VAT news highlights significant developments in electronic invoicing, with countries such as Norway and Saudi Arabia implementing mandatory e-invoicing regimes. Additionally, updates on ERP e-invoicing integration and customs intermediary registration requirements are also featured, showcasing the increasingly complex and technologically-driven landscape of global tax compliance. These changes underscore the need for businesses to stay informed and adapt to evolving tax regulations across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
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From 1 July 2026 the EU will eliminate the €150 de‑minimis customs exemption and impose a flat €3 duty on low‑value imports, applied per HS tariff code even when the Import One‑Stop Shop (IOSS) is used. France will add a €2 handling fee per tariff classification on top of the EU duty. The €3 duty is a temporary measure that will be removed in 2028 when the EU Customs Data Hub regime takes effect.
Spain's tax agency has released the first full technical specifications for its public e‑invoicing platform, SPFE, making the e‑invoicing mandate concrete. The rules require all invoices to be UBL format, EN 16931 2026 version, and impose strict deadlines for e‑invoicing and payment reporting across different turnover thresholds. Private platforms must also retrieve invoices, provide them to clients immediately, and hold a registered power of attorney for each client.
UK confirms Peppol as the core interoperability network for e‑invoicing, with a mandatory e‑invoicing requirement for all VAT invoices set to take effect in 2029. The policy paper "Tax Update 2026" announced Peppol as the core network, and NHS Supply Chain suppliers already use Peppol. Stakeholders can now plan system readiness ahead of the 2029 mandate.
Bangladesh’s government has withdrawn its proposal to introduce a fixed‑rate VAT for small businesses and to make VAT registration mandatory for all retail businesses from July 1. The decision also drops proposed tax hikes in the tobacco sector, while retaining a 35% supplementary duty on imported nicotine pouches. The withdrawal was enacted before the Finance Bill was passed on 29 June 2026.
The UAE will roll out a mandatory B2B Peppol e-invoicing regime starting in 2027, with phased waves based on turnover thresholds and a 4‑corner model for connectivity. Large businesses must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 30 Oct 2026, and the Ministry of Finance has issued v1.1 e‑invoicing guidelines and technical specifications, including the PINT AE format. The system will also support e‑reporting and a decentralized CTC and Exchange Model for B2G and intra‑group transactions.
This guide outlines Wisconsin’s sales tax structure, including the 5% state base rate, local rates up to 7.9%, economic and marketplace facilitator thresholds, registration requirements, penalties, and recent rate changes in Milwaukee. It also explains exemptions for groceries, clothing, digital products, and services, and provides practical steps for registering and filing.
OECD has launched a consultation on amendments to its Model Reporting Rules for Digital Platforms, aiming to simplify compliance for gig economy and marketplace operators. The proposals include raising the low‑value goods reporting threshold from €2,000 to €3,000, removing the 30‑transaction limit, and introducing a “Related Entity” exemption. The consultation closes on 14 August 2026, with final amendments expected to align with EU DAC7 reforms for 2028.
Romania has updated its RO e‑Factura e‑invoicing rules with Law No. 88/2026, effective 29 May 2026. The amendment clarifies B2C treatment, introduces a 13‑zero substitute code for invoices to private individuals without a tax ID, and removes the mandatory transmission requirement unless the customer opts into the optional register. Taxpayers can also deregister from mandatory or optional registers, effective the month after the request.
Michigan imposes a 6% base sales tax with no local taxes, and remote sellers must register if they exceed $100,000 in annual sales or 200 transactions. Late filing penalties start at 5% per month plus interest, and filing frequency is determined by the state. The state is destination‑based, and SaaS is exempt from sales tax.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the 2026 VAT registration thresholds for 12 major European markets, highlighting key changes such as the UK’s increase to £90,000 on 1 April 2024 and Austria’s rise to €42,000. It explains the different threshold structures—universal, sector‑split, and zero—across countries, and outlines the EU One‑Stop Shop (OSS) and Import OSS (IOSS) schemes for cross‑border e‑commerce. The guide serves as a practical reference for businesses planning compliance in 2026.
The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has abolished its dedicated VAT audit units under RAO 4-2026, effective June 1, 2026, integrating audit functions into existing offices. The reform introduces a single-instance audit framework, issuing only one LOA per taxpayer per taxable year, and a verification system to prevent fake or unauthorized LOAs.
France’s e‑invoicing and e‑reporting mandate takes effect on 1 September 2026. Businesses face €50 fines per non‑compliant invoice, escalating penalties for failing to receive e‑invoices, and €500 per missing e‑reporting transmission capped at €15 000 annually. The tax authority will focus on evidence of compliance efforts rather than automatic enforcement from day one.
This blog explains how major ERP platforms integrate with global e‑invoicing mandates, outlining three integration patterns—native compliance modules, middleware layers, and certified access points—and five compliance models ranging from decentralised Peppol to real‑time reporting. It details the technical formats (UBL, CII, national XML/JSON), transmission channels (Peppol, government platforms, direct APIs), and country‑specific requirements for vendors such as SAP, Oracle, Dynamics 365 and NetSuite.
