VAT & indirect-tax news
across 150+ countries.

Germany has released new versions of its e‑invoicing standards, including Peppol, KoSIT, and ZUGFeRD, to improve cross‑border interoperability and simplify implementation. The updates introduce a Central Settlement (ZR) framework, gross invoice processing for specific sectors, and updated reference templates for various transaction types.

The article analyzes over 200 e-invoicing vendors across 120+ countries, revealing a highly fragmented market where most vendors specialize in a single country or compliance model. It highlights that 15+ countries have e-invoicing deadlines in 2026 and identifies five distinct compliance models worldwide, underscoring the need for multinational buyers to evaluate vendors by model coverage rather than country count.

Singapore’s GST InvoiceNow e‑invoicing mandate, effective November 2025, requires all GST‑registered businesses to transmit invoices through the national InvoiceNow network using structured XML standards such as SG Peppol BIS or PINT‑SG and to report invoice data to IRAS. The article outlines buyer and supplier responsibilities, handling of exceptions (PDF, cross‑border, inter‑company) and stresses the need for robust process controls and compliance confidence.

Italy's 2026 Budget Law introduces a 2% AgCom contribution on Italian‑sourced digital, media and platform revenues, effective March 2026. The levy applies to both Italian and non‑Italian entities, with per‑mille rates ranging from 0.05% to 0.2% across activity categories and a €100 de‑minimis threshold. Filing is required via AgCom's electronic portal, with penalties up to €130,000 for 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.