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Brazil has published the regulations for its new Tax on Goods and Services (IBS) and Contribution on Goods and Services (CBS), marking the operational start of the indirect tax reform. The regulations provide operational rules and a shared framework, requiring integrated compliance. Penalties may apply from August 2026, giving taxpayers a compressed adjustment period.
EU finance ministers endorsed an amendment to Regulation (EU) No 904/2010 that will allow OLAF and EPPO to query Member State VAT systems, but the amendment restricts access to read‑only, case‑by‑case searches and bans bulk extraction or AI analysis. The measure is pending Parliament approval, likely in July 2026, and will be routed through VIES, CESOP and Eurofisc channels.
Brazil has published the regulations for its new Tax on Goods and Services (IBS) and Contribution on Goods and Services (CBS), marking the operational start of the indirect tax reform. The regulations provide operational rules and a shared framework, requiring integrated compliance. Penalties may apply from August 2026, giving taxpayers a compressed adjustment period.
EU finance ministers endorsed an amendment to Regulation (EU) No 904/2010 that will allow OLAF and EPPO to query Member State VAT systems, but the amendment restricts access to read‑only, case‑by‑case searches and bans bulk extraction or AI analysis. The measure is pending Parliament approval, likely in July 2026, and will be routed through VIES, CESOP and Eurofisc channels.
Today's VAT news highlights key developments in Europe, including a proposed EU VAT data sharing initiative that has encountered opposition from Spain and a delay in the rollout of Greece's e-delivery reporting regime. Additionally, updates from the Americas note the introduction of new VAT requirements for non-resident digital services providers in Brazil. These changes underscore the evolving landscape of VAT regulations globally.
Today's VAT news highlights key developments in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with Poland considering a fuel VAT reduction to combat inflation. Meanwhile, the Kenya Revenue Authority is enhancing its VAT refund claim process through data integration, and Oman is introducing e-invoicing requirements, known as Fawtara, which will impact businesses operating in the region. These updates underscore the ongoing efforts of governments worldwide to refine their VAT systems and tackle fiscal challenges.
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Greek VAT update: The omnibus tax bill tabled on 1 May 2026 introduces immediate tightening of the reverse charge for construction services, reduces the VAT rate on electricity transmission services to 6 %, and retroactively lowers penalties for nil and credit VAT returns and late withholding filings back to April 2024. Volume‑based rebate clarifications also take effect immediately. All changes are expected to apply from publication in the Official Gazette, with updates reflected instantly in invoices, VAT returns and e‑invoicing.
Brazil has enacted Decree No. 12,955, establishing a federal Contribution on Goods and Services (CBS) for digital services. The decree imposes destination‑based taxation on non‑resident suppliers, requiring registration and tax collection on B2C sales, while B2B transactions are subject to reverse charge. Platforms that facilitate services become deemed suppliers, responsible for collecting and remitting CBS.
HMRC has announced new VAT road fuel scale charges for petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK, effective from 1 May 2026 and lasting until 30 April 2027. The charges vary by CO2 emissions and accounting period, with specific rates for 12‑month, 3‑month and 1‑month periods. Businesses must adopt the new scales from the next prescribed accounting period beginning on or after 1 May 2026.
ZUGFeRD 2.5 will be released on 20 May 2026 for Germany and France, adding native support for gross invoicing and aligning with the latest EN 16931 code lists. The update also expands reference templates for construction, leasing, reverse charge and simplified invoices, and reinforces cross‑border participation through an English version of the ZR framework.
The UK government has introduced a new VAT road fuel charge regime effective from 1 May 2026, applying to all VAT‑registered businesses that reclaim VAT on fuel used for private company car use. The charges vary by vehicle CO2 emissions and accounting period, with rates ranging from £54 to £190 per month or £657 to £2,297 per 12‑month period. Businesses must calculate the correct charge based on CO2 emissions or engine size if no CO2 figure is available.
Grenada will introduce a 10% VAT on digital services supplied by non‑resident platforms, SaaS, streaming, cloud computing, e‑learning and online advertising, effective 2027. The law includes a deemed‑supplier regime for electronic marketplaces, a B2B reverse charge, and requires B2C non‑resident suppliers to register and charge VAT. A six‑month transition period is expected after approval, with no current implementation date.
The European Commission’s proposed EU bill would require member states to share VAT data with anti‑fraud agencies, but Spain has raised objections over data access provisions and inconsistencies. The proposal, introduced in November, seeks to strengthen cooperation against VAT fraud, which the Commission estimates costs the EU €90 billion annually. Spain plans amendments ahead of the upcoming EU finance ministers meeting.
Brazil introduced a new federal CBS tax on digital services effective 1 January 2026, replacing PIS and Cofins. The consolidated rate of 26.5% (CBS 8.8% + IBS 17.7%) applies to non‑resident providers and marketplaces, which must register and comply with Nota Fiscal e‑invoicing. B2B customers can self‑account, while B2C transactions are subject to collection by the provider.
Greek VAT update: The omnibus tax bill tabled on 1 May 2026 introduces immediate tightening of the reverse charge for construction services, reduces the VAT rate on electricity transmission services to 6 %, and retroactively lowers penalties for nil and credit VAT returns and late withholding filings back to April 2024. Volume‑based rebate clarifications also take effect immediately. All changes are expected to apply from publication in the Official Gazette, with updates reflected instantly in invoices, VAT returns and e‑invoicing.
ZUGFeRD 2.5 will be released on 20 May 2026 for Germany and France, adding native support for gross invoicing and aligning with the latest EN 16931 code lists. The update also expands reference templates for construction, leasing, reverse charge and simplified invoices, and reinforces cross‑border participation through an English version of the ZR framework.
EU finance ministers endorsed an amendment to Regulation (EU) No 904/2010 that will allow OLAF and EPPO to query Member State VAT systems, but the amendment restricts access to read‑only, case‑by‑case searches and bans bulk extraction or AI analysis. The measure is pending Parliament approval, likely in July 2026, and will be routed through VIES, CESOP and Eurofisc channels.
The European Commission’s proposed EU bill would require member states to share VAT data with anti‑fraud agencies, but Spain has raised objections over data access provisions and inconsistencies. The proposal, introduced in November, seeks to strengthen cooperation against VAT fraud, which the Commission estimates costs the EU €90 billion annually. Spain plans amendments ahead of the upcoming EU finance ministers meeting.
Brazil introduced a new federal CBS tax on digital services effective 1 January 2026, replacing PIS and Cofins. The consolidated rate of 26.5% (CBS 8.8% + IBS 17.7%) applies to non‑resident providers and marketplaces, which must register and comply with Nota Fiscal e‑invoicing. B2B customers can self‑account, while B2C transactions are subject to collection by the provider.
Brazil introduced a new federal CBS tax on digital services effective 1 January 2026, replacing PIS and Cofins. The consolidated rate of 26.5% (CBS 8.8% + IBS 17.7%) applies to non‑resident providers and marketplaces, which must register and comply with Nota Fiscal e‑invoicing. B2B customers can self‑account, while B2C transactions are subject to collection by the provider.
Greek VAT update: The omnibus tax bill tabled on 1 May 2026 introduces immediate tightening of the reverse charge for construction services, reduces the VAT rate on electricity transmission services to 6 %, and retroactively lowers penalties for nil and credit VAT returns and late withholding filings back to April 2024. Volume‑based rebate clarifications also take effect immediately. All changes are expected to apply from publication in the Official Gazette, with updates reflected instantly in invoices, VAT returns and e‑invoicing.
Brazil has enacted Decree No. 12,955, establishing a federal Contribution on Goods and Services (CBS) for digital services. The decree imposes destination‑based taxation on non‑resident suppliers, requiring registration and tax collection on B2C sales, while B2B transactions are subject to reverse charge. Platforms that facilitate services become deemed suppliers, responsible for collecting and remitting CBS.
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.
