VAT & Indirect Tax Intelligence
VAT news digest
Curated from global sources. Twice-weekly digest, free.
The UK government is consulting on extending online marketplace VAT liability to domestic sellers, requiring marketplaces to collect and remit VAT on sales by UK-based sellers when goods are situated in the UK at the point of sale. The consultation runs from 23 June to 18 August 2026 and aims to reduce non‑compliance and level the playing field for VAT‑compliant sellers.
Today's VAT news focuses on key developments in Europe, including updates on Portugal's VAT grouping regime, EU customs duty on low-value imports, and Poland's VAT warehouses. Additionally, the EU's e-commerce reform clearance operating model is under scrutiny. Meanwhile, in APAC, a notable court decision has been made regarding a VAT refund claim in Switzerland.
Today's VAT news highlights key developments in global tax compliance, including updates on e-invoicing systems in the UAE and France, as well as sales tax filing and amnesty initiatives in the Americas. Additionally, we explore VAT registration thresholds in Europe, providing insight into the complex and evolving tax landscape. These articles offer essential guidance for businesses navigating international tax regulations and seeking to mitigate compliance risks.
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Crowe Poland outlines a draft amendment to the Polish VAT Act that proposes a mix of simplifications and tightening measures. Key proposals include a new VAT warehouse system, extended VAT payer list verification, elimination of certain reporting obligations, and changes to the TAX FREE system and goods classification. The draft also introduces tighter controls such as extended buyer liability and revised cash register rules.
The European Commission clarified that the new EUR 3 customs duty on low‑value consignments (≤ EUR 150) will apply from 1 July 2026. Under the IOSS scheme no VAT is due on this duty, whereas VAT is payable on it for imports using Special Arrangements or the standard import procedure. A Union handling fee, expected from November 2026, will be outside the scope of VAT.
The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) En Banc denied FMC Switzerland II GMBH’s petition for review of a P10.5‑million VAT refund claim, upholding the earlier dismissal for lack of jurisdiction. The decision hinged on the BIR’s failure to act within the 90‑day period required by Section 112(C) of the National Internal Revenue Code, and FMC’s late filing of its petition beyond the November 26, 2021 appeal deadline.
The UK government has introduced a temporary VAT cut from 20% to 5% on a range of family-friendly activities, including cinema, theatre, attractions and children’s meals, running from 25 June 2026 until 1 September 2026. Businesses may choose to pass on the reduced rate, and the scheme also offers free local bus travel for children in England during August.
The Court of Appeal ruled that public funds paid to further education institutions are third‑party consideration for the supply of education, placing them within the scope of VAT but exempt. HMRC accepts the judgment, will not pursue a further appeal, and maintains the current position pending consultation, meaning institutions can continue their existing VAT treatment until any future policy change applies prospectively.
HMRC has replaced its default surcharge system with a points‑based penalty regime effective 1 January 2023. Late submissions accrue one penalty point each, with a £200 financial penalty triggered at filing‑frequency thresholds, while late payments incur percentage‑based penalties and interest at the Bank of England base rate plus 4%. Businesses must appeal within 30 days of a penalty notice and can reset points after a compliance period.
Saudi Arabia has approved amendments to the GCC Unified VAT Agreement, formalising a 5% minimum VAT rate across the Gulf and confirming Saudi Arabia's 15% and Bahrain's 10% rates. The reforms introduce a first‑port‑of‑entry model for import VAT, a VAT settlement mechanism for onward movements, and enhanced information sharing between GCC tax authorities.
Lesotho has introduced mandatory VAT e‑invoicing under the Value Added Tax (E‑Invoicing) Regulations 2026, which came into force on 1 April 2026. From 1 August 2026 VAT‑registered businesses must use RSL‑accredited electronic invoicing and point‑of‑sale systems, transmit invoices with digital signatures and QR codes to the IDMS, and comply with strict penalties for non‑compliance.
North Macedonia’s Public Revenue Office has launched the third pilot phase of its e‑Faktura e‑invoicing platform, moving from API testing to end‑user business process testing. The mandatory rollout of the system is scheduled for October 2026, requiring all non‑cash B2B invoices to be issued, validated and cleared electronically via the DAP central platform.
The Thomson Reuters Institute report highlights that EU‑wide ViDA mandates for cross‑border e‑invoicing and digital reporting will come into force in 2030, while many member states are already implementing national e‑invoice and real‑time reporting requirements. Despite widespread awareness, only 22% of EU tax and finance professionals have a formal, funded transition program, underscoring a significant readiness gap.
This guide explains how to file Mississippi sales tax returns online via the Department of Revenue's TAP website, outlines filing deadlines, penalties, and the state's tax rate structure, and notes that SaaS products became taxable as of July 1, 2023.
UAE e‑invoicing will give the Federal Tax Authority real‑time, invoice‑level visibility via the Peppol network, enabling automated matching of output and input VAT. The new system requires businesses to align VAT return timing with invoice transmission, ensure credit notes reference original invoices, and depend on suppliers’ successful transmission for input VAT recovery. Firms should update supplier agreements and reconcile monthly to avoid audit triggers.
A proposal from the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board would allow unregistered remote sellers to limit their look‑back period to 24 months, subject to state law. Companies would apply through the board, with state authorities verifying eligibility, and the program is intended to avoid overlap with existing voluntary disclosure agreements. The initiative aims to encourage remote sellers to come into compliance following the Wayfair decision.
