VAT & Indirect Tax Intelligence
VAT news digest
Curated from global sources. Twice-weekly digest, free.
Poland has approved a comprehensive VAT reform package that introduces a new warehousing regime, expands 0% VAT for import‑related services, and completes the rollout of the KSeF e‑invoicing system for most businesses as of 1 April 2026. The package also includes five‑year VAT status checks, updates to energy and agriculture VAT rules, and a digital tax‑free shopping process for tourists. VAT‑registered businesses should review the changes ahead of their expected implementation later this year.
Today's VAT news highlights key developments in European e-invoicing regulations, including Slovakia's adaptation of its system and France's delay of its e-reporting mandate. Additionally, a recent ruling on Stellantis sheds light on the interplay between VAT and transfer pricing, while other regions see changes aimed at stimulating demand in specific sectors, such as pharmaceuticals in APAC. These updates are complemented by revisions to existing guidelines, including the updated VAT Notice 742A on opting to tax land and buildings in Europe.
Today's VAT news highlights key challenges and opportunities for businesses globally, with a focus on common GST filing errors in Singapore and calls for VAT reform in the European hospitality sector. Meanwhile, international organizations such as the IMF are urging countries like Pakistan to adjust their GST rates to meet economic goals. These developments underscore the need for businesses to stay informed about evolving VAT regulations and requirements in various regions.
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Kenya's Revenue Authority reported a loss of Sh9.1 billion in fuel VAT revenue between April and May 2026 after the government cut the fuel VAT rate from 16 % to 8 %. The reduction was aimed at easing consumer pressure from rising fuel prices, significantly reducing KRA's revenue from a key tax stream.
France confirms that its e‑invoicing mandate remains scheduled for 1 September 2026, with no postponement announced. The DGFiP will soften penalty enforcement until at least 1 January 2027 for taxpayers who made best efforts from the start of the first phase, and a contingency deferral to 1 December 2026 is still available. The launch will rely on the Plateforme Agréée network, of which only a fraction are currently active.
The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled on 13 May 2026 that transfer‑pricing adjustments do not automatically trigger VAT unless a direct link exists between an identifiable supply and the payment received. The decision clarifies that such adjustments may still be subject to VAT if they qualify as price adjustments affecting the taxable amount, and it requires companies to perform a case‑by‑case assessment of their intragroup agreements and documentation.
The BIR expanded the VAT exemption list for essential medicines in April 2026, increasing the number of exempt chronic‑condition drugs to 2,263 from 2,242 in December 2025. This move aims to reduce out‑of‑pocket healthcare costs and boost demand for locally produced generic medicines. The commentary notes potential benefits for domestic manufacturers but highlights ongoing challenges such as high out‑of‑pocket spending and supply‑chain constraints.
HMRC has updated Notice 742A to clarify the treatment of opted land and buildings, including the requirement to account for output tax on assets remaining on hand at the point of VAT registration cancellation and the removal of a temporary change to the notification time limit. The notice also outlines whether optors need HMRC permission before exercising the option and how to notify HMRC of the decision.
France's e-invoicing reform, effective 1 September 2026, requires all businesses with a French VAT footprint to use approved platforms for issuing and receiving electronic invoices and for transmitting transaction and payment data. The reform mandates structured invoice formats (UBL, CII, Factur-X) following EN 16931 with French extensions and adds four mandatory fields. SMEs and micro-enterprises will join the issuance and reporting obligations on 1 September 2027, while large enterprises must comply from 1 September 2026.
The Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that a transfer pricing adjustment does not automatically trigger VAT unless a direct link exists between an identifiable supply and the payment received. The decision underscores the need for companies to assess each adjustment case‑by‑case, draft clear intragroup agreements, and maintain robust documentation to secure the intended VAT treatment.
Boardroom Singapore’s press release outlines common pitfalls in Singapore’s GST filing process and offers a practical checklist to improve accuracy. It stresses the importance of timely filing, proper documentation, and the use of the myTax Portal and IRAS’s Assisted Self‑help Kit to mitigate errors and penalties.
The UK Government has announced a temporary VAT cut for Northern Ireland hospitality, reducing the rate on tickets for theme parks, zoos and museums from 20% to 5% for the summer holidays of 2026. The move is part of a broader push to align Northern Ireland’s rates with the Republic of Ireland, where food and hospitality services will fall to 9% later this year. The decision is seen as a proof point for differentiated VAT policy to support the sector.
Spain’s tax authority released technical guidance for the upcoming SPFE e‑invoicing mandate, detailing a phased rollout: large companies by Oct 2027, small businesses by Oct 2028, and self‑employed by Oct 2029. The guidance covers the EN 16931:2026 UBL 2.5 standard, API and security requirements, and a developer sandbox available from Oct 2026.
The International Monetary Fund has urged Pakistan to increase its standard General Sales Tax (GST) rate from 18% to 19% for the 2026-27 fiscal year, citing a tax shortfall. The IMF also proposes raising the GST on hybrid vehicles from 8.5% to 18% and introduces a fixed‑tax scheme for retailers with turnover up to Rs200 million. While the government has resisted the hike, the IMF estimates the 1% increase could raise Rs250‑300 billion in revenue.
Ukraine's tax authorities have issued guidance clarifying that SaaS, software licences, and digital content are treated as services for VAT purposes. Non‑resident providers and marketplaces must register for VAT in Ukraine from 1 January 2022, with a UAH 1 million threshold, and file simplified quarterly returns within 40 days of each quarter. The standard VAT rate is 20%, and VAT due can be paid in USD or Euro if opted at registration.
Continuous Transaction Controls (CTCs) are shifting VAT review from post‑return to real‑time monitoring, driven by e‑invoicing and e‑reporting mandates across the EU. The EU requires intra‑community transactions to be e‑reported within 10 days, while Spain and Poland have tighter deadlines of 4 days and live e‑invoicing to KSeF, respectively. VATCalc offers a single tax engine that integrates VAT determination, e‑invoicing, e‑reporting and return preparation for 30+ countries.
