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The Court of Justice ruled that virtual currency used only within an online video game is not exempt under Article 135(1)(e) of the EU VAT Directive and is not a voucher under Article 30 bis. Consequently, such transactions are taxable electronic services, with VAT calculated on the full sale price. The decision clarifies that the exemption applies only to virtual currencies accepted as an alternative to legal tender and used solely as a payment instrument.
The EU's top court ruled that proceeds from trading virtual gold in online video games are subject to VAT, overturning any exemption. The decision supports Lithuania's efforts to collect tax on digital goods and has implications for VAT treatment of virtual goods across the EU.
Global e-Invoicing Requirements Tracker
On January 14, the Lithuanian State Tax Inspectorate released a summary explanation outlining VAT filing requirements for the small business regime. The guidance specifies that returns must be filed electronically via the online portal and due by the 25th of the month following the tax period in which VAT obligations arose or services were supplied in another EU member state. It also confirms that small business regime taxpayers in other EU member states must comply with the same electronic filing requirement.