Slovakia is implementing significant amendments to its VAT Act effective 1 April 2026, targeting high‑risk taxpayers. The changes grant the tax authority expanded powers, including extended registration deadlines, mandatory record‑keeping, and a presumption of cessation of activity. From 1 January 2027, a VAT guarantee mechanism will allow the authority to require customers to pay VAT directly to a special account, with guarantees ranging from €5,000 to €500,000.

France's 2026 Finance Law introduces several VAT changes, including extending the 5.5% reduced rate to refrigeration energy and air transport in overseas departments, proroguing the 10% forestry rate until 2028, and tightening e‑invoicing sanctions. It also mandates electronic invoice reception for all VAT‑registered entities from 1 September 2026 and replaces the CGI with the new CIBS code for VAT from the same date.

Turkey’s new 19‑article bill introduces a 0.3% transaction tax on crypto trades and a 20% special consumption tax on diamonds, while explicitly exempting crypto transactions from VAT. The proposal also removes certain tax deductions and adjusts other tax exemptions, marking a significant shift in the country’s fiscal framework.

Japan is considering a temporary withdrawal of the 8% reduced consumption tax on food for up to two years, with the bill slated for the Autumn 2026 Diet session. The move would cut annual tax revenue by about ¥5 trillion, while the current standard rate remains 10% with an 8% reduced rate for food. The ruling LDP has resisted the cut, citing the tax's importance for funding social security.

India’s GST rationalisation introduced a two‑tiered rate structure of 5% and 18% in September 2025, boosting domestic consumption. However, February 2026 saw a sharp rise in import IGST collections—up 17% YoY—driven by a weaker rupee and higher import costs, which may erode the price relief from the new rates.

A UK tax tribunal has ruled that VAT on public electric vehicle charging should be reduced to 5%, matching the rate already applied to home charging. The decision covers charging at service stations, supermarkets and residential streets, replacing the current 20% rate for public chargers.

A UK First‑tier Tribunal has ruled that public EV charging can qualify for the 5% reduced VAT rate if the supply does not exceed 1,000 kWh per customer per month at a specific location, overturning HMRC’s earlier stance. The decision could lower charging costs and may influence the Treasury’s consideration to cut VAT on public charging to 5% ahead of the 2028 pay‑per‑mile levy. HMRC’s 2021 guidance still applies a 20% rate to public charge points, and the Treasury is reviewing VAT reforms to offset the levy’s impact.

The UK First‑Tier Tribunal Tax Chamber ruled that public electric‑vehicle charging supplies qualify for the reduced 5% VAT rate, not the standard 20% rate, if the electricity supplied does not exceed 1,000 kWh per customer per month. The decision, delivered in late February 2026, could lower charging costs and requires HMRC to update guidance if the government does not appeal.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered Overland Airways to refund passengers who were incorrectly charged Value Added Tax (VAT) on flight tickets purchased before the Finance Act’s exemption took effect on 1 January 2026. The directive underscores the NCAA’s role in enforcing consumer protection and ensuring compliance with the new VAT exemption for commercial flight tickets. The order requires immediate action from the carrier to reimburse affected passengers.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana raised South Africa’s VAT registration threshold from R1 million to R2.3 million in the 2026 budget speech, easing compliance burdens for SMBs and encouraging digital growth. The move removes a key growth constraint and signals a broader push toward digitalisation and innovation.

A UK tribunal ruled that community public charging supplies qualify for the 5% reduced VAT rate under the de minimis provision, overturning HMRC's earlier 20% requirement. The ruling applies to supplies below 1,000 kWh per month per customer at each location and is limited to operators meeting the community‑based model. The decision could influence VAT treatment for other public charging operators.