Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

Circular 807-1, issued in October 2025, removed the ability for Luxembourg resident employees in taxable rental car policies to reduce the taxable base for business mileage, potentially increasing VAT costs for those with significant professional travel. The change also raises operational questions about the backdating of adjustments and filing corrections, and highlights challenges for cross‑border employees. Companies may need to rethink their car policies in light of these developments.

The OECD has renewed its call for Australia to broaden and potentially raise the GST to improve fiscal sustainability. It recommends expanding the tax base and considering a rate increase above the current 10%, possibly up to 15% if paired with income‑tax cuts, and estimates a 1.6% boost to output over ten years. The recommendation comes ahead of the May federal budget and follows a mid‑year budget update that confirmed persistent deficits.

Austria has lowered its reduced VAT rate from 10% to 5% for a defined basket of goods, effective 1 July 2026. The change applies only to specified goods and does not affect the standard rate.

The article discusses recent Supreme Court rulings and a BIR circular that simplify VAT zero‑rating and refund procedures for renewable energy developers in the Philippines. It explains that developers no longer need a DOE COE or an ERC COC, and that local suppliers no longer must file zero‑rating applications. The piece also outlines the conditions under which input VAT can be refunded and advises developers to maintain proper registration certificates.

The Philippine Court of Tax Appeals issued a decision on Jan. 19, 2026 (Case No. 10607) clarifying the validity of assessments for alleged tax deficiencies. The ruling covers a range of taxes—including income tax, VAT, expanded withholding tax, and others—and finds that due process was not violated because the Final Decision on the Disputed Assessment (FDDA) stated the relevant facts. The decision provides guidance on how assessments are evaluated for due process compliance.