Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

Dutch court rulings in September 2025 declared pension premiums taxable at 21% VAT, but the Minister of Finance has rejected adopting these rulings, maintaining the current VAT-exempt status until a Supreme Court decision. The rulings apply to mandatory sector pension schemes, while voluntary schemes remain unaffected. If the Supreme Court confirms the premiums are taxable, lawmakers may introduce corrective measures.

The Court of Justice of the EU ruled that year‑end transfer‑pricing adjustments that increase profits to align with the arm’s‑length principle may be considered VAT‑eligible if the services and payment terms were agreed in advance. Documentation for input‑VAT deduction remains necessary and proportionate, but taxpayers need not prove economic necessity of the services. The ruling clarifies that VAT applies only where a clearly identifiable service is provided for remuneration, providing legal certainty across Member States.

Malaysia’s Inland Revenue Board has rolled out Phase 4 of its e‑invoicing mandate, effective 1 January 2026. The new rule requires all taxpayers with annual sales or income up to RM5 million to issue electronic invoices, while those below RM1 million remain exempt. The government also introduces free MyInvois tools and a new e‑duti setem stamp‑duty system.

Burkina Faso will launch a certified electronic invoicing system in January 2026 to centralise transaction data, curb VAT fraud and reduce corruption. The system requires businesses to use certified software, terminals and internet connectivity, and will enable continuous data flow to the tax authority for better revenue forecasting and credit assessment.

KPMG China outlines the key provisions of the newly issued Implementation Regulations of China’s Value‑Added Tax Law, which came into force on 1 January 2026. The regulations refine definitions of taxable transactions, clarify zero‑rate eligibility for cross‑border services and intangible assets, and provide detailed guidance on VAT deduction and exemption criteria. Taxpayers should review the new rules to ensure compliance and optimize VAT management.

UK companies will be required to use e-invoicing for all VAT transactions from January 2029. Storecove is hosting a webinar on January 15, 2026 to preview the upcoming change and explain implementation steps. The session will cover the regulatory requirements, impact on businesses, and how an API can simplify compliance.

The article highlights that businesses can still recover VAT incurred in 2025, with a 4‑5 year domestic window and a 1‑year foreign window. It outlines common recovery gaps—missed foreign claims, incomplete invoices, missed deadlines, and conservative claiming—and promotes a technology‑enabled approach to maximise cash flow. Fintua’s platform automates validation, centralises claim tracking, and reduces audit risk.

The UAE will shift VAT responsibility for scrap‑metal transactions from sellers to buyers on 14 January 2026. Under the new reverse‑charge mechanism, buyers must declare their purchase purpose and registration, while sellers must retain these declarations and note the reverse‑charge on invoices. The change aims to curb fraud and improve compliance in the scrap‑metal sector.

The UAE Ministry of Finance’s Cabinet Decision No. 153 of 2025 introduces a reverse‑charge mechanism for the local supply of scrap metal between VAT‑registered persons, shifting VAT accounting from suppliers to recipients. Effective 14 January 2026, the rule excludes zero‑rated export supplies and requires written declarations and proper documentation to avoid liability.

The article reviews EY Tax Alerts for 2025 covering U.S. human capital, workforce, individual tax, and indirect tax developments. It highlights key updates such as new travel restrictions, changes to state transit taxes, updated retirement plan limits, Social Security wage base adjustments, and new data collection requirements for ESTA travelers. It serves as a comprehensive resource for tax professionals to stay informed on regulatory changes.

The article presents the GST compliance calendar for January 2026, detailing key due dates for monthly returns, payments, and the annual return. It serves as a reference for businesses to plan filing and payment schedules. The calendar is hosted by IRISGST and includes an interactive selector for other months and years.

Brazil is launching a seven‑year transition to a dual VAT system, replacing PIS, Cofins, ICMS and ISS with federal CBS and state IBS. The pilot starts in 2026 with minimal rates and e‑invoicing waivers, while full implementation is slated for 2033 with a consolidated rate of roughly 28%. The reform includes compensation funds for states and a shift to a destination‑based regime.

The article explains that from July 2028 the EU’s ViDA Single VAT Registration will eliminate the call‑off stock simplification, making cross‑border inventory movements taxable and digitally reportable immediately. It outlines the need for businesses to use OSS or local VAT registrations, highlights the risk of legacy systems, and promotes modern single‑engine platforms such as VATCalc to meet the new compliance requirements.

Bloomberg Tax’s analysis outlines how the EU’s ViDA reform and global digital reporting mandates will reshape VAT compliance in 2026, with several EU member states implementing e‑invoicing and real‑time data transmission ahead of the 2030 deadline. The article highlights the growing role of AI in detecting non‑compliance and the implications of the 2025 CJEU Arcomet ruling on transfer‑pricing adjustments. Businesses are urged to modernize invoicing, automate data flows, and align internal processes to meet the new digital and AI‑driven compliance requirements.

Mozambique’s Decree 52/2025 amends the VAT Refund Regulation, tightening documentation requirements and introducing new procedures for suspension notifications and special regimes for mining and oil sectors. The changes take effect on 29 January 2026 and include reduced refund periods for diplomatic missions and new security deposit obligations.

The year 2026 marks a shift in how low‑value goods entering the EU are taxed, with the EU introducing a flat €3 customs duty and a planned €2 handling fee, while several member states enact national measures. These changes aim to streamline customs processing and increase revenue from low‑value e‑commerce parcels.

A Dutch court decision confirms that the reduced VAT rate for aids does not apply to stairlifts. The reduced rate is limited to wheelchairs, crutches, standing chairs and high‑bed mattresses, while stairlifts are subject to the standard VAT rate. The ruling clarifies the interpretation of the table post and has immediate compliance implications for suppliers.

Deloitte China outlines the impact of its new VAT law effective 1 Jan 2026, highlighting key changes such as cross‑border supply rules, deemed sales, mixed sales, input‑VAT recovery rights, and mandatory e‑invoicing. The firm advises businesses to evaluate compliance and strategic implications, while noting forthcoming preferential policies and potential registration options for foreign entities.

Deloitte’s partner Adham Hafoudh discusses the rapid rollout of e‑invoicing and e‑reporting mandates across Europe, the data consolidation challenges they pose, and the expected expansion of these obligations up to 2030. He highlights Deloitte’s integrated advisory and technology solutions to help firms adapt, and notes the potential role of AI in further automating tax processes while stressing the need for precision and data security.

Malaysia has postponed the 4th wave of mandatory B2B e‑invoicing for firms with RM1m‑RM5m turnover to January 2027, and raised the minimum sales threshold for e‑invoicing from RM500k to RM1m, cancelling the 5th wave. The MyInvois portal will roll out in phases from August 2024, with new guidance (MyInvois 2.1) issued in April 2025 and a 6‑month soft‑landing period for the first wave. The Continuous Transaction Control model now requires pre‑verification of XML invoices via LHDN’s portal/API, issuance of a digital certification serial number, and inclusion of a QR code on all invoices.