Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

Tunisia will require all service sector companies to submit electronic invoices via the El Fatoora platform from 1 January 2026, under Article 53 of the 2026 Finance Law. The mandate mandates TEIF XML format, qualified electronic signatures, and imposes penalties for non‑compliance. Service providers must act immediately to meet technical, procedural, and financial obligations.

Belgium has required all VAT‑registered companies to use electronic invoicing via the Peppol network since 1 January 2026. Accountants and bookkeepers, citing widespread technical problems, have asked the finance minister to postpone the 25 January VAT‑return deadline to 28 February and to waive penalties. The request highlights challenges with invoice delivery, software performance and duplicate filings.

Slovakia will implement several VAT and tax changes from 1 January 2026, including removing the reduced 19% rate for processed foods high in salt or sugar, expanding the 5% reduced rate to certain printed media, exempting individuals from the financial transaction tax, and introducing a 0.0125% monthly special levy on pension and collective investment companies.

The Advocate General’s opinion in the Stellantis Portugal case (C‑603/24) clarifies that transfer pricing adjustments between group companies are to be treated as adjustments to the original prices of earlier sales, not as separate repair services. Consequently, corrective invoices must be issued and the VAT taxable base of those earlier supplies must be adjusted. The final CJEU judgment is expected later in 2026.

Sri Lanka has launched a national electronic invoicing framework to modernize its tax administration and curb tax evasion. The system, integrated with the existing Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) via a secure Web API, will roll out in stages, starting with a pilot phase expected to be fully deployed by the end of 2025 and eventually becoming mandatory for all VAT‑registered businesses and B2C POS transactions.

Cyprus has extended deadlines for VAT, VIES, and the Special Taxi Scheme to 20 January 2026, allowing submissions and payments without penalties. Businesses must be aware of the new penalties that will apply after this date. The extension covers VAT returns for the period ending 30 November 2025, VIES returns for December 2025, and the flat‑rate scheme for urban taxis from 1 July to 31 December 2025.

HM Revenue & Customs has reversed its stance on UK VAT grouping, stating that EU case law restrictions no longer apply. The change allows overseas establishments of VAT‑grouped businesses to be treated as part of the group even in EU states that do not use whole‑entity VAT grouping, and invites firms to reclaim overpaid VAT. The policy, announced after the 2025 Budget, seeks to simplify cross‑border compliance and attract foreign investment.

The newsletter covers recent VAT developments, including a new EU customs duty for low-value parcels, a UK Supreme Court ruling affecting VAT recovery on fundraising activities, and a change in VAT treatment for locum doctors following HMRC's decision not to appeal a tribunal ruling.