HM Revenue & Customs has introduced a temporary reduced VAT rate of 5% for qualifying children's meals, tickets and family attractions. The rate applies from 25 June 2026 until 1 September 2026. After that, the standard rate will resume.

Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee proposes a 3% GST, a new vehicle tax, and changes to income and corporate tax rates to close a £50m funding gap. The GST would take effect in 2028, with vehicle taxes ranging £25-£280 annually and a 10% corporate tax rate extended. Income tax for earnings £15,800-£28,000 would be set at 15% and social security contributions would not apply to earnings below £11,222.

HMRC has removed VAT on eligible goods donated by VAT‑registered businesses to registered charities, effective 8 June 2026. The relief includes a monetary cap per item and prohibits charities from reclaiming VAT on donated goods. Businesses should keep detailed records of donated items.

The UK government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative introduces a temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on certain children’s meals and family-focused activities from 25 June to 1 September 2026. Businesses must identify qualifying supplies, review pricing, adjust bundled offers, and update booking and accounting systems to manage mixed VAT treatments and potential advance‑booking adjustments.

The May 2026 Tax & Reg Watchpoint highlights a wave of VAT reforms across Brazil, Africa, Europe, and Asia, including Brazil’s dual VAT model, new digital services taxes in Rwanda, Malawi, Botswana, and Togo, EU data‑sharing for fraud, and other cross‑border compliance changes.

Latvia will introduce a temporary 12% VAT rate on essential food products from 1 July 2026, while the standard rate remains 21% and a 5% super‑reduced rate applies to specific categories. Businesses must update invoicing, ERP, and VAT return processes before the effective date to avoid compliance issues.

Azerbaijan introduces mandatory VAT registration for non‑resident digital service providers exceeding a USD 10,000 B2C threshold, effective 1 September 2026, with a new online portal and a shift from automatic withholding to provider responsibility.

HMRC has confirmed that VAT‑registered companies in Dorset can donate goods to registered charities without incurring VAT, provided the goods are used to support people in need or deliver charitable services. This removes a barrier that previously required businesses to pay VAT on donated goods. Businesses should keep accurate records of donated items, especially high‑value goods.

Poland has approved a comprehensive VAT reform package that introduces a new warehousing regime, expands 0% VAT for import‑related services, and completes the rollout of the KSeF e‑invoicing system for most businesses as of 1 April 2026. The package also includes five‑year VAT status checks, updates to energy and agriculture VAT rules, and a digital tax‑free shopping process for tourists. VAT‑registered businesses should review the changes ahead of their expected implementation later this year.

Kenya's Revenue Authority reported a loss of Sh9.1 billion in fuel VAT revenue between April and May 2026 after the government cut the fuel VAT rate from 16 % to 8 %. The reduction was aimed at easing consumer pressure from rising fuel prices, significantly reducing KRA's revenue from a key tax stream.

Manila Bulletin reports that the Philippine BIR has clarified that bilateral tax treaties do not exempt foreign digital service providers from the country's 12% VAT. The new guidance, issued in RMC No. 59‑2026 on June 2, 2026, requires non‑resident providers to register and file VAT returns, and outlines reverse‑charge rules for cross‑border B2B services. It also details how online booking platforms and pre‑existing subscriptions are taxed.