Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

Argentina has mandated electronic invoicing for all VAT‑registered, simplified regime, and exempt taxpayers since April 1 2019. Invoices must be issued via AFIP’s CAE code, transmitted in XML, and retained for five years. Non‑compliance can lead to 2‑6 day closures, and Fonoa provides integration solutions to meet these requirements.

Belgium has enforced its e‑invoicing mandate effective 1 January 2026, requiring all companies to transmit invoices electronically via the Peppol network. A three‑month grace period allows firms to comply without penalties, while coverage rates vary across regions. Companies must also prepare for future e‑reporting obligations in 2028 and the ViDA directive.

The blog outlines confirmed and proposed VAT rate adjustments across several countries effective in 2026, highlighting significant reductions and increases that will impact pricing, invoicing, and compliance for multinational businesses. Key changes include Finland’s 13.5% reduced rate, Germany’s 7% cut for hospitality, and Kazakhstan’s 16% standard rate hike. Businesses are urged to update ERP systems and review contracts to avoid penalties.

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.

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.

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.