This article explains the distinct roles of VAT returns, VIES, OSS, and Intrastat in Bulgaria and the EU, highlighting that each serves a different purpose—tax calculation, B2B reporting, B2C cross‑border sales, and statistical monitoring. It notes key changes effective from 2026, including euro adoption for VAT communications and the gradual introduction of SAF‑T. Understanding these differences helps businesses avoid compliance errors and audit risks.

The UK First Tier Tribunal ruled that payments under VPAG, PPRS and similar schemes are post‑supply price reductions, meaning the VAT originally paid was too high. The Upper Tribunal hearing is set for 9–11 February 2026, with a decision expected shortly after, potentially unlocking up to £2.5 billion in VAT reclaims for pharma and healthcare businesses. Companies can adjust VAT back up to four years by filing protective claims now.

The Swedish Finance Department has issued Directive Dir. 2026:9 to modernise VAT rules and strengthen anti‑fraud measures. It mandates a special investigator to assess how EU VAT rules for the digital age will be implemented in Swedish law, including digital reporting based on electronic invoicing for cross‑border transactions. The investigation must be reported by 30 November 2027.

China’s Ministry of Finance issued Announcement No. 11 on 31 January 2026, establishing new VAT and consumption tax rules for exported goods and cross‑border services. The announcement, effective 1 January 2026, sets criteria for VAT exemption, outlines refund rates and formulas, specifies consumption‑tax exemptions, and requires export tax refunds to be claimed within 36 months. It also repeals earlier notices.

The 2026 Finance Bill passed on 2 February 2026 establishes mandatory B2B e‑invoicing and B2C e‑reporting in France from 1 September 2026. Article 28 details the platform model, penalties, data transmission requirements and clarifies the roles of approved partner dematerialisation platforms and the Chorus Pro portal.

Poland’s Ministry of Finance clarified that non‑resident businesses are subject to KSeF e‑invoicing only if they have a Polish fixed establishment (SMPD/FE) that participates in the specific supply. The rule, effective 1 February 2026, does not trigger on a Polish VAT registration alone and requires a full assessment of the fixed establishment’s involvement per transaction.