Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

The CJEU’s Flo Veneer judgment (C‑639/24) clarifies that Article 45a of the EU VAT Implementing Regulation does not require a closed list of documents to prove intra‑Community transport. Tax authorities must consider all available evidence and cannot deny the exemption solely on missing standard documents. The ruling reinforces fiscal neutrality and will shape member‑state audit practices.

Slovenia has increased its Intrastat reporting thresholds for arrivals and dispatches of goods with other EU member states, effective 1 January 2026. The arrivals threshold rises from €240,000 to €300,000 per annum (statistical €4 million), while dispatches rise from €270,000 to €280,000 per annum (statistical €9 million). These changes affect larger shippers and are part of Slovenia’s annual reporting obligations for intra‑EU trade.

Effective January 1 2026, unincorporated Boulder County will see a new minimum wage of $16.82 per hour for nontipped workers and $13.80 for tipped workers, while the county’s sales tax rises by 0.15 % to 1.335 %, bringing the combined rate to 6.335 %. The change, approved in a November 2025 election, funds mental‑health services for three years and could lead Niwot to adopt a 2.5 % sales tax if it incorporates.

Serbia’s 2026 VAT amendments overhaul reporting, invoicing and timing rules, with most provisions taking effect on 1 April 2026. The changes tighten internal invoicing requirements, postpone the pre‑filled VAT return model to 2027, and expand the scope of electronic invoicing (SEF) for internal invoices. Businesses must adjust ERP systems and compliance workflows to meet the new deadlines and documentation mandates.

Latvia’s Cabinet Regulation, effective 1 January 2026, mandates structured electronic invoicing and reporting to the State Revenue Service (SRS) for all B2G, G2B, and G2G transactions, with B2B reporting becoming mandatory from 1 January 2028. The regulation specifies four delivery channels—e‑adrese, certified service providers, EDI, and email—each linked to a distinct SRS reporting method and requires XML invoices in UBL 2.1 or Peppol BIS Billing 3.0. Invoices must be reported within five working days of issuance, with contingency rules for technical disruptions.

The UK government has confirmed a mandatory e-invoicing regime set to launch in April 2029, covering B2B and B2G transactions. The plan likely adopts a four‑corner model using a localized Peppol standard, with phased implementation and potential incentives for SMEs. Businesses are urged to prepare early, engage in consultations, and assess technology and data readiness to meet the new compliance requirements.

Oman has formally adopted the Peppol e-invoicing framework under its Fawtara programme, covering B2B, B2G and B2C transactions from 2026. A pilot involving the 100 largest taxpayers will start in August 2026, followed by phased implementation. The rollout will use the Peppol five‑corner model and UBL 2.1 data standards.

Malaysia’s IRBM has raised the e‑invoice exemption threshold to RM 1 million (~€200 k) effective 7 Dec 2025, exempting companies below that turnover. The interim relaxation period for small enterprises has been extended until 31 Dec 2026, delaying mandatory e‑invoicing for those with turnover under RM 1 million. The 5th wave of mandatory e‑invoicing scheduled for 1 July 2026 has been abolished for existing companies.

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.

A Swedish Supreme Administrative Court ruling and updated Tax Agency guidance now restrict the scope of the transfer of a going concern (TOGC) exemption. The TOGC applies only when VAT would be chargeable on the asset transfer and the recipient can deduct input VAT, meaning many previously VAT‑neutral restructurings will incur VAT costs. Companies must reassess each asset’s VAT status when planning mergers or internal reorganisations.

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 Malaysian government has delayed the mandatory e‑invoicing rollout for businesses with annual sales between RM1 million and RM5 million to 1 January 2027, extending the penalty‑free transition period by 12 months. The exemption threshold was raised from RM500,000 to RM1 million in December 2025, and consolidated e‑invoicing will now cover retail and building materials sectors.

The Portuguese Tax Authority (AT) has clarified the rules for input VAT deduction on electric and plug‑in hybrid vehicles in Oficio Circulado n.º 25088. Key points include VAT liability on private use, non‑deductibility of maintenance expenses, and a 50% deduction for bi‑fuel vehicles. These changes affect how companies account for vehicle-related VAT and may require procedural adjustments.

Arkansas has introduced a Farmers Sales Tax Exemption Card under Act 621 of 2025, allowing farmers to claim sales tax exemptions at the point of sale for items such as animals, chemicals, feed, machinery, and seed. The card costs $20 for issuance, $10 for renewal, and remains valid for eight years.

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.