The article lists a series of VAT and GST rate changes set to take effect on 1 January 2026 across multiple jurisdictions, including the removal of reduced rates for accommodation in the Netherlands, new reduced rates in Finland and Lithuania, and standard rate increases in Zimbabwe and Malawi. It highlights the need for businesses to update pricing, invoicing, and compliance systems in anticipation of these changes.

The SME scheme allows small enterprises to sell goods and services without charging VAT to their customers and alleviates their VAT compliance obligations. The scheme is optional and applicable to small enterprises with a total annual turnover of no more than EUR 100,000 in all Member States.

From 1 January 2025, the UK's long-standing VAT exemption for private education was removed. Private schools must now charge 20% VAT on their fees, significantly impacting the independent education sector.