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Morrisons has lost a VAT court case, resulting in a £17 million tax bill. The ruling confirms the supermarket’s liability for unpaid VAT and underscores the importance of strict compliance for retailers. The decision may serve as a precedent for future VAT disputes in the UK.
Italy has reduced the VAT rate on works of art, collectibles and antiques to 5% from 1 July 2025, replacing the former 10% rate for imports and sales by authors. The change applies to domestic sales, imports and intra‑Community acquisitions, but is incompatible with the margin scheme for resellers. Operators must adjust invoicing, ledger practices and potentially switch between margin methods to comply with the new regime.
Global e-Invoicing Requirements Tracker
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.
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.
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.
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.