Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

This HMRC internal manual provides guidance on how VAT applies to local authorities and other government and public bodies in the UK. It covers various categories such as non‑business activities, police authorities, NHS capital projects, and local government partnership programmes. The manual serves as a reference for VAT compliance and exemptions for public sector entities.

Nigeria’s Tax Act 2025 has fully exempted land, buildings and rent from Value Added Tax, aiming to lower housing costs and stimulate real‑estate investment. The law also reduces construction withholding tax to 2 % and allows mortgage interest on owner‑occupied homes to be deducted. Additional reliefs include rent relief up to ₦500,000 and various tax incentives for small businesses and real‑estate investors.

Poland's Ministry of Finance has opened a consultation on draft explanations for a VAT exemption covering defense-related supplies financed by the EU SAFE instrument amid the Russia‑Ukraine conflict. The exemption permits suppliers to deduct VAT paid at the preceding stage, requires a VAT exemption certificate stamped by the competent authority of the purchasing entity’s EU country, and applies to the final transaction in the supply chain as well as to supplies and intra‑Community acquisitions.

The city of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines has announced that water bills will no longer carry the 12% Value-Added Tax (VAT) starting March 2026. Residents will receive full refunds for VAT collected between 17 November 2025 and February 2026. The measure, announced by Mayor Vilma B. Caluag, aims to reduce household costs and ease living burdens.

Gibraltar will introduce a 15% Transaction Tax on goods imported or manufactured locally from 10 April 2026, rising to 17% by 2028, as part of a post‑Brexit agreement with Spain to keep open borders. The new tax replaces Gibraltar’s long‑standing VAT‑free regime and includes reduced, zero‑rated, and exempt categories for specific goods and services.

EY reports that Gibraltar will introduce a Transaction Tax on goods from 10 April 2026, with rates rising from 15% to 16% and then aligning with the EU's lowest VAT rate. The new tax applies to imported or locally manufactured goods, exempting bunkering fuel, ship supplies, and non‑sale goods, while excise duties for tobacco, alcohol, and fuel will align with Spanish rates by 2029. Businesses and individuals will need to adjust pricing and compliance processes accordingly.