Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

The European General Court issued a preliminary ruling (Case No. T‑657/24) on 9 February 2026 clarifying that credit intermediaries are exempt from VAT only when they canvass and source customers for mortgage‑loan agreements and assist with preparatory work before agreements are concluded. A Portuguese credit intermediary’s commission‑based mortgage‑loan intermediation was challenged, and the court held that unless these conditions are met, the services are taxable.

On 12 February 2026 the Swiss Federal Supreme Court ruled that Chalet AG, a single‑asset company holding a St Moritz chalet, was used to avoid VAT and ordered repayment of CHF 865,000 in input‑tax credits. The decision clarifies that private‑use assets cannot claim broad VAT input credits and signals stricter scrutiny of form‑over‑substance structures in Switzerland.

VATCalc explains how France’s 2026 reforms are tightening access to Article 143 import VAT relief, requiring non‑EU importers to hold a French VAT registration or an accredited fiscal representative. The EU exemption remains unchanged, but enforcement across the EU is becoming stricter, with the European Court of Auditors pointing out weaknesses in Procedure 42. Businesses must adapt supply chains or adopt technology to meet the new compliance thresholds.

The Norwegian Tax Administration’s Tax Appeals Board issued Decision No. SKNS1-2025-65 on Feb. 5, 2025, ruling that transferring mature energy‑related development projects to separate project companies (SPVs) via asset sales or demergers does not qualify for a VAT exemption because the projects are not standalone, ongoing economic units. The decision confirms the Tax Office’s view and clarifies the VAT treatment for such transfers.

The Swedish Tax Court issued Advance Notice No. 54‑25/I on 17 Dec 2025, clarifying that the input VAT deduction limitation for permanent residences does not extend to parking garages that are clearly separated from the residence. In the case, a taxpayer owning a residential building, a commercial building and a parking garage sought guidance, and the court ruled that the garage’s design and use meant it was not part of a permanent residence, so its costs are not subject to the limitation.

The European Court of Justice issued a preliminary ruling on Feb. 9, 2026, concerning Bulgarian VAT liability for third parties. In Case C‑121/24, a road‑transport company was assessed for unpaid VAT after the supplier was removed from the commercial register. The ruling clarifies that the taxpayer can be liable for the supplier’s unpaid VAT when the supplier fails to pay the chargeable VAT.