Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

The Finance (No. 2) Bill 2024‑26 has been amended in Committee and will return to the House of Commons for further stages. Scotland will introduce a new Air Departure Tax on 1 April 2027, replacing APD, with a consultation closing 26 March 2026. Deloitte’s Advance Tax Certainty service will become operational from July 2026, while the OECD Global Forum on VAT met in January 2026 to discuss digital economy and near real‑time data collection.

A draft European Parliament report dated Feb. 4 calls for changes to the VAT exemption for the EU’s financial sector, arguing it is misaligned with today’s economic and technological realities. The report proposes coordinated EU‑wide taxation where feasible and minimum standards for temporary windfall taxation to align exceptional profits with long‑term public investment priorities. It was authored by German MEP Matthias Ecke.

The VAT Consultant highlights the growing need for expert tax advisory in the UAE as stricter VAT registration rules and a new corporate tax regime take effect. New penalty regimes effective 14 April 2026 and a surge in Federal Tax Authority audit activity underscore the importance of proactive compliance. The firm offers assessment, strategic planning, and ongoing monitoring to help businesses navigate these changes.

China's Ministry of Finance has announced that goods returned from e‑commerce exports will be exempt from import duties, import VAT and consumption tax from 1 January to 31 December 2027. The move aims to support the growth of cross‑border e‑commerce. The exemption applies to goods returned via e‑commerce platforms.

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has urged the Indian government to reassess the 5% GST applied to ride‑hailing services, arguing it harms driver income and consumer affordability. IAMAI calls for exemptions for SaaS‑based mobility services and highlights confusion from contradictory state rulings. The association seeks dialogue with the GST Council and Finance Ministry to create a more sustainable framework for the sector.

The Uruguayan General Directorate of Taxation issued Consultation No. 6763 on Feb. 4, clarifying that bulldozers are not exempt from VAT under Resolution No. 305/979. The guidance confirms that bulldozers, classified as tractors, are not considered agricultural machinery for VAT exemption purposes, even when used exclusively in forestry activities.