Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

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.

This article explains the distinct roles of VAT returns, VIES, OSS, and Intrastat in Bulgaria and the EU, highlighting that each serves a different purpose—tax calculation, B2B reporting, B2C cross‑border sales, and statistical monitoring. It notes key changes effective from 2026, including euro adoption for VAT communications and the gradual introduction of SAF‑T. Understanding these differences helps businesses avoid compliance errors and audit risks.

Bulgaria’s VAT reform, effective 1 January 2026, introduces a small‑enterprise regime allowing companies with turnover up to €51,130 domestically and €100,000 EU‑wide to operate VAT‑free across the EU, removes the reverse‑charge for goods assembled or installed in Bulgaria, and expands registration thresholds to include subsidies, packaging, transport and other charges, all expressed in euros following euro adoption.

Bulgaria has amended its VAT Act to require foreign EU suppliers to register for Bulgarian VAT and charge local VAT on supply and install contracts, effective 1 January 2026. The change replaces the previous reverse‑charge mechanism, aligning with the EU place‑of‑supply rule. Bulgarian customers will receive VAT‑charged invoices, and suppliers must update contracts and invoicing systems accordingly.

Bulgaria has amended its VAT Act to introduce new regimes for goods supplied with installation by EU suppliers and for small enterprises, effective 1 January 2026. The changes remove the reverse‑charge obligation for goods assembled or installed by EU‑based foreign suppliers and establish two special schemes for small businesses to align with the EU VAT Directive.

The CJEU ruled that a lawyer providing free legal assistance who receives a fee from the opposing party upon a successful outcome is considered a VAT taxable person. The court held that the lawyer's fee constitutes a supply of services for consideration, subject to VAT under the EU VAT Directive. This decision clarifies that such fees are taxable even when paid by a third party.

Bulgaria will adopt the euro on 1 January 2026, triggering new VAT thresholds expressed in euros. The National Revenue Agency will enforce price monitoring and dual‑pricing rules to prevent profiteering during the currency transition.