Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

The article explains that the GST Council’s exemption of individual health and term insurance policies effective 22 September 2025 did not lower premiums because insurers lost the ability to claim input tax credit on operating expenses, making the exemption cost‑neutral. It outlines insurers’ options—absorbing costs, raising premiums, or recalibrating commissions—and calls for structural fixes such as partial ITC restoration and concessional GST rates.

Cyprus has extended a zero VAT rate on essential fresh produce until the end of 2026. The measure, announced by the Tax Department following a decree dated 21 November 2025, applies from 1 January to 31 December 2026 and covers a specific list of vegetables and fruits. Businesses must comply with the decree’s provisions to qualify for the zero rate.

Côte d’Ivoire has introduced a 9% value‑added tax on animal feed, production inputs and related packaging, effective 17 January 2026. The measure replaces a previous exemption that applied until the end of 2025 and is part of the 2026 Finance Law tax reform. The reduced rate, chosen over the standard 18%, aims to limit the impact on the livestock sector while still bringing these goods into the VAT framework.

The Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) warns that broad VAT exemptions in the Bahamas can undermine fiscal sustainability, fairness, compliance, and public trust. It calls for evidence‑based, transparent policy design, minimal exemptions, targeted social protection, and the implementation of FOIA and whistleblower protections.

The article outlines how AI and advanced analytics are sharpening audit precision, highlights intensified transfer pricing scrutiny, and stresses the need for businesses to prepare for Pillar Two global minimum tax rules. It emphasizes pre‑audit readiness, real‑time data integrity, and cross‑functional alignment to mitigate risk in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Israel’s e‑invoicing mandate is expanding in 2026, lowering the invoice amount thresholds that trigger mandatory electronic invoicing. From 1 January 2026 invoices above 10,000 NIS must use the SHAAM allocation system, and from 1 June 2026 the threshold drops to 5,000 NIS. The ITA’s approach is based on invoice value rather than overall turnover, and suppliers must obtain and display an allocation number on each invoice.

The South African Tax Court ruled that government funding is taxable when it is paid in exchange for identifiable services, regardless of the label ‘grant’. The decision focuses on commercial reality—formal agreements, deliverables, invoicing and performance oversight—rather than organisational form or public‑benefit objectives. Accounting classifications do not override VAT characterisation, underscoring the need for careful governance and early tax input.

The article explains the UK Cash Accounting for VAT scheme, which allows VAT-registered businesses to pay VAT only when they receive payment, aligning tax liability with cash flow. It highlights the £1.35 million projected turnover threshold, the scheme’s benefits and limitations, and ongoing discussions about raising the eligibility threshold.

Belgium will implement a new VAT rate structure from 1 March 2026, shifting take‑away meals and many leisure services to a 12% rate while raising the rate for furnished accommodation to 12% and moving plant protection products to the standard 21% rate. The changes also refine drink taxation in restaurants and preserve 6% rates for specific cultural performances.

The article explains the EU VAT Directive’s call‑off stock simplification, which exempts the transfer of goods between Member States from VAT when a single, predetermined customer is known. It contrasts this with consignment stock, which triggers a deemed intra‑Community supply and requires VAT registration in the destination country. Practical compliance requirements such as maintaining stock registers, submitting EC Sales List reports, and potential Intrastat reporting are also outlined.

The article examines the OECD’s Digital Continuous Transactional Reporting (DCTR) framework, highlighting its role as a strategic blueprint for Tax Administration 3.0. It discusses the shift from manual reporting to real‑time digital compliance, the two primary DCTR models, interoperability challenges, SME protection measures, and the importance of data minimization for trust and security.

The German e-invoicing market is projected to grow from USD 15.2 billion in 2024 to USD 41.86 billion by 2033, driven by EU Directive 2014/55/EU and a 13.5% CAGR. Cloud-based solutions dominate the market, holding over 70% share, while large corporations represent about 60% of the market and SMEs are rapidly expanding. The analysis highlights regulatory mandates, market segmentation, and strategic opportunities for technology providers.

The article argues that invoices cannot be considered processed unless fully compliant, highlighting that e‑invoicing mandates cover only a fraction of compliance requirements and that tax authorities focus on tax relevance rather than business legitimacy. It warns that relying solely on ERP or e‑invoicing platforms can create significant risk and that invoice fraud can lead to severe penalties.

Avalara’s blog outlines the 2026 sales tax holiday schedule across the United States, detailing dates, exempt product categories, and state‑specific rules. The post highlights key holidays in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, and other states, noting price caps, local tax considerations, and the need for retailers to update POS systems.

The Italian Revenue Agency has released the 2026 VAT declaration forms and instructions for the 2025 tax year. The new forms, approved by Provvedimento 15/01/2026 n. 51732, introduce several structural changes and new fields. Taxpayers must submit the declaration electronically between 1 February and 30 April 2026.

South Korea’s National Tax Service has introduced a new filing requirement for VAT‑exempt business owners, including YouTubers, drivers, and delivery riders. All such owners must submit an annual business operation status report by February 10, 2025, and will receive mobile notifications starting on the 21st of the reporting month. The rule expands guidance to one‑person media creators and sets a 24 million won income threshold for certain personal service providers.

The 2025 GST exemption for individual health and term insurance in India has not led to significant premium reductions because insurers cannot claim input tax credit on operating expenses. The article explains how insurers absorb costs or adjust premiums, and outlines industry demands for partial ITC restoration and other reforms.

The Manila Times opinion piece explains how the Supreme Court’s February 4 2025 ruling in the Subic Bay Freeport case clarified that domestic market enterprises (DMEs) are entitled to VAT zero‑rating under the Create Act, overturning earlier BIR issuances that excluded them. It also outlines the conditions under which DMEs can still claim the benefit under the newer Create More law, namely high‑value DMEs with significant investment capital or export sales, and stresses that purchases must be directly attributable to the registered project. The article advises businesses in freeports and ecozones to update their ERP systems, document eligibility, and align procurement processes to avoid disputes.

Turkey’s TBMM Plan and Budget Commission has extended the VAT‑free period for inward processing regime (IPR) purchases from 31 December 2025 to 31 December 2030. The change aims to prevent exporters and manufacturer‑exporters from having to pay VAT upfront on domestic raw materials, semi‑finished and auxiliary goods. The regulation will enter into force after its publication in the Official newspaper.

The Slovak Financial Administration released Guide No. 1/DPH/2026/I on January 14, 2026, outlining amendments to the VAT Act. Key provisions include mandatory electronic invoicing for domestic supplies from 1 January 2027 to 30 June 2030 and an option for the tax office to require customers to pay VAT directly to the tax administrator’s account if a supplier is suspected of non‑payment. The guidance applies to all Slovak taxpayers engaged in domestic supply of goods and services.