The Bahrain Tax Agency released an updated VAT general guide in English on Jan. 28, 2026. The guide clarifies that outsourced services are taxable, VAT is due on full consideration when third‑party providers assign roles under direct supervision, and employee salaries remain outside VAT. These updates aim to provide clearer guidance for businesses operating in Bahrain.
It states that such services are considered taxable supplies of services under the general rules.
VAT is due on the full consideration that the provider or agency receives.
No, salaries, wages, or benefits contractually payable to seconded or mandated employees remain outside the scope of VAT at the employee level.
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Bloomberg Tax · about 1 month ago
The Bahraini National Bureau for Revenue released updated guidance on VAT treatment of real‑estate lease incentives on 29 January 2026. The guide clarifies that rent reductions and rent‑free periods are exempt, while reimbursements for fit‑out contributions are taxable. It also provides examples of common lease incentives used by landlords.
Middle East Briefing · 6 days ago
The UAE’s 2026 VAT amendments introduce a five‑year limit on recovering excess input VAT, a transitional window until 31 Dec 2026 for older credits, and a phased e‑invoicing rollout starting July 2026. Companies must review historical balances, comply with stricter documentation, and prepare for mandatory electronic invoicing for B2B and B2G transactions.
NatLawReview · 11 days ago
UAE businesses are discovering that self‑managed VAT filing can lead to significant penalties, lost refunds, and audit complications. The new penalty regime effective 14 April 2026 and the five‑year limitation period for VAT credits introduced on 1 January 2026 have increased the cost of DIY compliance. Professional services now offer measurable savings through accurate filing, proactive deadline management and timely refund claims.
Crowe UAE · 14 days ago
The UAE Ministry of Finance has issued new Electronic Invoicing Guidelines, mandating B2B and B2G transactions to use Peppol-based XML invoices from 2027. The rollout is phased: businesses with ≥ AED 50 million revenue go live on 1 January 2027, smaller businesses on 1 July 2027, and government entities on 1 October 2027. The system requires 51 mandatory data elements and real‑time reporting via accredited service providers.
Haaretz · 19 days ago
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sought to double the VAT exemption for personal online imports to $150, but lawmakers rejected the proposal. He subsequently signed an order raising the exemption to $130, a move that has been appealed to Israel's top court. The change affects the VAT treatment of online purchases by Israeli consumers.
Jerusalem Post · 21 days ago
The Knesset rejected Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s order to double the VAT exemption ceiling on personal imports to $150, voting 59 against and 25 in favor. The order was intended to lower the cost of living and reduce online purchase prices, but critics warned it would harm local businesses.
