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 · 21 days 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.
Jerusalem Post · about 12 hours 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.
The Media Line · about 17 hours ago
The Israeli Knesset voted on 24 February 2026 to revoke a ministerial order that would have raised the VAT exemption threshold for online purchases from $75 to $150. The order, which had been in effect since December 24, was defeated 25–59 after Prime Minister Netanyahu allowed a free vote for coalition lawmakers. The revocation removes the exemption for imported packages valued up to $150, restoring the previous $75 threshold.
EIN Presswire · 4 days ago
Federal Decree‑Law No. 16 of 2025 introduced a five‑year limitation period for VAT refund claims in the UAE, effective 1 January 2026. Businesses must now file returns strategically to avoid permanent loss of input‑VAT credits, with transitional relief until 31 December 2026 for credits older than five years. The change turns VAT compliance into a cash‑flow optimisation tool.
The VAT Consultant · 4 days ago
The UAE’s 2026 corporate tax registration wave introduces new deadlines and penalties, requiring natural persons with over AED 1 million in revenue to register by March 31 2026, companies incorporated in 2026 to complete registration within three months of incorporation, and all free‑zone entities to register regardless of Qualifying Free Zone Person status. A AED 10 000 penalty applies for late registration, and the changes aim to align entity structures with long‑term compliance and operational flexibility.
e-Invoice.app · 7 days ago
The UAE has introduced a comprehensive e‑invoicing mandate under Cabinet Decision No. 100/2025, requiring all VAT‑registered businesses to issue structured electronic invoices in the PINT AE format via a 5‑corner DCTCE model. The phased rollout begins with a pilot in July 2026 for large enterprises, with subsequent deadlines for large taxpayers, SMEs, and government entities through 2027. Penalties range from AED 5,000 per month for non‑implementation to AED 100 per invoice, up to AED 5,000 per month.
