The Court of Justice ruled that virtual currency used only within an online video game is not exempt under Article 135(1)(e) of the EU VAT Directive and is not a voucher under Article 30 bis. Consequently, such transactions are taxable electronic services, with VAT calculated on the full sale price. The decision clarifies that the exemption applies only to virtual currencies accepted as an alternative to legal tender and used solely as a payment instrument.
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Law360 · about 2 months ago
The EU's top court ruled that proceeds from trading virtual gold in online video games are subject to VAT, overturning any exemption. The decision supports Lithuania's efforts to collect tax on digital goods and has implications for VAT treatment of virtual goods across the EU.
Bloomberg Tax · 3 months ago
On January 14, the Lithuanian State Tax Inspectorate released a summary explanation outlining VAT filing requirements for the small business regime. The guidance specifies that returns must be filed electronically via the online portal and due by the 25th of the month following the tax period in which VAT obligations arose or services were supplied in another EU member state. It also confirms that small business regime taxpayers in other EU member states must comply with the same electronic filing requirement.
Meduza · 2 days ago
Russian e‑commerce industry group APET has called for a gradual introduction of a 22% VAT on imported goods, citing the risk of a 15–25% price shock if imposed immediately. The Finance Ministry proposes a phased rollout of 7% in 2027, 14% in 2028, and 22% in 2029, while the Industry and Trade Ministry supports a full 22% rate from January 1 2027.
Commercialista Telematico · 3 days ago
The 2026 Italian Budget Law amended the VAT base for permutative operations, aligning with EU Directive 2006/112/CE. The new rule requires the taxable base to be the normal value of goods and services, defined as the price a transferee would pay in free competition to an independent third party. This change applies to all permutative operations under Italian VAT law.
VatCalc · 3 days ago
The article reviews progress on the EU's ViDA VAT reform pillars, noting technical discussions from the 42nd VAT Expert Group and Future of VAT Group meetings. It highlights key dates such as the 13 February 2026 approval of EN16931, the 1 January 2027 effective date for Phase 1 Single VAT Registration changes, and the €10,000 threshold debate. While the Digital Reporting Requirements pillar is slated for July 2030 and the Platform Economy pillar for July 2028–January 2030, implementation details remain unsettled.
AKM · 3 days ago
Russia's President Vladimir Putin has approved a new experiment allowing importers to defer VAT payments for up to three months from the release of goods. Eligible companies must be registered as authorized economic operators or backbone companies, apply a general taxation regime, and have no arrears or legal proceedings. The decree sets specific eligibility criteria and a 3‑month deferral window.
No, the Court ruled that the exemption under Article 135(1)(e) does not apply to virtual currency used only within an online video game.
This summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 6 March 2026. It relates to VAT developments in Lithuania. The original source is BTW Jurisprudentie.
