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 13 hours 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 · about 2 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.
Deloitte Belgium · about 4 hours ago
Belgium’s VAT chain reform introduces a new VAT provision account effective 1 May 2026, replacing the current account and changing account numbers. Credit balances will transfer automatically if all periodic returns are filed by 30 April 2026, and the historic VAT credit can be claimed via MyMinfin. The summer regime is abolished, and the new account number BE41 6792 0036 4210 will be used for payments.
VatCalc · about 4 hours ago
France’s e‑invoicing reform, which began on 1 September 2026, extends to foreign VAT‑registered businesses without a permanent establishment. These non‑resident firms must use an accredited platform to transmit e‑reporting data from September 2027, but are not required to issue French e‑invoices. Reporting is high‑frequency, with normal‑regime businesses filing three times a month and simplified‑regime businesses filing monthly.
EPPO · about 6 hours ago
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) launched an EU‑wide investigation into a cross‑border VAT carousel fraud scheme involving luxury cars, estimating tax damage of over €103 million. Nine suspects were detained in Czechia and Germany, with more than 150 searches carried out in nine EU countries and assets seized worth €13.5 million. The offences span the period 2017‑2025.
Pinsent Masons · about 9 hours ago
A parliamentary question and Treasury response have clarified that paid entries in UK prize draws are not exempt from VAT and will be taxed at the standard 20% rate. The voluntary code of conduct for prize draw operators, aimed at improving consumer protection, will take full effect on 20 May 2026. The sector is valued at £1.3 billion annually.
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.