Italy’s 2026 Budget Law introduces several indirect tax measures effective 1 January 2026, including a new €2 levy on small shipments into the EU, a change to the VAT base for barter transactions, and automatic VAT settlement for non‑filing taxpayers. The law also postpones the plastic and sugar taxes to 1 January 2027 and the new consolidated VAT code will take effect on 1 January 2027.
It takes effect on 1 January 2026.
A €2 levy applies to shipments valued up to €150 from third countries.
The taxpayer has 60 days to contest the assessment.
It will come into force on 1 January 2027.
Get VAT and indirect tax news delivered to your inbox twice a week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Charles Russell Speechlys · 4 days ago
Italy has reduced the VAT rate on works of art, collectibles and antiques to 5% from 1 July 2025, replacing the former 10% rate for imports and sales by authors. The change applies to domestic sales, imports and intra‑Community acquisitions, but is incompatible with the margin scheme for resellers. Operators must adjust invoicing, ledger practices and potentially switch between margin methods to comply with the new regime.
EY Global Tax News · about 4 hours ago
Turkiye’s Presidential Decree No. 10813, published 7 January 2026, abolishes simplified customs declarations for B2C e‑commerce shipments valued at €30 or less, effective 6 February 2026. All such imports must now use regular customs procedures, and products up to €1500 that are not of commercial quantity require full duty declaration and necessary permits. Medicines and food supplements under prescription up to €1500 remain exempt from the €30 limit but are subject to fixed duty rates and potential special consumption tax.
BDO · about 5 hours ago
The EU General Court clarified that simplified triangulation can be used in four-party supply chains if the third party has disposal power, even when goods are delivered to a fourth party. Dutch policy confirms this but adds an establishment requirement for party C, which may be overridden by the EU VAT Directive. The ruling also allows Member States to refuse the scheme in cases of VAT fraud.
Bloomberg Tax · about 6 hours ago
The UK First‑Tier Tax Tribunal clarified that caregivers supplied to nursing and residential care homes are not VAT‑exempt unless they are registered medical professionals or supervised as required. The tribunal found that the taxpayer's services did not meet the exemption criteria and no other exemptions applied. The decision was issued on 16 December 2025.
VatCalc · about 15 hours ago
Bulgaria has amended its VAT Act to require foreign EU suppliers to register for Bulgarian VAT and charge local VAT on supply and install contracts, effective 1 January 2026. The change replaces the previous reverse‑charge mechanism, aligning with the EU place‑of‑supply rule. Bulgarian customers will receive VAT‑charged invoices, and suppliers must update contracts and invoicing systems accordingly.
Bloomberg Tax · about 23 hours ago
On 17 December 2025 the UK First‑Tier Tax Tribunal ruled that companies trading in telephone calling cards are liable for VAT and penalties, rejecting their claim to recover input VAT on purchases from a Hong Kong supplier. The tribunal held that the companies acted as principals, not agents, and failed to hold valid VAT invoices.
