Slovenia VAT rate increase
The standard rate of VAT in Slovenia increases from 20% to 22% on Ist July 2013
Croatia VAT increase
With effect from 1st January 2013 the zero rate of VAT in Croatia has been replaced with a new 5% rate. The zero rate continues to apply for exports.
VAT rate increase in Spain
The standard VAT rate in Spain increased from 18% to 21% and the reduced rate from 8% to 10%, with effect from 1st September 2012.
Finland VAT rate increase
The Finnish standard VAT rate increased from 23% to 24% from 1st January 2013. The lower VAT rates also increased from 9% to 10% and 13% to 14% respectively.
Reduction in Latvian VAT rate
The standard rate of VAT in Latvia reduced from 22% to 21% effective 1st July 2012.
Netherlands VAT rate increase
From 1st October 2012 the standard rate of VAT in The Netherlands increased from 19% to 21%.
Croatia VAT rate increase
From 1st March 2012 the standard VAT rate in Croatia increased from 23% to 25% and VAT on entertainment expenses became non-deductible.
Cyprus VAT rate increase
The standard VAT rate in Cyprus will increase from 17% to 18% from 14th January 2013 and to 19% from 13th January 2014. The reduced rates of 5% and 8% remain unchanged until 13th January 2014 when the 8% reduced rate will increase to 9%.
Czech Republic VAT rate increase
The standard rate of VAT in the Czech Republic has increased from 20% to 21% from 1st January 2013 and the reduced VAT rate has also increased from 14% to 15%.
Lithuania VAT rate increase
With effect from 1st January 2012 the VAT rate on hotel accomodation in Lithuania has been increased to 21%.
UK VAT registration limit for non-UK businesses
It is proposed that with effect from 1st December 2012 non-UK businesses must register for UK VAT if they make any supplies in the UK. This will mean that a foreign exhibitor at a trade show must register for UK VAT if selling goods from their stand, as would overseas companies making occasional sales in the UK. The draft proposal is available at http://bit.ly/xtoo0u
Madeira VAT rate increase
The standard VAT rate in Madeira increased from 16% to 22% on 1st April 2012. The reduced rates increased at the same time from 4% and 9% to 5% and 12% respectively.
Increase in French lower VAT rate
In France from 1 January 2012 the reduced VAT rate increased from 5.5% to 7%. Exceptions are food, energy, and equipment for handicapped persons, which will remain taxable at 5.5%.
Hungary VAT rate increase
The standard VAT rate in Hungary increased from 25% to 27% on 1st January 2012.
EC Invoicing Directive
The European Commission has issued a set of explanatory notes ahead of implementation of the new Invoicing Directive (2010/45/EU) on 1 January 2013. The notes cover a number of important topics, such as which Member State's rules will apply, e-invoicing and storage, and invoicing for exempt supplies. The notes are aimed at helping Member States transpose the new invoicing legislation in a more uniform way and providing business with the necessary information to adapt to the new rules in time. The notes are available at: http://bit.ly/mZbeGX
ECJ ruling on business establishment
The ECJ has held that a person’s personal residence should not normally be taken into account when deciding where a taxable person has established their business.
Irish VAT rate changes
Ireland have increased their standard rate of VAT from 21% to 23% with effect from 1st January 2012, and have introduced a temporary reduced rate of VAT of 9% on certain tourist related goods and services for the period 1st July 2011 until 31st December 2013.
UK VAT registration limit
The UK tax authorities have launched a campaign to find businesses that have not registered for VAT even though their turnover exceeds the registration limit of £73,000 p. a.