The UK Chancellor is again extending the VAT reduction on Hospitality and Tourism from 20% to 5% until 30 September 2021. It will then be reduced to 12.5% until April 2022 to help businesses in gradually moving back to the standard rate.
Compliance Category: VAT/G(S)ST rate information
The Greek Public Revenue Authority (AADE) has recently published a Circular regarding the reduced VAT rate for tickets for streaming theatrical performances and concerts.
As of 11 March 2021, the 6% reduced VAT rate will apply for tickets for access to live streaming of such events. The new rate will apply for as long as the measure suspending public attendance to such events is in effect.
The VAT Executive Regulations have been issued by the Oman Tax Authority ( Decision 53 of 2021 (in Arabic)) on 14 March 2021 – this will allow companies to properly prepare for the introduction of VAT in Oman, starting from 16 April 2021.
See here for further details.
On 1 January 2021, the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) entered into force in Uganda. Businesses use EFRIS to their issuance of receipts and invoices for tax purposes.
As of 1 January 2021, a person who conducts business and is registered for VAT purposes is required to issue an e-invoice or receipt for any sales transaction regardless of whether the sales transaction is subject to VAT at a standard rate, zero rate or VAT exempt.
From Jan 1, 2021 until Dec 31, 2022 a 0% VAT rate will be applicable on vaccines.
Greece has confirmed a further extension of the reduced VAT rate of 13% for cinemas, drinks and catering services, public transport and packaged holidays until 31 October 2021.
The Singaporean government has decided that the planned GST increase from 7% to 9% will not take place in 2021. The Finance Minister has however emphasised base GST will need to be raised at some point between 2022 and 2025. This is mainly to support government revenue to fund rising healthcare expenditure.
As part of its economic stimulus package, Germany lowered their VAT rates in July 2020 to 16% for the base rate and 5% for the reduced rate. This tax measure ended on 31 December 2020, as planned.
From 1 January 2021 the “old” VAT rates (19% base rate and 7% reduced rate) will apply as before July 2020. What does this mean:
• Invoices for goods and services with a time of supply (tax point) after 31 December 2020 must use the original VAT rates (19% and 7%)
• Invoices for goods and services with a tax point before January 1, 2021, must still use the July 2020 rates: 16% and 5%
Click here to learn more about the German mandate.
Norway has extended the 6% Reduced VAT Rate beyond October 31. A new end date has not yet been established.
In April 20’, the Spanish Government introduced a temporary zero VAT rate for purchases and imports by public entities, hospitals and other not-for profit organisations of surgical masks and sanitary products. This was due to expire on July 31 but has been extended to 31 October 2020 working retrospectively from the date the original derogation expired.
Ireland will temporarily reduce the VAT rate for the hospitality sector (hotels, restaurants, bars, etc.) from 13.5% to 9%. The change is effective from November 1, 2020 until 31 December 2021.
The temporary VAT rate reduction to 15% VAT for the tourism and hospitality sectors will be extended up to the end of March 2021.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announces a base-rate VAT increase from 5% to 15%: KSA’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Al Jadaan, announced starting from 1 July 2020 the VAT rate will increase from 5% to 15%.
Standard VAT rate is increased from 14% to 15% from 1 April 2018.
In February 2016 the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced that Value-Added Tax (VAT) would be rolled out throughout the Gulf States, starting in January 2018.
In February 2016 the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) announced that Value-Added Tax (VAT) would be rolled out throughout the Gulf States, starting in January 2018.