As from 1 January 2020 it will be mandatory for taxable persons to electronically register the start, change and termination of taxable activities for VAT purposes…
Belgium
As from 1 January 2020 it will be mandatory for taxable persons to electronically register the start, change and termination of taxable activities for VAT purposes.
Bulgaria
As of 1 July 2019, the possibility of VAT self-assessment in the VAT return of VAT payable on importation was extended to importers of goods such as aluminium, nickel, sulphur, tin, lead, zinc and organic chemical products.
In order to apply, the importer will have to fulfil certain requirements, such as, having been registered for VAT purposes in Bulgaria for at least six months before the importation.
Croatia
From 1 January 2020, Croatia plans to reduce their standard VAT rate from 25% to 24%.
At the same time, they also plan to reduce the VAT rate applicable to hospitality services provided in cafes, restaurants and hotels, from 25% to 13%. This decrease is aimed at boosting the tourism sector and mirrors the VAT treatment most EU countries apply to their travel and hospitality sectors.
Hungary
The Hungarian government has confirmed that it will reduce the VAT rate applicable to hotel accommodation from 18% to 13%. They have stated that this should be implemented on 1 January 2020.
Most EU countries now offer a reduced VAT rate on hotel accommodation services linked to the tourism trade. The notable exceptions are Denmark and the UK.
Portugal
The deadlines for complying with invoice processing and mandatory archiving obligations as set out under Decree-Law No. 28/2019 of 15 February 2019, have been postponed to 1 January 20211.
In addition, not later than 1 October 2019, the tax authorities will issue administrative guidelines clarifying several issues that have been raised by the taxpayers, including about the applicability of the new rules (which include the need to use software certified by the Portuguese Tax Authorities to issue invoices) to non-established entities which are VAT registered in Portugal.
1 As confirmed during the IVA’s meeting with the Portuguese Secretary of State in July 2019
Romania
From 1 January 2020, the Romanian tax authorities are proposing to cut the standard VAT rate from 19% to 16%.
If adopted the reduced VAT rate will also be lowered from 9% to 5%.
Sweden
From 1 July 2019, Sweden reduced the VAT rate applicable to e-books from 25% to 6%.
UK
Adjustments to supplies liable for VAT, which have taken place in a period after that in which the VAT was originally declared on the supply, will be restricted as of September 2019.
The main amendments introduced by the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (SI/2019/1048), concern when and how VAT is to be adjusted and the documents needed to be held by the parties involved.
The above information was kindly provided by:
✓ Fiscal Solutions (UK), www.fiscalsolutions.co.uk; contact: [email protected] ✓ Ryan VAT Systems (France), www.vatsystems.eu; contact: [email protected]
