Fiscal subject related
General information
The Finance Minister has officially confirmed that the Value Added Tax (VAT) will rise from 11% to 12% starting January 1, 2025, following speculation about a potential increase in 2024.
This adjustment is part of the phased implementation outlined in the Tax Harmonisation Law of 2021, which originally planned for a two-stage VAT increase. Despite facing public criticism regarding its impact on prices, the minister defended the decision, emphasizing its necessity.
Meanwhile, the President has suggested alternative methods for increasing tax revenues without raising rates, prompting calls from lawmakers to reconsider the VAT hike amid concerns about its economic effects.
Other news from Other countries
Estonia’s Rounding of Cash Policy: Estonia Sends 1- and 2-Cent Coins to Latvia
Other countries
Author: Ema Stamenković
Estonia is phasing out one- and two-cent euro coins, sending them to Latvia after adopting cash rounding rules in January 2025. Retailers support this for quicker transactions, while higher denominations remain in circulation. Estonia is phasing out one- and two-cent euro coins by sending them to Latvia, which still uses them, following the introduction of cash rounding rules in January 2025 that... Read more
Reminder: UAE VAT Updates Effective January 1, 2026
Other countries
Author: Ema Stamenković
The FTA has released amendments and guidelines for the VAT Law, including a new Administrative Exceptions Guide. Big changes effective January 1, 2026, include removal of self-invoicing for imports and a five-year limit on excess recoverable input tax claims. The Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority (FTA) have issued amendments and new guidelines to the Value Added Tax Law. Updated VAT A... Read more
E-Invoicing and Low-Value Import Changes: North Macedonia's Push Toward EU VAT Standards
Other countries
Author: Ema Stamenković
North Macedonia is reforming its VAT legislation to align with the EU VAT Directive, introducing changes to place of supply rules, foreign supplier registration, and invoicing requirements. Key measures take effect from January 2026, emphasizing clarity on service taxation, strengthening compliance oversight for non-resident businesses, and ensuring compatibility with EU systems. North Macedonia i... Read more
Malaysia Delays Mandatory E-Invoicing Rollout for All Businesses to July 1, 2026
Other countries
Author: Ljubica Blagojević
Malaysia has revised its e-invoicing rollout under IRBM Guideline v4.5, delaying full mandatory implementation to 1 July 2026. Businesses with turnover up to RM5 million will start e-invoicing on 1 January 2026, with a six-month soft-launch period before full enforcement. The update also clarifies obligations for new businesses, setting compliance dates based on commencement year and revenue thres... Read more
China Mandates Real-Time Digital VAT Invoicing (e-Fapiao) by Late 2025
Other countries
Author: Ljubica Blagojević
China is moving toward a fully digital, real-time VAT invoicing system through e-fapiao. Fully digital invoices have been available nationwide since December 1, 2024, with full mandatory adoption expected by late 2025. The system uses real-time clearance for domestic B2B and B2C transactions, requires standardized electronic invoices, and enables instant reporting to tax authorities. All VAT-regis... Read more
Vietnam E-Invoicing & E-Reporting System
Other countries
Author: Ema Stamenković
Vietnam mandated e-invoicing nationwide from July 2022, requiring digital signing, real-time clearance or same-day reporting to the GDT. The system covers B2B, B2C, B2G, and exports, with imports excluded. Invoices must be archived for 10 years. Non-compliance incurs penalties. Key regulations include Decree 123/2020 and Decree 70/2025, with limited exceptions for small businesses. Vietnam has enf... Read more
Navigating E-Invoicing in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide
Other countries
Author: Ema Stamenković
UAE E-Invoicing requires structured XML/JSON/UBL invoices via Accredited Service Providers (ASPs), to be reported to FTA within 14 days. Key phases include pilot in July 2026 and mandatory rollout by January 2027 for large businesses, with subsequent phases for smaller entities. Compliance involves stringent validation, auditing, and adherence to deadlines, while expected cost reductions are 66-80... Read more