General subject related
The recent announcement by the State Secretary outlines significant changes regarding VAT e-commerce regulations in the Netherlands, effective January 1, 2025.
After a temporary waiver, payment default fines for VAT e-commerce will be reinstated on January 1, 2025. This decision follows the resolution of initial startup issues within the Member State of Consumption (MSCON) process that had previously complicated compliance for entrepreneurs. The Tax and Customs Administration (DTA) had suspended these fines due to confusion over payment terms and obligations, but now that clarity has been established, fines will be imposed again to ensure adherence to VAT regulations.
The imposition of payment default fines will be resumed as of 1 January 2025. First of all, the temporary policy decision not to impose fines expires on 31 December 2024. The aforementioned (start-up) problems within the MSCON process have now been resolved or are manageable. Defaults can now be processed half automatically. Companies also now have sufficient clarity about the scheme. Finally, not imposing fines – in deviation from legislation and regulations – also has budgetary consequences.
These changes aim to streamline VAT compliance for small businesses operating across borders within the EU while ensuring that tax obligations are met effectively.
Other news from Other countries
Singapore Rolls Out Phased Mandatory E-Invoicing

Singapore’s Peppol-based e-invoicing system, launched in May 2025, is voluntary but will become mandatory in phases—starting November 2025 for new GST-registered companies and April 2026 for all new GST registrants. Businesses can use the InvoiceNow platform to transmit e-invoices and report to IRAS. E-invoicing solution providers assist with compliance, document formatting, automation, and data s... Read more
Malaysia: Key Updates on Stamp Duty Relief & E-Invoicing

Malaysia’s IRBM has granted stamp duty relief for employment contracts signed before 1 January 2025, with stamping required by 31 December 2025 for contracts signed during 2025. Self-assessment for stamp duty begins 1 January 2026. From that date, consolidated e-invoices are banned for transactions over RM10,000, though allowed until end-2025 unless transaction-specific e-invoices are required. Th... Read more
Indonesia Clarifies E-commerce VAT

In Indonesia, online marketplaces facilitating cross-border digital sales may be required to charge and remit VAT, though the law is unclear on which platforms this applies to. Marketplaces must also report all vendor transactions to the tax authorities. These rules aim to strengthen VAT collection and increase transparency for digital sales to Indonesian consumers. A marketplace operator is defin... Read more
Mandatory E-Invoicing in Brazil: Preparing for 2026

Over 1,280 Brazilian municipalities, covering 70% of service revenue, have joined the National NFS-e System, which becomes mandatory nationwide on January 1, 2026. Brazil's segmented e-invoicing system includes NF-e (goods), NFS-e (services), NFCom (telecom), and CT-e (freight), all requiring XML format, electronic signatures, SEFAZ validation, and five-year archiving. Upcoming mandates will unify... Read more
VAT in the Swiss Tax System: An Overview

Switzerland introduced VAT in 1995, a general consumption tax targeting domestic consumption. It has undergone revisions since 2010, with increased rates in 2024 to support social insurance and simplify regulations. Overview of Value Added Tax (VAT): Switzerland moved from a turnover tax to conform to EU standards by implementing VAT on January 1, 1995. In 2010, the VAT system was completely redes... Read more
Qatar's Tax System: VAT & Electronic Invoicing

Qatar is implementing a modern, transparent, and digitized tax system to align with a globalized economy. Main reforms include strengthening the General Tax Authority, preparing for a 5% VAT under the GCC VAT Framework Agreement, and exploring electronic invoicing. Qatar is shifting toward a modern, transparent, and digitized tax system to align with a globalized, less hydrocarbon-dependent econom... Read more
VAT & Promotions: Understanding Vouchers, Gifts, and Discounts in the UK

VAT treatment for business promotions is complex due to changes in EU and domestic legislation and case law. The main points are whether there is a supply and, if so, what the value of that supply is. The UK rules for face value vouchers (FVV) have been altered, with VAT due on the value of the voucher when issued. Single-purpose vouchers carry the right to receive only one type of goods or servic... Read more