General information
Latvia’s government has approved a reduced value-added tax (VAT) rate of 12% on essential food products. The measure, announced earlier this week, will apply to items such as milk, bread, poultry meat, and eggs, with the notable exception of ultra-sterilised milk, which remains excluded from the milk category.
The reduced VAT rate is scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2026, and will remain in place until June 30, 2027. However, the proposal still requires parliamentary approval before it can be formally enacted.
If passed, the measure is expected to provide relief to Latvian consumers amid rising food costs, particularly benefiting low- and middle-income households.
Other news from Latvia
Change in VAT rates in Latvia in 2026
Latvia
Author: Nikolina Basić
Latvia has approved tax changes introducing a temporary 12% VAT rate on essential food items from July 2026 to June 2027, while making the same reduced rate permanent for locally typical fruits, vegetables, and berries from January 2026. Additionally, the 5% reduced VAT rate for books and media will be limited to publications in Latvian, EU, or OECD languages, with all others subject to the standa... Read more
New document was uploaded: E-commerce Latvia - Legal requirements
Latvia
Author: Nikolina Basić
This document is a regulatory guidance presentation that provides an overview of e-commerce rules and fiscalization requirements in Latvia. It explains the legal framework, fiscal device obligations, receipt and document requirements, registration procedures, and when e-commerce transactions trigger fiscalization. Read more
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Already subscriber? LoginThe method of payment can define the fiscalization obligation in Latvia.
Latvia
Author: Nikolina Basić
Cabinet Regulation No. 95 (11 February 2014) defines the technical requirements for fiscal devices and requires cash registers and related systems to record payments made in cash or via payment cards, vouchers, or similar instruments, ensuring proper electronic documentation and tax accounting. Read more
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Already subscriber? LoginLatvia defines E-invoicing channels and reporting rules
Latvia
Author: Nikolina Basić
Latvia has formalized its e-invoicing framework through a Cabinet Regulation effective January 2026, defining permitted exchange channels and mandatory reporting to the State Revenue Service (SRS) to standardize and centralize invoice data. Mandatory structured XML e-invoicing (UBL 2.1 / Peppol BIS Billing 3.0) applies to B2G, G2G, and G2B from 1 January 2026, with voluntary B2B reporting until th... Read more
Latvia launches Tax and customs police
Latvia
Author: Nikolina Basić
Latvia has established a new Tax and Customs Police to investigate tax evasion, smuggling, and other financial crimes, transferring oversight from the State Revenue Service to the Ministry of the Interior for closer alignment with national law enforcement. The reform aims to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, modernize financial crime enforcement, and ensure compliance with both nation... Read more
Changes in VAT rates effective from January 1, 2026, in Latvia
Latvia
Author: Nikolina Basić
From 1 January 2026, Latvia will implement VAT reductions including a 5% rate for books and media in specified EU, OECD, and national languages, and a permanent 12% rate for fresh fruits and vegetables to support consumers and domestic culture. Additionally, a one-year pilot program (July 2026–June 2027) will reduce VAT from 21% to 12% on essential food items such as bread, milk, poultry, and egg... Read more
Latvia Delays Mandatory B2B E-Invoicing to 2028, Giving Businesses More Time to Prepare
Latvia
Author: Nikolina Basić
Latvia has postponed mandatory B2B e-invoicing from 2026 to 2028, giving companies—especially SMEs—more time to prepare. From 2028 onward, all VAT-registered businesses will need to issue XML-based e-invoices through the VID system, while B2C transactions remain exempt The Latvian Parliament has decided to postpone the mandatory introduction of B2B e-invoicing from 1 January 2026 to 1 January 2028... Read more