International VAT Rate Round-up: August 2020
Canada
Saskatchewan is considering the introduction of new rules that may come into effect on 1 January 2020.
These could affect those that operate e-commerce platforms located inside or outside Saskatchewan.
Under these new rules, operators of online marketplace platforms selling to resident consumers and online accommodation platforms may be required to register as “vendors” under the new PST rules.
Costa Rica
On 20 July 2020, a bill was approved that proposes to extend the VAT exemption on construction services until 1 July 2021.
This bill proposes to defer the application of the reduced VAT rate according to the period where the relevant construction permits were obtained for construction projects.
The reduced VAT rates that would apply are below.
| Registration period of construction permits | Applicable VAT rate |
| From 1 July to 30 June 2021 | Exempt |
| From 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 | 4% |
| From 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 | 8% |
From 1 July 2023, all services relating to the construction industry will be subject to the standard VAT rate of 13%.
Ireland
The standard VAT rate in Ireland is being temporarily reduced from 23% to 21%.
This reduction in VAT will apply between 1 September 2020 and 28 February 2021.
Oman
The Oman Tax Authority is preparing to implement 5% VAT at the beginning of 2021.
United Kingdom
The hospitality sector has been badly affected by COVID-19.
In an attempt to kickstart this industry again, the VAT rate will be reduced from 20% to 5% for hospitality and tourism industries.
This VAT rate reduction will come into effect on 15 July 2020 and will last until 12 January 2021.
Below are the types of services that will be subject to this reduced rate:
- Accommodation – hotel and holiday accommodation (hotels, B&B’s, campsites and caravan sites);
- Catering – food and non-alcoholic drinks consumed in restaurants, pubs, bars, and cafes as well as hot Takeout food and non-alcoholic drinks by those suppliers; and
- Attractions – admission to theatres, fairs, amusement parks, zoos, cinemas, circuses, concerts, and similar cultural events.
Covid-19
Find our full list of VAT rates changes related to COVID-19 on our detailed COVID-19 blog.
Click here to download these updates in PDF format
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Talk to us to fully understand how these changes may impact your business.
