The EU's top court ruled that proceeds from trading virtual gold in online video games are subject to VAT, overturning any exemption. The decision supports Lithuania's efforts to collect tax on digital goods and has implications for VAT treatment of virtual goods across the EU.
It ruled that proceeds from trading virtual gold in online video games are subject to VAT, meaning the activity is not exempt.
A Lithuanian business whose virtual gold trading proceeds were subject to VAT.
It supports Lithuania's efforts to collect VAT on virtual gold trading by confirming the activity is taxable.
No, the ruling states that in-game gold trade is not exempt from VAT.
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BTW Jurisprudentie · about 17 hours ago
The Court of Justice ruled that virtual currency used only within an online video game is not exempt under Article 135(1)(e) of the EU VAT Directive and is not a voucher under Article 30 bis. Consequently, such transactions are taxable electronic services, with VAT calculated on the full sale price. The decision clarifies that the exemption applies only to virtual currencies accepted as an alternative to legal tender and used solely as a payment instrument.
Bloomberg Tax · about 2 months ago
On January 14, the Lithuanian State Tax Inspectorate released a summary explanation outlining VAT filing requirements for the small business regime. The guidance specifies that returns must be filed electronically via the online portal and due by the 25th of the month following the tax period in which VAT obligations arose or services were supplied in another EU member state. It also confirms that small business regime taxpayers in other EU member states must comply with the same electronic filing requirement.
Fonoa · about 8 hours ago
France will enforce a comprehensive e‑invoicing and e‑reporting regime from 1 September 2026. Large and mid‑size enterprises must issue and receive electronic invoices immediately, while SMEs and micro‑enterprises will join the rollout in 2027. The reform covers domestic B2B, B2C, and cross‑border transactions, with special rules for overseas territories.
Forbes España · about 8 hours ago
Spanish business and professional associations have called for fiscal deductions to help companies and self-employed professionals implement the new electronic invoicing and Verifactu systems, which are set to become mandatory on 1 January 2027. They argue that without such incentives, 3.3 million SMEs and 3.4 million self-employed could face a collapse in the rollout. The request is an amendment to the Royal Decree Law that maintains the 2027 deadline while seeking tax relief.
Deloitte Belgium · about 8 hours ago
Belgium’s VAT chain reform introduces a new VAT provision account effective 1 May 2026, replacing the current account and changing account numbers. The summer regime for late filing will be abolished, and taxpayers can request historic VAT credits via MyMinfin. Key dates are 30 April 2026 for return submission and 1 May 2026 for the new account and credit transfer.
Deloitte Belgium · about 12 hours ago
Belgium’s VAT chain reform introduces a new VAT provision account effective 1 May 2026, replacing the current account and changing account numbers. Credit balances will transfer automatically if all periodic returns are filed by 30 April 2026, and the historic VAT credit can be claimed via MyMinfin. The summer regime is abolished, and the new account number BE41 6792 0036 4210 will be used for payments.
