EU commissioner requests delay in internet VAT reduction
EU Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici asked the Hungarian government to postpone a reduction of VAT on provision of internet connections, in a letter sent to Hungarian Economy Minister Mihály Varga, state secretary Bence Tuzson told a press conference yesterday.
In early June, the Hungarian Parliament approved reduction of the VAT rate on internet services from 27% to 18% starting January 1, as part of a package of tax changes for next year.
Moscovici wrote that he supported the governmentʼs intention to foster digitalization, but said current EU rules do not allow the Hungarian government to reduce the VAT on internet subscriptions. He added that the European Commission aims to change the related directive and introduce more flexible regulations, but these changes will materialize later than expected, so he requested a delay in the reduction.
Tuzson said Hungary will fight further for the VAT reduction to take place as planned at the start of 2017. Tamás Deutsch, the Prime Ministerʼs commissioner in charge of the internet, added that Hungary has well-founded arguments for the introduction of the reduced VAT rate as planned. He said he was confident that the Hungarian government can convince Brussels at further talks on the matter.
The Commission said that internet subscriptions are not listed among products and services that could have a preferential VAT rate in a supplement to the EU VAT directive, Deutsch said. Tuzson said that the EUʼs sanction for ignoring the request could be an infringement procedure.
Hungary Gasoline Prices 3% Over Regional Avg
Gov't Considering Fuel Price Intervention
Cordia’s Marina City Project Begins
Budapest Airport Wins 'Best Airport in Eastern Europe' for 1...
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
