VAT to be increased to 8.5 percent: The Federal Council believes that the financing of the 13th AHV pension payment should be achieved through an increase in ...
hzinsurance.ch/insurance-news/mehrwertsteuer-soll-auf-85-prozent-erhoeht-werden/7318td4
VAT to be increased to 8.5 percent
AHV VAT: 60 percent No in survey: Even among those over 65, the proposal is rejected. The population is equally skeptical about the relaxation of restrictions on ...
tagesanzeiger.ch/ahv-mehrwertsteuer-60-prozent-nein-umfrage-471329275421
AHV VAT: 60 percent No in survey
1,546 items covered by new zero-VAT rule: Oman expands zero-VAT coverage to 1,546 food, medicine and veterinary items under new rules effective October 1.
muscatdaily.com/2026/09/27/1546-items-covered-by-new-zero-vat-rule/
1,546 items covered by new zero-VAT rule
Oman expands zero-rated VAT list to 807 food items: Muscat: Oman’s Tax Authority has updated its list of food items subject to value-added tax (VAT) at a zero ...
omanobserver.om/article/1196836/oman/community/oman-expands-zero-rated-vat-list-to-807-food-items
Oman expands zero-rated VAT list to 807 food items
VAT reduction: How much cheaper would petrol and diesel become?: There is currently a discussion in Berlin about whether to reduce the VAT on petrol and diesel ...
stuttgarter-zeitung.de/wirtschaft/mehrwertsteuersenkung-auf-7-um-wie-viel-wuerden-die-spritpreise-sinken-79480378.html
VAT reduction: How much cheaper would petrol and diesel become?
25 cent discount at the pump: This is what the CDU plan means for drivers: The CDU has announced specific figures for fuel price relief. Up to 25 cents per liter ...
derwesten.de/aktuelles/spritpreise-entlastung-cdu-25-cent-benzin-diesel-mehrwertsteuer-id302162299.html
25 cent discount at the pump: This is what the CDU plan means for drivers
Fuel prices: Politicians argue about relief - | Readers in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have a clear opinion
ostsee-zeitung.de/mecklenburg-vorpommern/spritpreise-politik-streitet-um-entlastungen-leser-in-mv-haben-klare-meinung-X2LWETVNVFDTPKCLFA34KTZ3TA.html
Fuel prices: Politicians argue about relief - | Readers in ...
VAT on fuels: Up to 25 cents less per liter would be possible: A temporary reduction in VAT could make gasoline and diesel around 23 to 25 cents per liter ...
auto-motor-und-sport.de/verkehr/mehrwertsteuer-auf-kraftstoffe-bis-zu-25-cent-weniger-pro-liter-waeren-moeglich/
VAT on fuels: Up to 25 cents less per liter would be possible
OpinionHigh fuel prices: Hands off VAT: There are simple ways to relieve the burden on people. For example, income tax could be reduced for low-income earners and a ...
taz.de/Hohe-Spritpreise/!6213930/
High fuel prices: Hands off VAT
New fuel discount to come - | this time with a price cap: The federal government apparently wants to reinstate the old fuel discount, but this time combined with ...
sueddeutsche.de/politik/tankrabatt-preisdeckel-benzin-deutschland-spritpreise-li.3550202
New fuel discount to come - | this time with a price cap
🤯 Now it's getting even more expensive! Weekly grocery shopping will soon be more expensive again. Because in addition to inflation ... Show more
Key FactsKlingbeil rules out sugar tax on zero drinks
Aug 26, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
  • Klingbeil said action was needed to address the effects of high sugar consumption, adding that the coalition had decided on a sugar tax whose details were being prepared.

  • Under the preliminary framework paper, beverages containing sugar and/or sweeteners, as well as related granules, would be covered, while 100-percent fruit juices and pure milk would be exempt.

  • Revenue from soft drinks is estimated at around two billion euros a year, compared with 650 million euros earmarked for statutory health insurance stabilisation in 2027 and at least 450 million euros from 2028.

  • The Agriculture Ministry lodged a formal reservation, while consumer protection groups supported including added sweeteners and called for the revenue to be used for nutrition prevention.
  • I won't do that. That won't happen.
    — Lars Klingbeil, Instagram statement responding to plans for a sugar tax on zero-sugar drinks
😭 The sugar tax will primarily do one thing: make life in Germany even more expensive! While the federal government still hasn't delivered on its promised ... Show more
Cancer patient campaigns to scrap VAT on sunscreen: The 26-year-old says she wants the tax gone to make sunscreen "more accessible to more people".
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg97k428m8o
Cancer patient campaigns to scrap VAT on sunscreen
Guatemala’s Tax Agency Will Pre-Fill Returns for 305,000 Businesses: From 1 September, Guatemala's SAT will pre-fill tax declarations for 305 ...
riotimesonline.com/guatemala-sat-prefilled-tax-returns-2026/
Guatemala’s Tax Agency Will Pre-Fill Returns for 305,000 Businesses
Electricity bills set to fall £45 this autumn thanks to VAT cut: Expert tips to keep your energy bills in check
which.co.uk/news/article/electricity-bills-set-to-fall-45-this-autumn-thanks-to-vat-cut-a86YB0f8r42n
Electricity bills set to fall £45 this autumn thanks to VAT cut
Key FactsKeir Starmer Resigns as UK Prime Minister
Jun 22, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thesun.co.uk
  • Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Labour leader and Prime Minister following months of party dissent and loss of support.

  • Andy Burnham, former Greater Manchester Mayor, emerged as the leading candidate and secured backing from many Labour MPs.

  • Labour leadership nominations open on July 9, with the new leader expected to assume office by mid-July before Parliament reconvenes.

  • Despite internal party conflict and calls for a general election, Labour maintains a substantial Commons majority, ensuring government continuity.
  • Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first, that is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.
    — Sir Keir Starmer, addressing the nation outside Downing Street as he resigns
Restaurants Are Barely Passing On the Reduced VAT Rate: In January, the VAT rate on food in restaurants was reduced. A new survey shows that the vast majority of ...
tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/verbraucher/gastronomie-steuersenkung-preise-gaeste-100.html
Restaurants Are Barely Passing On the Reduced VAT Rate
Key FactsMost German restaurants kept prices unchanged after tax cut
Aug 8, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tagesschau.de
  • At the start of the year, the German government cut the value-added tax on restaurant food from 19% to 7%.

  • DEHOGA surveyed around 2,000 food-service businesses, of which 73.4% kept their prices stable; the association gave no details on the remaining group.

  • According to the Federal Statistical Office, average prices for main dishes rose at the beginning of the year, while DEHOGA said the reduced rate had helped limit increases.

  • Hagen restaurateur Mike Henning cut the price of every main dish by one euro in January and reported up to 30% higher turnover than in the previous year.
  • The most expensive thing in the restaurant business is labor costs.
    — Mike Henning, restaurant owner from Hagen, explaining the cost structure in the gastronomy sector.
Sales Tax: An Increase in 2027? – The Current Status: There’s been a lot of talk lately about raising the sales tax from 19% to 21%. Will the plan go ahead?
stuttgarter-zeitung.de/wirtschaft/erhoehung-der-mehrwertsteuer-was-sagt-die-regierung-dazu-79339901.html
Sales Tax: An Increase in 2027? – The Current Status
Rayner defends accepting £17k severance payment after return to Government: Housing Secretary Ms Rayner received the payment after resigning in September 2025 ...
expressandstar.com/uk-news/rayner-defends-accepting-ps17k-severance-payment-after-return-to-government-8818319
Rayner defends accepting £17k severance payment after return to Government
Is a three-percentage-point VAT increase looming? The opposition is up in arms.: Finance Minister Klingbeil cannot rule out an increase to 22 percent ...
augsburger-allgemeine.de/politik/droht-eine-mehrwertsteuer-erhoehung-um-drei-prozentpunkte-die-opposition-ist-auf-den-barrikaden-114699955
Is a three-percentage-point VAT increase looming? The opposition is up in ...
Xpeng’s new L03 undercuts Tesla Model Y by up to $10,000 in Europe: Xpeng launched the L03 in Europe from €34,990 — undercutting the Tesla Model Y by up to $10 ...
electrek.co/2026/07/16/xpeng-l03-pricing-tesla-model-y-europe/
Xpeng’s new L03 undercuts Tesla Model Y by up to $10,000 in Europe
VAT Reduction: | "Absurd and bureaucratic" - | Waidhofen baker criticizes new rule - | Amstetten
meinbezirk.at/amstetten/c-wirtschaft/absurd-und-buerokratisch-waidhofner-baeckerin-kritisiert-neue-regel_a8790642
VAT Reduction: |
100 million tax fraud: Suspects from Iserlohn in custody for four months: In a raid in Iserlohn in March, several luxury cars were seized that are alleged to ...
ikz-online.de/lokales/iserlohn/article412459672/100-millionen-steuerbetrug-verdaechtige-aus-iserlohn-seit-vier-monaten-in-haft.html
100 million tax fraud: Suspects from Iserlohn in custody for four months
Air defense: Switzerland is negotiating with three missile manufacturers: To finance the new air defense system and further arms purchases, the government plans ...
derbund.ch/luftabwehr-schweiz-verhandelt-mit-drei-raketenherstellern-963062120487
Air defense: Switzerland is negotiating with three missile manufacturers
AHV-Entscheid im Nationalrat 💰 Die 13. AHV-Rente soll über eine höhere Mehrwertsteuer mitfinanziert werden – nicht aber über höhere Lohnabzüge ... Show more

Daily news, sports and entertainment
VAT calculation on 1.2% deduction clarified: Muscat: The Tax Authority has clarified the method of calculating Value Added Tax (VAT) on invoices and contracts in ...
omanobserver.om/article/1191417/business/vat-calculation-on-12-deduction-clarified
VAT calculation on 1.2% deduction clarified
Digital export certificate for Swiss shopping tourists: Test phase begins: After a long wait, Swiss shoppers will be able to get their VAT refunded via app ...
suedkurier.de/baden-wuerttemberg/keine-wartezeit-mehr-am-zoll-testphase-fuer-digitalen-ausfuhrschein-fuer-schweizer-einkaufstouristen-beginnt-16-06-26-114458749
Digital export certificate for Swiss shopping tourists: Test phase begins
Calculator shows: This is how much you would pay for the 13th AHV pension payment
bluewin.ch/de/news/schweiz/rechne-aus-wie-viel-dich-der-kompromiss-zur-13-ahv-rente-kostet-3273113.html
Calculator shows: This is how much you would pay for the 13th AHV pension ...
Dispute over 13th AHV pension: Financing remains controversial: There is still no agreement on the financing of the 13th AHV pension payment ...
hzinsurance.ch/insurance-news/streit-um-13-ahv-rente-finanzierung-bleibt-umstritten/19sec5j
Dispute over 13th AHV pension: Financing remains controversial
Higher payroll contributions and increased VAT are intended to save the AHV from running dry. If one council rejects the proposal, the financing plan will fail ... Show more

Decision: 13th AHV pension payment will be financed with payroll taxes and VAT - | or not at all
Lower taxes on bread and vegetables in Austria – fuel price cap extended: Austria’s government is halving the VAT on basic foodstuffs starting in July to combat ...
pnp.de/nachrichten/wirtschaft/niedrigere-steuer-auf-brot-und-gemuese-in-oesterreich-preisbremse-bei-sprit-verlaengert-21287048
Lower taxes on bread and vegetables in Austria – fuel price cap extended
Coalition wrangling over income tax reform: This is what it's about: A major income tax reform is planned for January 1, 2027. But what exactly will it look ...
op-online.de/politik/koalition-ringt-um-einkommensteuerreform-darum-geht-es-zr-94335963.html
Coalition wrangling over income tax reform: This is what it's about
Salik announces 5% VAT from June 1 on toll tariff, tag activation fees: This announcement comes after Dubai's largest parking operator Parkin announced that a ...
khaleejtimes.com/uae/transport/salik-announces-5-vat-from-june-1-on-toll-tariff-tag-activation
Salik announces 5% VAT from June 1 on toll tariff, tag activation fees
Shopping in Constance or Milan? Save on VAT!: Shopping abroad can be worthwhile for Swiss residents if they claim back the VAT. Minimum amounts, correct forms ...
beobachter.ch/konsum/shopping/mehrwertsteuer-zuruckfordern-so-einfach-gehts-635192
Shopping in Constance or Milan? Save on VAT!
Dubai's Parkin announces 5% VAT on all parking services starting June 1: Dubai's largest parking operator Parkin on May 22 announced that a VAT of 5% will be ...
khaleejtimes.com/uae/transport/parkin-announces-5-vat-to-all-parking-services-starting-june-1
Dubai's Parkin announces 5% VAT on all parking services starting June 1
One of England's oldest schools to close with VAT on fees blamed: One of the oldest schools in England is to close, with governors blaming the Labour’s ...
suffolknews.co.uk/thetford/one-of-englands-oldest-schools-to-close-with-vat-on-fees-bl-9463560/
One of England's oldest schools to close with VAT on fees blamed
Sales tax: Is the government profiting from high fuel prices?: Higher fuel prices also mean additional sales tax. Is the government profiting at the expense of ...
zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/spritpreis-kosten-mehrwertsteuer-tankrabatt-100.html
Sales tax: Is the government profiting from high fuel prices?
VAT increase: Possible consequences for inflation and everyday life: An increase in VAT brings the state a lot of money. That's why the idea often resurfaces ...
zdfheute.de/wirtschaft/mehrwertsteuer-erhoehung-deutschland-einkommenssteuer-chancen-risiken-100.html
VAT increase: Possible consequences for inflation and everyday life
Der ehemalige FDP-Vorsitzende und Bundesfinanzminister, Christian Lindner, hat die abwartende Haltung der schwarz-roten Bundesregierung zu Entlastungen der ... Show more
NBR extends VAT return submission deadline : The extension was granted to accommodate the public holiday for Pahela Baishakh (the Bengali New Year) and to ...
en.samakal.com/bangladesh/170848628/nbr-extends-vat-return-submission-deadline
NBR extends VAT return submission deadline
Fuel Prices: These Relief Measures Are Planned: The coalition has agreed: The energy tax is to be reduced. What other relief measures are planned for citizens ...
br.de/nachrichten/deutschland-welt/spritpreise-diese-entlastungen-sind-geplant,VGf68su
Fuel Prices: These Relief Measures Are Planned
High prices: Zero VAT on basic foodstuffs?: Rising inflation is fueling the debate over tax relief. The SPD’s economic wing wants to eliminate VAT on basic ...
zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/mehrwertsteuer-senkung-debatte-lebensmittel-100.html
High prices: Zero VAT on basic foodstuffs?
In Polen gelten seit heute Preisobergrenzen für Benzin und Diesel, die täglich von der Regierung festgelegt werden. Nach Angaben des Energieministeriums darf ... Show more
Relief for households – Merz does not rule out changes to the value-added tax: The Chancellor emphasizes the major goal of providing financial relief to private ...
stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.entlastungen-fuer-haushalte-merz-schliesst-aenderungen-bei-mehrwertsteuer-nicht-aus.0200f55e-85b7-41e4-9204-8fc73e56f495.html
Relief for households – Merz does not rule out changes to the value-added ...
Key FactsMerz Considers Flexible VAT Adjustments to Ease Burdens
Mar 25, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stuttgarter-nachrichten.de
  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlights the goal of easing financial strain on employees and companies through tax and social contribution relief.

  • He expresses openness to possible changes in VAT as part of planned relief efforts.

  • Merz clarifies that no VAT increase is intended but does not rule out lowering the reduced rate for food items.

  • Efforts to identify relief measures continue amid coalition discussions and political inquiries.
  • For example, it would also be conceivable to significantly reduce the reduced VAT rate on food to relieve households with very low incomes.
    — Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany, during the government question time in the Bundestag
DGB leader calls for: 0% VAT on food: What’s next for VAT in Germany? This has been under discussion for days—now a proposal has come from the German Trade Union ...
infranken.de/deutschland/dgb-chefin-fordert-mehrwertsteuer-fuer-lebensmittel-auf-0-prozent-art-6335800
DGB leader calls for: 0% VAT on food
European Union warns Spain against illegal fuel tax cut: The EU Commission opposes Madrid's plan to reduce VAT on fuels. Brussels sees this as a violation of ...
de.euronews.com/business/2026/04/08/europaische-union-warnt-spanien-spritsteuer
European Union warns Spain against illegal fuel tax cut
Cheaper train tickets? New proposals to relieve the burden on citizens: How can citizens be relieved of the burden of high fuel prices? The railway union EVG ...
tagesschau.de/inland/energiepreise-spritpreise-mehrwersteuer-100.html
Cheaper train tickets? New proposals to relieve the burden on citizens
Consumer prices – SPD economic wing recommends eliminating VAT on healthy foods: In light of high prices, the SPD’s economic wing, the Seeheimer Kreis ...
deutschlandfunk.de/spd-wirtschaftsfluegel-empfiehlt-streichung-der-mehrwertsteuer-auf-gesunde-lebensmittel-100.html
Consumer prices – SPD economic wing recommends eliminating VAT on healthy ...
Minister-President Schwesig calls for lower taxes on food and gasoline: Expensive refueling and shopping: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister-President ...
welt.de/politik/deutschland/article69c964d0f040865978f26b64/ministerpraesidentin-schwesig-fordert-niedrigere-steuern-auf-lebensmittel-und-benzin.html
Minister-President Schwesig calls for lower taxes on food and gasoline
Key FactsSchwesig Proposes Tax Cuts on Food and Fuel
Mar 29, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
  • Manuela Schwesig advocates lowering VAT on food without compensating tax increases elsewhere.

  • She also calls for reductions in gasoline and diesel prices, alongside a windfall tax on oil companies.

  • Rising costs burden low- and middle-income earners, craftsmen, healthcare workers, and commuters alike.

  • The government must act swiftly to stabilize the economy and protect jobs amid the Iran conflict's impact.
  • It has to happen immediately. Fuel prices must come down now.
    — Manuela Schwesig, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (SPD), on ARD's Bericht aus Berlin: calling for immediate consumer relief and lower fuel prices.
Petrol & Diesel: Expert explains why the fuel price package won't make refueling cheaper
capital.de/wirtschaft-politik/benzin---diesel--experte-sagt--warum-spritpreispaket-tanken-nicht-guenstiger-macht-37257870.html
Petrol & Diesel: Expert explains why the fuel price package won't make ...
Nearly 3,000 businesses affected: More restaurant bankruptcies than at any time since 2011
n-tv.de/wirtschaft/So-viele-Pleiten-in-der-Gastronomie-wie-seit-2011-nicht-id30489283.html
Nearly 3,000 businesses affected: More restaurant bankruptcies than at any ...
Economist: Higher VAT Would Make Sense: Making consumption more expensive and labor cheaper—that’s what the federal government is considering ...
schwaebische.de/politik/wirtschaftsexperte-hoehere-mehrwertsteuer-waere-sinnvoll-4468172
Economist: Higher VAT Would Make Sense
Key FactsValue-Added Tax Hike Proposed to Shift Wealth Burden
Mar 28, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: schwaebische.de
  • Moritz Schularick advocates increasing VAT as a form of hidden wealth tax under certain conditions.

  • He proposes raising VAT in tandem with lowering income taxes and social security contributions.

  • The plan would mainly affect older individuals with substantial assets while benefiting younger employees.

  • The government is currently evaluating this tax shift to fund relief measures for workers and businesses.
  • "We are a country that massively redistributes from young to old. We burden the young in order to give it to the old."— Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for World Economy, in Politico's Berlin Playbook podcast.
WATCH: President Marcos said proposals to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law and remove the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel are being studied ... Show more
Kiel Institute for the World Economy: Top economist advocates for higher VAT – under one condition
spiegel.de/wirtschaft/ifw-moritz-schularick-befuerwortet-hoehere-mehrwertsteuer-bei-entlastung-von-arbeit-a-76f4a856-7cdd-4c83-828f-c177b81e92a0
Kiel Institute for the World Economy: Top economist advocates for higher ...
Report: Coalition may raise VAT and lower social security contributions: The CDU/CSU and SPD are reportedly working on a package to raise the value-added tax ...
berliner-zeitung.de/news/bericht-bundesregierung-erwaegt-erhoehung-der-mehrwertsteuer-li.10026577
Report: Coalition may raise VAT and lower social security contributions