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Sales and use tax updates

1. Florida

Florida launches four-month Sales Tax Holiday for Hunting, Fishing, and Camping supplies

Effective September 1 through December 31, 2026, Florida will implement a sales tax holiday targeting retail sales of specified hunting, fishing, and camping supplies. During this designated period, qualifying items will be exempt from tax, subject to established price thresholds and category definitions. Detailed guidance on eligible merchandise can be accessed here.

2. Illinois

Illinois implements ten-day reduced Sales Tax rate for Back-to-School essentials

The State of Illinois has introduced a sales tax holiday from August 7 to August 16, 2026, during which the state portion of the sales tax on qualifying items is reduced from 6.25% to 1.25%. The 5% reduction applies to the following categories:

  • Clothing and footwear with retail selling price of less than $125 per-item 

  • Designated school supplies used by students in the course of study, which are exempt regardless of price

3. Indiana

Lagro introduces Food and Beverage Tax; State suspends Gasoline Use Tax temporarily

Effective September 1, 2026, Lagro has adopted a 1% Food and Beverage (FAB) tax on prepared meals and service. This levy encompasses heated food, items with mixed ingredients, and sales involving provided utensils.

Indiana extended suspension of Gas Use Tax 

The state has extended suspension of the collection of Gas Use Tax from April 8 through August 6, 2026. Retailers are advised not to collect this tax during the suspension window.

4. Louisiana

Louisiana announces dates for annual Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday:

The annual Louisiana Second Amendment Weekend Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled for September 4–6, 2026. During this three-day period, purchases of qualifying firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies are exempt from state and local sales tax. The official legal guidelines and eligible item descriptions can be reviewed via the official release.

5. Maryland

Maryland confirms dates for Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week in August 2026

Maryland will hold its annual Tax-Free Week from August 9 through August 15, 2026. Qualifying footwear and apparel priced at $100 or less per item will be exempt from state sales tax during this period. Additionally, the first $40 of a backpack or bookbag purchase is tax-free, though other accessories remain taxable. Further details are provided in the comptroller’s FAQ here.

6. Mississippi

Starkville expands Lodging Tax scope; State schedules Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday

Starting August 1, 2026, Starkville will apply its 2% Hotel/Motel Tax to all rental units, removing the previous six-unit minimum threshold. This tax is slated for repeal on July 1, 2027.

Mississippi confirms Second Amendment Sales Tax holiday 

Mississippi’s Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday will occur from August 28 to August 30, 2026, granting exemptions for firearms, ammunition, hunting supplies, and firearm safes.

7. Missouri

Missouri sets thresholds for August 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

Missouri’s sales tax holiday runs from August 7 through August 9, 2026, offering state and local tax exemptions on specific consumer purchases. Business purchases are excluded from this relief. Qualifying categories and their respective price caps include:

  • Clothing – any article having a taxable value of $100 or less

  • School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase

  • Computer software – taxable value of $350 or less

  • Personal computers – not to exceed $1,500

  • Computer peripheral devices – not to exceed $1,500

  • Graphing calculators - not to exceed $150

8. New Jersey

New Jersey updates Municipal Occupancy Tax list for multiple jurisdictions

The state has issued updates to its occupancy tax schedule, effective August 1, 2026. Key changes include a new 3% lodging tax in Frankford Township and a matching 3% tax in Leonia Borough. Additionally, Hopatcong Borough has extended its existing 3% hotel/motel tax to encompass short-term rental accommodations.

9. Oklahoma

Oklahoma schedules three-day Sales Tax Holiday for clothing in August 2026
Oklahoma will implement a sales tax holiday from 12:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026. During this three-day event, apparel items with a sales price of less than $100 will be exempt from sales tax state-wide. The official informational infographic can be found here.

10. Ohio

Ohio maintains standard Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday; cancels expanded 2026 version

Despite the cancellation of the expanded holiday via House Bill 186, Ohio will still conduct its standard three-day sales tax holiday from August 7 to August 9, 2026. Exemptions apply to clothing ($75 or less), school supplies ($20 or less), and school instructional materials ($20 or less).

11. South Carolina

South Carolina prepares for annual Tax-Free Weekend in August 2026

The state’s annual sales tax holiday is scheduled for August 7–9, 2026. This weekend provides an exemption from the 6% state sales tax and local taxes for various goods, including electronics, backpacks, and apparel. The relief applies to both in-store and online purchases but excludes business-use items and layaway plans.

12. Texas

Texas schedules annual Sales Tax Holiday for student and apparel purchases

Texas will conduct its sales tax holiday from August 7 through August 9, 2026. Qualifying clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100 per item are exempt from sales tax during this period. The exemption extends to both local retailers and online sellers registered in Texas. Detailed guides for clothing and school supplies are provided by the Comptroller.

VAT updates

1. France

France abolishes domestic small parcel tax effective 1 July 2026

The French Customs Authority (DGDDI) has announced that France’s national Small Parcel Tax (Taxe sur les petits colis - TPC) of €2 per item on low-value imports (under €150) will be repealed effective 1 July 2026. Having entered into force on 1 March 2026, the temporary national levy is being phased out to align with the implementation of the European Union’s flat €3 custom duty per item on low-value goods imported via the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) and postal channels.

As a result of this repeal, businesses can no longer report transactions under the Small Parcel Tax Annex in Box 4340 for operations starting 1 July 2026. Furthermore, because the new €3 EU duty is a universal import duty rather than a France-specific national tax, it will not be declared in the former TPC annex box, requiring businesses to update their IOSS and customs declaration workflows accordingly.

2. Latvia

Latvia launches One-Year Reduced 12% VAT rate on essential foods Starting July 2026
Latvia has officially launched a one-year reduced 12% value-added tax (VAT) rate on four essential food staples: bread, milk, poultry and eggs, effective from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

Designed to lower household grocery costs and curb inflation, the 12% rate replaces the standard 21% rate across four core categories: all types of bread, milk (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk (including lactose-free), fresh, chilled or minced poultry meat (if the salt content does not exceed 1%), as well as uncooked poultry eggs in their shells.

3. Portugal

Portugal updates periodic VAT return and Annexes for VAT grouping and housing regularizations

Portugal’s Ministry of Finance published Portaria n.º 298/2026/1 on 16 July 2026 (Diário da República, N.º 136/2026), amending Portaria n.º 221/2017 to officially update the forms and filling instructions for the Periodic VAT Return (Declaração Periódica do IVA), Annex R, and the Field 40/41 Adjustment Annexes.

New dedicated fields in the adjustment annexes allow real estate developers to reconcile the VAT differential arising between the standard and reduced rates when properties are bought, built, or sold under state affordable housing parameters.affordable-housing operations.

Provisions concerning VAT Grouping options and Housing Package (Verba 2.42) regularizations take effect for tax periods starting on or after 1 July 2026, while general provisions - such as the breakdown of deductions by rate, expanded Quadros 06B - 06D, and e-Taxfree rules - will apply to tax periods starting on or after 1 July 2027.

4. Vietnam

Vietnam extends temporary VAT relief measures for petroleum products until September 30, 2026

Under Resolution No. 34/2026/NQ-CP (effective 1 July 2026), the Government of Vietnam has extended its temporary tax relief package for gasoline, petroleum products, raw production inputs, and aviation fuel through 30 September 2026.

The decision prolongs existing VAT relief measures, zero-rate environmental protection taxes, and preferential MFN import duty rates, aiming to stabilize domestic fuel prices, curb inflation, and relieve cost pressures on businesses and consumers. A full resolution copy can be referred to here.

5. Kenya

Kenya extends reduced 8% VAT rate on petroleum products until October 14, 2026

Under Legal Notice No. 128 of 2026 (The Value Added Tax (Amendment of Rate of Tax) Order, 2026), issued by the National Treasury under Section 6(1) of the VAT Act, the Government of Kenya has extended the temporary reduction of the VAT rate on specified petroleum products from 16% to 8%.

Effective from 15 July 2026 through 14 October 2026, the reduced 8% rate applies to motor spirit (gasoline) premium (tariff 2710.12.20), Illuminating kerosene (tariff 2710.19.22), and automotive gas oil (tariff 2710.19.31). This three-month extension aims to cushion households, public transport operators, and businesses from rising cost-of-living pressures driven by global oil market volatility.

6. Zambia

Zambia extends temporary VAT Zero-Rating on petrol and diesel until September 30, 2026

The Government of Zambia has announced the extension of the temporary zero-rating of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel for a further 90 days, from July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026. The extension was implemented through Statutory Instrument No. 61 of 2026 – The Value Added Tax (Zero-Rating) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order, 2026, and forms part of the Government's continued efforts to stabilize fuel prices and mitigate the impact of global oil market volatility. 

Under the measure, supplies of petrol and diesel will continue to qualify for a 0% VAT rate until September 30, 2026.

The Government stated that the extension is intended to protect livelihoods, support economic activity, maintain stable pump prices, and enhance energy security amid continued geopolitical tensions affecting global fuel supply chains.

E-invoicing and live reporting updates

1. Belgium

Belgium's Federal Public Service (FPS) Finance to assume role of National Peppol Authority from 2027

The Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) Finance will replace FPS BOSA as the Belgian Peppol Authority from 2027, ending BOSA's long-standing tenure.  The transfer is driven by Belgium's expansion of its digital tax framework to encompass e-reporting and Continuous Transaction Controls (CTC). 

The transition is intended to streamline governance, clarify responsibilities, and establish FPS Finance as the single point of contact for e-invoicing and e-reporting matters. Businesses operating in Belgium should monitor forthcoming implementation guidance and assess any impacts on their Peppol service arrangements.

2. Malaysia

Malaysia launches Special Voluntary Declaration Program for e-invoice compliance

Malaysia's Inland Revenue Board (HASiL) has introduced the Special Voluntary Declaration Program (PKPS) for e-invoice compliance, available through December 31, 2027. The initiative enables taxpayers, particularly MSMEs, to voluntarily correct e-invoice omissions, errors, and non-compliant submissions without penalties.

The program applies to taxpayers already subject to mandatory e-invoicing and is intended to facilitate compliance during the transition period. Businesses should use the program to review historical submissions, address compliance gaps, and ensure alignment with Malaysian e-invoicing requirements.

3. Slovakia

Slovakia's national e-invoicing model receives recognition from the European Commission and OpenPeppol

Slovakia's Financial Administration has announced that its national e-invoicing and e-reporting framework has been formally recognized by both the European Commission and OpenPeppol. The recognition highlights Slovakia's readiness for mandatory e-invoicing and its alignment with broader European digital tax initiatives, including ViDA framework.

Businesses with Slovak entities should confirm accounting and business software readiness for the January 2027 go-live, select a Digital Postman, and commence voluntary onboarding to reduce implementation risk.

4. Serbia

Serbia introduces mandatory registration in the Central Registry of Invoices

Serbia has commenced mandatory registration of qualifying electronic invoices in the Central Registry of Invoices (CRF) effective July 1, 2026. The requirement applies to electronic invoices issued through the System of Electronic Invoices (SEF) where public sector entities are recipients.

The CRF is designed to support invoice monitoring and payment tracking across public-sector transactions. Businesses invoicing Serbian public entities should review their SEF processes and ensure compliance with the new registration requirements.

5. France

France issues practical guidance ahead of September 2026 e-invoicing rollout

France's tax authority (DGFiP) has published practical implementation guidance for the September 2026 e-invoicing and e-reporting launch. While the implementation timeline remains unchanged, businesses demonstrating active efforts toward compliance will not be subject to automatic penalties during the initial rollout phase.

The guidance outlines expected approaches for managing implementation issues and reinforces the importance of maintaining documented evidence of compliance efforts. Large and intermediate-sized businesses should finalize onboarding, platform connectivity, and operational readiness before go-live.

6. United Arab Emirates

UAE launches pilot phase of electronic invoicing framework

The UAE Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority have launched the pilot phase of the country's Electronic Invoicing System under the 5-Corner Model. The initiative brings together businesses and Accredited Service Providers to test technical integration and validate operational readiness ahead of broader implementation.

The pilot represents a key milestone in the UAE's e-invoicing roadmap. Businesses expected to fall within scope should begin onboarding activities, select an accredited service provider, and prepare for future compliance obligations.

Cross border tariff updates

1. New Zealand

Update 1

New Zealand's Working Tariff Document has been updated with revised excise and excise-equivalent duty rates for alcoholic beverages, effective 1 July 2026. Rates rise across all alcohol strength bands for instance, products between 2.5%–6% volume now attract $38.999 per litre of alcohol, while those above 23% volume rise to $71.034 per litre of alcohol, with corresponding increases across the other bands.

Click here for official release

Update 2

New Zealand Customs has reduced the Petroleum or Engine Fuel Monitoring Levy (PEFML) from 1 July 2026, cutting the rate to 0.57 cents per litre, down from the previous 0.69 cents per litre. The levy applies to fuel classified as motor spirit, diesel, biodiesel, or ethyl alcohol under the Excise and Excise-equivalent Duties Table, and applies to fuel removed from a licensed manufacturing area or imported after midnight on 30 June 2026.

Click here for official release

2. European Union

Update 1

The European Union has published a customs tariff update effective 1 July 2026, introducing new tariff lines across multiple chapters (fats and oils, chemicals, plastics, textiles, articles of stone, cement and mica, glass, iron and steel, copper, other base metals, machinery, electrical equipment, vehicles, furniture, and works of art) with corresponding MFN and Preferential customs duty rates assigned to the newly created codes.

Click here for official release

Update 2

Also, EU-US Free Trade Agreement enters into force from 1st July 2026, allowing preferential tariff rates on EU-US trade, with reduced tariff rates applicable to qualifying goods traded between the European Union and United states.

Click here for official release

Update 3

From 1 July 2026, the EU charges a temporary flat €3 customs duty per item (not per parcel) on consignments  valued up to €150 imported from non-EU sellers, separate from VAT. Applies until 1 July 2028, when the duty-free threshold will be fully abolished. Refer to the press release here.

Click here for official release

3. United Kingdom

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement enters into force from 15th July 2026, allowing preferential tariff rates on UK-India trade, with reduced tariff rates applicable to qualifying goods traded between the United Kingdom and India.

Click here for official release

4. Switzerland

Switzerland's Federal Office for Customs and Border Security has published a customs tariff update effective 1 July 2026. The update introduces new HS tariff lines for edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers, and edible fruit and nuts, with corresponding MFN customs duty rates assigned to the newly created tariff codes.

Click here for official release

5. Lichenstein

Liechtenstein has implemented a customs tariff update effective 1 July 2026 . The update introduces new HS tariff lines for edible vegetables, certain roots and tubers, and edible fruit and nuts, with corresponding MFN customs duty rates assigned to the newly created tariff codes.

Click here for official release

6. The United States

Update 1

The United States customs department has published half yearly (Revision 11) Schedule A tariff updates for special classification provisions, effective from 1st July, 2026.

Click here for official release

Update 2

Automated Export System has been updated for Schedule B Tariff HS Codes, with noted July changes in Chemicals, Plastic, machinery and mechanical appliances effective from 1st July, 2026

Click here for official release

Update 3

The United States has applied an additional 25% duty on Brazilian imports (with specified exemptions), effective for entries on or after 12:01 a.m. ET, July 22, 2026. 

Click here for official release

Update 4

Patented pharmaceuticals and related ingredients face a baseline 100% ad valorem duty (15% for EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland/Liechtenstein; 10% for the UK, pending future agreement terms), effective 12:01 a.m. EDT, July 31, 2026 for specified companies and September 29, 2026 for others. 

Click here for official release

Update 5

Starting August 19, 2026, the U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on select Canadian goods in response to dairy trade discrimination. The action counters Canadian quota rules for cheeses that disfavor U.S. producers compared to EU competitors. 

Click here for official release

Update 6

To counter Canadian trade restrictions on U.S. motor vehicles, the United States President issued a proclamation imposing a 50% duty on selected Canadian products. The new tariff will take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on August 19, 2026, to offset market disadvantages. 

Click here for official release

Update 7

Effective August 19, 2026, the U.S. will impose a 50% additional ad valorem duty on select Canadian imports. The proclamation was issued on July 20, 2026, to offset Canadian provinces' bans and restrictions on U.S. alcoholic beverages.

Click here for official release

Update 8

The U.S. directed the imposition of 10% and 12.5% Section 301 Forced Labor tariffs on goods from 60 Countries for failing to enforce prohibitions on forced labor imports which is effective from 24th July 2026.

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Update 9

The United States and Jordan finalized an accord on 21st July 2026, expanding upon the framework of the year 2000 U.S.–Jordan Free Trade Agreement. This regulatory enhancement seeks to bolster reciprocal commercial ties by tackling diverse trade impediments, reinforcing intellectual property protections, and defining parameters for electronic commerce, environmental sustainability, workforce regulations, and strategic economic security.

Click here for official release

Update 10

The United States customs department has published half yearly (Revision 12) Schedule A tariff updates for special classification provisions, effective from 21st July, 2026.

Click here for official release

7. Brazil

Brazil has made some new updates into its MFN tariff schedule, effective July 24, 2026. This update is impacting import duty rates across agricultural, non-agricultural, and industrial products.

Click here for official release

8. India

India had signed an agreement with the United Kingdom under India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The agreement was signed in 2025 but was to come into effect from 15th July 2026.

Click here for official release

9. Turkey

Turkey's Import Regime Decision has published a customs tariff update effective 11th July 2026. The update introduces new sub headings for products from chemical and related industries, plastic & rubber articles, paper & paperboards, base metal articles & nuclear reactors with corresponding MFN customs duty rates assigned to newly created tariff codes.

Click here for official release

10. Eurasian Economic Union

The Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission has extended duty-free treatment on key fuel imports across the bloc. Effective July 11, 2026 a 0% import customs duty applied to motor gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, marine fuel, and other gasoils imported into the Eurasian Economic Union. This extends a previous zero-rate regime that lapsed June 30, 2026. The decision takes effect 10 days after official publication and applies retroactively from July 1, 2026.

Click here for official release