For the fourth consecutive year, the IPA and PricewaterhouseCoopers have carried out a global survey on the application of VAT on printed books and e-books.
The research covers 51 countries, gathering data on current national VAT rates for books and e-books. It reveals that much progress remains for countries to adopt a non-discriminatory, consistent tax regime for printed and e-books.
Among the key findings:
- Close to 50% of countries surveyed continue to apply the standard VAT rate to e-books.
- VAT rates for printed books are much lower in Latin America (1.94%) than in the EU (7.83%).
- All major publishing markets surveyed (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Argentina, Brazil) provide for reduced VAT rates or exemptions, at least for printed books.
- Argentina, Brazil and France are among the few countries to provide an equal, special VAT treatment for e-books.
- Denmark applies the highest VAT rate, a whopping 25% on both print and e-books.
You can access the full report here.
