With its most recent referral to the ECJ, the German Federal Fiscal Court (decision of 02.08.2018 – V R 33/17) opens the discussion as to what extent VAT rate reductions are applicable beyond their wording, even if (only) comparable services are rendered. In this context, the Federal Fiscal Court refers to the principle of equal treatment pursuant to Art. 20 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. The future scope of the application of the reduced VAT rate could thus be significantly extended. Entrepreneurs should closely follow the further proceedings of the referral. In certain cases, it may now already be recommendable to examine the question of the applicability of a reduced VAT rate.
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