For companies expanding internationally, understanding how Value-Added Tax (VAT) works in different countries is not just helpful—it’s essential. The global VAT landscape can feel overwhelming at first glance, with each country applying its own rules, rates, and procedures. However, grasping the basics of these systems is crucial to keeping your business compliant and avoiding unexpected tax liabilities. 

Taking your business global can unlock incredible opportunities—but before you make your first sale abroad, there’s one crucial step you can’t overlook: securing the correct tax identification numbers (TINs) and VAT numbers. 

Without the right tax IDs, your business could face penalties, delayed shipments, or even blocked payments. Whether you’re launching an e-commerce store, offering SaaS services, or entering new markets through partnerships, understanding how to obtain these tax IDs is fundamental to staying compliant and operating smoothly.

In today’s highly interconnected global economy, expanding your business beyond borders opens up exciting opportunities—but it also introduces layers of complexity, particularly when it comes to tax compliance. 

As of July 1, 2025, several U.S. states have officially implemented significant tax changes, primarily targeting excise and sales taxes, alongside some adjustments to income and property taxes. These updates reflect a combination of statutory revisions, inflation-related adjustments, and new policies aimed at addressing evolving fiscal needs and emerging industries.

In a significant development for digital taxation policy in the United States, the State of Maryland will implement a 3% sales and use tax on digital services beginning July 1, 2025, under the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (HB 352). 

India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST), introduced on July 1, 2017, is a destination-based, value-added tax system that replaced multiple indirect taxes like excise duty, VAT, and service tax. Its purpose is to simplify taxation and remove cascading effects. Governed by the GST Council (comprising the Union Finance Minister and State Finance Ministers), GST regulations are frequently updated to reflect economic conditions and administrative improvements. 

As part of a broader global trend, Indonesia is tightening its enforcement of Goods and Services Tax (GST) obligations for foreign digital service providers. Beginning in 2025, the country will reaffirm the application of an 11% GST on all nonresident business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) digital sales exceeding an annual threshold of IDR 600 million (approximately USD 40,000). 

Vietnam has entered 2025 with a decisive shift in its tax administration, enacting significant reforms to its value-added tax (VAT) and transfer pricing regulations. These updates, driven by both domestic fiscal needs and global regulatory expectations, reflect a move toward stricter enforcement, enhanced transparency, and alignment with international standards. The new rules for multinational enterprises, digital service providers, and local exporters mark a critical juncture in Vietnam’s tax landscape. 

In today’s complex global trading environment, businesses must navigate a landscape shaped by evolving tax regulations, international agreements, and technological advancements. Among the most crucial but often overlooked areas of compliance is the De Minimis Value threshold, particularly in the UK. Understanding this rule can significantly influence the financial outcomes of cross-border trade, impacting everything from VAT collection to customer satisfaction. 

If you’re an Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) seller, understanding your responsibilities around U.S. sales tax is more important than ever. Many sellers assume that because Amazon collects and remits sales tax, they’re fully covered. But in reality, your compliance obligations may go beyond collection — and failing to meet them could put your business at risk. 

Since the landmark South Dakota v. Wayfair decision in 2018, states have expanded their sales tax laws to require remote sellers to collect and remit sales tax even without a physical presence. Instead, economic nexus laws establish tax obligations based on a seller’s total sales revenue or transaction volume within a state. you can find out nexus threshold details for every state by checking our U.S. Sales and Use Tax Guide page.  

The Council of the European Union has officially approved the ViDA (VAT in the Digital Age) reform package, marking a significant milestone in modernizing VAT regulations across the EU. This reform follows endorsements from the European Parliament (February 2025) and ECOFIN Finance Ministers (November 2024), laying the foundation for a streamlined, digital-first VAT system.