Loose end

VAT in the world ...?

Taxware a supplier of global tax calculation and compliance software has published a selection of its favourite VAT anomalies from around the world.

In Morocco the operation of Turkish-style baths and public showers are exempt from VAT but if you want to emerge clean as well as relaxed tax of 7% must be paid on all soap used. In Portugal the selection of pasta can prove to be taxing as spaghetti and penne incur only a 5% VAT rate whereas if you choose ravioli cannelloni or tortellini you will be slapped with a 19% VAT rate. In San Marino alternative medicine is catching on with the general public but this is not reflected in the country's VAT policy. While traditional drugs carry a small 2% VAT rate alternative medical treatments such as homeopathy for...