Magazines Ireland has called on the Irish Government to urge the European Commission to reach an agreement on VAT rates applied to printed and digital magazines.
In its pre-budget submission, the association is calling on Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohue to support a zero VAT rate on magazines.
“Magazines Ireland supports the Commission’s Proposal, released on 11 January 2018, amending Directive 2006/112 as regards rates of value-added tax," said Ciaran Casey, chairman, Magazines Ireland.
"The Proposal aims at replacing the current transitional regime into a harmonized system where all Member States would be granted equal freedom in setting VAT rates”.
Zero Rated
“We believe that Irish magazines, both print and digital, should be zero-rated. UK publishers operating in a VAT free environment have significant advantages over indigenous Irish publishers," continued Casey.
Casey also outlined that other European countries such as Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and France also enjoy zero or super-reduced rates.
“Magazines have an important role to play in educating and informing its audiences on a whole range of issues and in contributing to higher literacy levels in society," added Grace Aungier, CEO, Magazines Ireland.
"Ireland needs to maintain the indigenous character of Irish magazines and their role within our overall societal and cultural identity. A zero VAT rate on magazines would contribute to the wider availability of quality content which is vital for media diversity, literacy and for the personal development of all citizens”.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
