Value-added tax

More than 16,500 projects worth a total of BGN 136 million have been submitted under the grant measure for small and medium-sized enterprises. Applications continue to be accepted.

We will keep the scheme open as long as there are funds. " This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev at an extraordinary briefing at the Council of Ministers.

Outdoor weddings are now allowed. This became clear after a meeting between Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the restaurant industry.

However, they will be able to be held only in compliance with all measures specified in the order of the Minister of Health Kiril Ananiev. 

It became clear earlier that the VAT on the catering and entertainment sector will become 9%. 

The government is edging closer to cutting the value-added tax on food service from 13% to 11%, but if this measure does come into effect it will only be temporary, lasting for the duration of the health crisis.

The Finance Ministry is planning to introduce targeted tax breaks in food service, transport and tourism, which will be gradually announced up to mid-June.

The Finance Ministry is considering measures to support property owners forced to contribute toward supporting enterprises and workers through the temporary reduction of their rents by 40 percent. Some of the measures may apply from this year.

Turkey has set a price limit of maximum 1 Turkish Lira ($0.14) -- including VAT -- for face masks, the country's Trade Ministry announced on May 7.

Starting on May 8, medical masks can be sold in markets, pharmacies, companies selling medical devices, and through e-trade platforms.

The tax discount incentive for enterprises suffering as a result of the coronavirus failed to prop up the state budget, which showed a decline in revenues of between 30 and 35 percent. However, as one Finance Ministry official points out, had the government not offered that discount, the revenue losses would have been much greater.

The government is assessing requests by food service professionals for a reduction in the value-added tax in the sector and for the VAT on face masks to be waived, Finance Minister Christos Staikouras told Skai TV on Friday.

The discount of 25 percent for professionals' future tax obligations will only be activated after the payment of their value-added tax dues for the first quarter of the year by April 30.

The European Commission will temporarily waive duties and VAT on imports of essential medical equipment to help fight the coronavirus.

"This will make it easier financially to get the medical equipment that doctors, nurses and patients desperately need.

The Commission has swiftly approved requests received from all Member States.