Many European countries have adopted a 0% VAT on ebooks, which means they are not taxed. The latest country to adopt this policy is the Czech Republic. As of January 1st, 2024, the VAT has been lowered from 10% to 0%. This was a calculated move because, in 2022, digital sales decreased by 3% and generated USD 359.5 million.
The Czech Booksellers’ and Publishers’ Association said on their homepage, “We believe that this enlightened step by legislators—we’re finally at the forefront this time in Europe—will ultimately lead to an increase in the quality of reading in the Czech Republic, the development of Czech book culture, and accessibility for readers.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
