The major ebook distribution retailers are notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to giving out specific information on their ebook and e-reader sales, but Amazon was recently forced to disclose some highly sensitive information to Parliament’s PAC, or Public Accounts Committee, alongside fellow giants Starbucks and Google over disputes about the amounts of taxes … [Read more...] about Amazon Discloses UK Sales Figures to Parliament
VAT
Amazon Contracts Call for Discount to Cover VAT
As most of the “Amazon Tax” battles have been resolved in the US, Amazon is facing criticism over its practices with publishers in Europe over VAT, or value added tax. VAT battles have waged over ebooks across Europe since the rise in popularity of digital reading, not just with Amazon but with ebooks in general. Some countries levy as much as a 20% tax on ebooks, declaring … [Read more...] about Amazon Contracts Call for Discount to Cover VAT
How Geography Affects Books in the Digital Age
Neelie Kroes for The Guardian UK posted a poignant and interesting opinion piece last week that asks some of the questions that rest in the back of most digital readers’ minds. Basically, readers want to know why we are still treating ebooks in much the same way as their computerized counterparts, and what are we to do about it? “In the United States, where ebooks are 31% of … [Read more...] about How Geography Affects Books in the Digital Age
Amazon Benefits from Higher VAT in the UK for eBooks
Parliament in the United Kingdom recently convened to discuss the issue of lowering the VAT on ebooks sold in the country. Many publishing companies wanted to lower the 20% extra people pay for their digital ebooks. A few days ago they again decided not to reduce the fee, which is a boon for Amazon. The Bookseller reports David Gauke, the UK’s exchequer secretary, said the UK … [Read more...] about Amazon Benefits from Higher VAT in the UK for eBooks