Amazon has confirmed it will cut the price of its Kindle ebooks from Friday, after the government announced it would bring forward plans to stop charging VAT on online publications because of the pandemic.
The decision to remove the 20% VAT charged on online news subscriptions and books will bring them in line with their physical equivalents, which have always been zero-rated.
One wonders what took them so long. And why there was ever an imposition on these in the first place.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people across the UK to get hold of the books they want whilst they are staying at home and saving lives,” said the chancellor, Rishi Sunak.
But every silver lining has a cloud, doesn't it?
The parent company of the Guardian welcomed the move and said any extra money would go towards supporting the Guardian as it becomes increasingly reliant on direct financial support from readers.
Proving that even if you're bored witless during lockdown, there's some things you just won't read!
6 comments:
It's worth noting that papers like the Express have not reduced their e version subscription rates either. Greed and rip off are alive and well in UK.
I find there's nothing worth reading behind paywalls - news will emerge eventually on free sites.
As the Grauniad stumbles from one bonkers article to another, it's only purpose now is lining the cat's litter tray (& there's cheaper stuff for that).
Could it just have been because of an EU law? Doesn't need an answer!
Ed, I'd show my cat's shit more respect than to contaminate it with the Grauniad.
VAT on eBooks is an EU ruling.
Likewise on sanitary products.
Therefore, until 31st Dec 2020, the UK is obliged to charge VAT on these products, regardless of the opinions of thw UK voters or the Government.
The VAT on sanitary products was an argument in the Brexit campaign, with the Boris lot stating early on it would be abolished just as soon as legally possible.
Lots of remainers attacked the Gov for imposing this VAT: the doublethink was priceless.
That they have brought forward the removal of VAT on one of these, eBooks, is excellent news, because this is giving one finger to the EU and their VAT setting power. Unless they have been given an unofficial (and illegal) approval, then it's inflamatory. Excellent.
Hopefully it shows the exit deal negotiators have finally grown a pair.
"I find there's nothing worth reading behind paywalls - news will emerge eventually on free sites."
A dying industry, indeed.
"That they have brought forward the removal of VAT on one of these, eBooks, is excellent news, because this is giving one finger to the EU..."
Yes indeed!
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