New VAT Classification for Online Event Services Under German Tax Law

• The German Federal Ministry of Finance issued new guidelines on August 8, 2025 regarding VAT treatment of online services, replacing previous guidelines from April 29, 2024
• The new regulation largely confirms existing legal interpretations but introduces significant changes in the area of combined services, moving away from previously rigid administrative positions
• The expansion of digital education, culture and health offerings online has created numerous new VAT questions in recent years
• Previously, pre-produced content like learning videos, apps and online learning platforms with minimal human involvement were not considered teaching but classified as automated electronic services
• The tax administration excluded such offerings from VAT exemption under Section 4 No. 21 of the VAT Act

Source: datenbank.nwb.de

Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.

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