- The CJEU addressed whether the sale of ‘Gold’ in the game ‘Runescape’ is exempt from VAT under Article 135(1)(e) of the VAT Directive.
- Žaidimų valiuta (ZV) bought and resold in-game ‘Gold’, generating significant income and exceeding the VAT registration threshold.
- ZV failed to pay VAT and was ordered to pay VAT, interest, and a penalty.
- ZV argued that in-game ‘Gold’ is either a virtual currency (exempt from VAT) or a multi-purpose voucher (not subject to VAT).
- The tax authority disagreed, stating that trading in-game ‘Gold’ is an economic service, not virtual currency or a financial service, and is subject to VAT.
Source: ey.com
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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