In preparation for the mandatory introduction of electronic invoices from 2026 or 2027, there is growing interest in Latvia both in the role of e-invoice operators and in the corresponding legal framework in the Republic of Latvia (RoL). Although the legal framework is still inconsistent, companies need to be able to assess service providers’ offerings and technical compliance today to prepare for the changes in time. This article deals with issues related to e-invoice operators in the RoL and selecting a suitable cooperation partner.

The payment of stamp duty is an unavoidable part of the process, if not a mandatory prerequisite for the initiation of proceedings. The amount of the duties is regulated by the Civil Procedure Law (hereinafter – “CPL”) and depends on the amount of the claim. Often, the amount of stamp duty has deterred potential claimants from filing a lawsuit. In addition, legal entities were previously not allowed to apply to the court for a reduction or deferral of the payment of stamp duty, which meant, for example, that a company in financial difficulties could not adequately defend its rights in court.

The amendments, which came into force on 1 April 2025, were aimed at implementing several rulings of the Constitutional Court. They mainly concern the calculation and determination of stamp duties and grant private legal entities the right to apply for exemption from court costs and bail and deferral of court cost payments. This article focuses more on the changes related to the determination and payment of stamp duties. These changes have significantly changed and clarified both the amount of the fees and the calculation procedure. Almost nothing remains of the previous provisions on the amount of fees and the calculation procedure, which were contained in section 34 of the previous CPL.

SAFE (Security Action for Europe) is a European Union financial instrument established to provide financial assistance to Member States, enabling them to undertake urgent and substantial public investments in support of the European defence industry. It forms part of the EU’s broader response to the markedly deteriorated security environment in Europe and is designed to reinforce the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). SAFE aims to promote joint procurement, boost defence production capacity, and reduce strategic dependencies on external suppliers. It will make available up to EUR 150 billion in low-cost, long-term loans, aligned with Member States’ national defence investment plans.

The instrument entered into force on 29 May 2025, and includes a provision for value added tax (VAT) exemptions on contracts concluded under its framework. Read more in this article.

On 21 May 2025, the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM) published an information report entitled “On the progress of the introduction of structured electronic invoicing”. The report proposes to postpone the mandatory introduction of electronic invoicing in business-to-business (B2B) transactions from 1 January 2026 to 1 January 2027, while allowing voluntary use from March 2026. These changes are justified by several critical factors, including technical readiness, a lack of digital skills and insufficient preparation time.

The European Union is about to embark on one of the most significant modernisations of the value-added tax (VAT) system since the introduction of the VAT Directive. The driving force behind these changes is the “VAT in the Digital Age” (ViDA) legislative package, which will have a profound impact on the business environment across the EU. In response to this crucial legislative phase, the EU VAT Committee convened an extraordinary 126^th meeting on 21 March 2025 to provide clarification and guidance to Member States on the practical implementation of the planned reforms, particularly regarding e-invoicing and digital reporting.

It is important for finance professionals — accountants, finance directors and company directors — to understand the conclusions of this meeting and their implications for the regulatory framework. This article provides a detailed analysis of the key legal aspects, the policy directions and the necessary actions that businesses need to take to ensure compliance and maintain their competitiveness.

Good things are worth waiting for. This could be said about the new amendments to Latvian transfer pricing regulations, which this time are especially favourable for taxpayers (hereinafter – “TP”). Changes have come into force that allow local transfer pricing documentation to be prepared in English. This article covers the new changes, the details of their application and possible challenges.