The proposal of Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) members of parliament Mustafa Karadayi, Yordan Tsonev and Delyan Peevski for a lower VAT of 9% for books and baby goods remains permanent. This is what Parliament decided on December 15 with the adoption of the second reading of changes to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act.
This way, the revolutionary measure, which was introduced 2 years ago to overcome some of the damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to families and businesses, becomes permanent. Until now, it was temporary and was about to expire at the end of 2022.
With the changes adopted, the 9% rate will continue to apply to the provision of food suitable for babies and young children, baby nappies and similar baby hygiene items. The MPs decided that the same tax percentage should also remain for the delivery of books - paper or electronic, as well as for printed periodicals - newspapers and magazines. The lower VAT on accommodation in hotels also remains in power.
The reduced VAT for children's goods was proposed by MRF MP Delyan Peevski in 2020 in times of looming global danger - the COVID-19 pandemic. Then he also offered a lower rate for the books. The amendment introduced by Peevski, the MRF chairman Mustafa Karadayi and the deputy chairman of the party Yordan Tsonev was approved by the then parliament and broadly represents a significant package of social measures.
"We have a duty to society to provide children - our future - with full conditions for upbringing and development, regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves", the supporters of the piece of legislation wrote at the time, pointing out that the reduction will not really harm the budget (only about 40 million leva less income), but it will have a serious social effect on families.
In essence, this measure is the only one that has remained unchanged in the two years since the start of the pandemic, and currently the only one that will remain constant, meaning it has proven itself over time.
