Denmark stops raising VAT on books in the hope of getting more people reading. The Scandinavian country currently has one of the highest VAT levies on books in the world.
Danes are currently paying no less than 25 percent VAT on their books. The government now thinks that this high tax contributes to the “reading crisis” in the country, reports The Guardian .
The Danish Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, therefore announced on Wednesday that the government is abolishing the VAT levy. The measure will cost the Danish treasury 330 million crowns annually (44 million euros).
“I am incredibly proud,” says Engel-Schmidt to the Danish news agency Ritzau . “It does not happen every day that a minister manages to convince colleagues that so much money must be invested in culture for the Danes.”
Just like Denmark, other Scandinavian countries are known for its high VAT rate of 25 percent. But it does not apply to books in Finland (14 percent), Sweden (6 percent) and Norway (0 percent).
Sweden reduced the VAT rate for books in 2001, which led to an increase in sale. But research showed that especially people who already read those extra books.
Denmark is stopping the Levypying of Vat on Books in the hope of getting more people to read. The Scandinavian Country Currently Has One of the Highest Vat Levies on Books in the World.
Danes Currently Pay As Much As 25 Percent Vat On Their Books. The Government Now Things That This High Tax Contributes to the “Reading Crisis” in the Country, Reports The Guardian .
The Danish Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, Therefore Announced on Wednesday That The Government is Abolishing the Vat Levy. The Measure is Expected to Cost the Danish Treasury 330 Million Kroner (44 Million Euros) Annually.
“I am Incredible Proud,” Engel-Schmidt Told the Danish Press Agency Ritzau . “It does not happen every day that a minister manages to convince save guards that so much money shouldy be invested in culture for the dance.”
Other Scandinavian Countries, Like Denmark, Are Known For Their High Vat Rate or 25 percent. But that does not Apply to Books in Finland (14 percent), Sweden (6 percent) and Norway (0 percent).
Sweden Lowered the Vat Rate for Books in 2001, which Led To An Increase in Sales. But Research Showed that eSpecany people who already read bought those extra books.