MAGAZINES IRELAND URGES IRISH GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT ZERO VAT ON MAGAZINES

Press Release 11 July 2018

Magazines Ireland calls on the Irish Government to urge the European Commission to reach an agreement on VAT rates applied to printed and digital magazines.                                                                                                                     

In its pre-budget submission, the association is calling on Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohue to support a zero VAT rate on magazines. 

Ciaran Casey, Chairman, Magazines Ireland said “Magazines Ireland supports the Commission’s Proposal, released on 11 January 2018, amending Directive 2006/112 as regards rates of value added tax. The Proposal aims at replacing the current transitional regime into a harmonized system where all Member States would be granted equal freedom in setting VAT rates”.

“We believe that Irish magazines, both print and digital, should be zero rated. UK publishers operating in a VAT free environment have significant advantages over indigenous Irish publishers. Other European countries such as Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and France also enjoy zero or super-reduced rates”, continued Casey.                                                                                                                                       

Grace Aungier, CEO, Magazines Ireland said “Magazines have an important role to play in educating and informing its audiences on a whole range of issues and in contributing to higher literacy levels in society. Ireland needs to maintain the indigenous character of Irish magazines and their role within our overall societal and cultural identity. A zero VAT rate on magazines would contribute to the wider availability of quality content which is vital for media diversity, literacy and for the personal development of all citizens”.

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Magazines Ireland is the association of Irish magazine publishers and represents 39 Irish publishers who together produce over 185 magazine brands, both consumer and business to business titles in print and digital.                                                                                                                                        CONTACT: Grace Aungier, Magazines Ireland, Tel  01 667 55 79 grace@magazinesireland.ie