Italy to lower VAT on e-books to 4%

(ANSA) - Rome, December 30 - Italy's value added tax (VAT) on e-books will decrease on January 1, from the current 22% to 4%, bringing the tax in line with the reduced tax on printed books despite the potential risk of violating European Union (EU) law. The reduced tax comes from an amendment included in the government's 2015 budget bill.
    "I'm well aware that Italy risks an EU infraction, but I'm convinced that this is a battle of civility and common sense," said Culture Minister Dario Franceschini.
    "A book is a book, no matter what format it comes in or the platform it's transmitted across," Franceschini said.
    EU law allows member nations to charge reduced VAT on printed books, but not digital books.