Update: the temporary reduction of German VAT rates to 16 % and 5 % – status 30th July 2020

On 3rd June 2020 the German Government caused surprise with the decision to reduce (German) value-added tax (VAT) rate as of 1st July 2020 from 19 % to 16 % (regular rate) and from 7 % to 5 % (reduced rate). The VAT rate reduction is meant, in particular, to boost consumption. It has yet to be proven whether the law, which has now become effective by publication in the Federal Gazette on 30th June 2020, will succeed in doing this.