Apple informs developers about upcoming App Store tax changes

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App Store
App Store tax changes are coming in Brazil, Spain and some other countries.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple has announced several tax changes for the App Store that go into effect starting May 31. The new rules will affect app developers in Ghana, Lithuania, Moldova, Brazil and Spain.

In Spain and Ghana, taxes on the proceeds earned from apps and games have increased. While in Lithuania and Moldova, the VAT rate on e-books and audiobooks has gone down.

New tax changes go live on the App Store starting May 31

Apple periodically adjusts the App Store tax slab to adhere to local regulations. Beginning May 31, the following changes will go live:

  • Ghana: Increase of the VAT rate from 12.5% to 15%.
  • Lithuania: Reduction of the VAT rate from 21% to 9% for eligible e‑books and audiobooks.
  • Moldova: Reduction of the VAT rate from 20% to 0% for eligible e‑books and periodicals.
  • Spain: Digital services tax of 3%.

These changes will apply to all sale proceeds on the App Store, including auto-renewable subscriptions and in-app purchases.

In Brazil, Apple will now withhold all taxes generated on App Store sales. It will then deposit the amount to the tax authority every month. This change won’t impact developers in the country in any noticeable way though. They can see the tax deducted from their sale proceeds starting June 2023.

Apple regularly makes App Store tax changes

Despite these tax-related changes, Apple notes the final pricing of apps and games on the App Store won’t be affected. That is unless developers adjust their app’s pricing to account for the additional tax burden. Apple provides developers with 900 price points, allowing them greater flexibility in pricing their apps and games.

Apple last made some App Store priced-related changes in February 2023. Back then, the prices of apps and games increased in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Colombia, Egypt, and several other countries to account for tax changes and currency fluctuations.

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