VAT

Discussion on Goldknopf’s proposal to lower VAT postponed by two weeks

The Tax Authority warns that the move will entail a revenue loss of NIS 8.5 billion per year, which would be funded by cuts or an increased deficit.

Yitzhak Goldknopf
Construction and Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf

Goldknopf proposes lowering the VAT to 17%

Israeli police investigators from the Lahav 433 unit search a concrete block factory in Kafr Qara suspected of money laundering and tax offenses.

Police and Tax Authority uncover NIS 50 million laundering scheme in Kafr Kara factory

 New Israeli Shekel banknotes are seen in this picture illustration taken November 9, 2021

Ashdod shop owner suspected of laundering money using ATM


'Smotrich is taking us hostage': Small-business owners protest new VAT, customs exemptions

Protesters also warned of the economic implications of the move for local commerce, employment, and business stability in Israel, saying that the move “will be remembered in infamy."

Small-business owners protest outside the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem against the import reform and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, December 23, 2025.

Your Taxes: Recovering VAT on employee fringe benefits

Inputs for employees are defined as assets or services, such as meals, housing, gifts, or entertainment intended for the enjoyment, use, welfare, or benefit of employees or their family.

 An illustration showing VAT in 2025.

Service industry staff do not need to pay VAT on tips, Tax Authority confirms

The Tax Authority had initially decided to begin enforcing VAT on tips from June 1, 2025, onwards, but this decision was successfully reversed.

 Tips jar with money on light wooden table in cafe; illustrative

Steep fall in mortgage taking in Israel in January

Compared with January 2024, mortgage taking was up 30% and up 15% from January 2023.

 Mortgage

Altshuler Shaham to acquire 20%-25% stake in KSP at NIS 2.3 billion valuation

Altshuler Shaham leads institutional investors in acquiring a 20%-25% stake in KSP, valuing the retail chain at NIS 2.3 billion, amid strong financial results and shifting expansion plans.

 KSP Logo

Israeli home purchases by foreign residents jump 50%

In November-December, they purchased 22 apartments at prices of more than NIS 10 million, out of 72 such apartments purchased in 2024, a large part of which were new apartments.

 SCENES FROM Tel Aviv: Checking out apartment prices.

Food chain surprises: "We will absorb the VAT increase"

Carrefour announced it will absorb the VAT increase on 1,700 private label products, including food, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, and fresh meat, chicken, and fish.

 Carrefour Dizengoff Center. The 80th branch in Israel