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Denmark Eliminates Book VAT to Boost Literacy

What happens when a country faces a literacy crisis head-on? Denmark has tackled this issue directly by removing its 25% VAT on books, one of the steepest book taxes globally. According to the BBC, other Nordic countries like Finland, Sweden, and Norway levy substantially lower VAT rates of 14%, 6%, and 0% respectively on books. Meanwhile, the UK books carry no VAT at all. Denmark’s initiative to make reading more affordable and uplift declining literacy rates among Danes could have a profound impact. Here's why this move is critical, and why it has caught international attention.

An Urgent Cultural Challenge

A recent report from the BBC unveiled a concerning statistic: 25% of Danish 15-year-olds struggle with basic reading comprehension. This prompted Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt to recognize the gravity of the situation, noting that "The reading crisis has unfortunately been spreading in recent years." Proud of the decision to abolish the VAT, Engel-Schmidt advocates for investing significantly in Denmark's cultural and educational sectors.

If incorporated into the 2026 national budget, eliminating the book VAT is projected to cost approximately 330 million kroner ($40 million USD) annually. Notably, Denmark’s previous high VAT rate stood alone in the region, with neighboring countries imposing far lower rates on books. In the European Union, only Czechia and Ireland align with Denmark’s new zero-VAT stance, a shift applauded by the Federation of European Publishers, which views it as socially beneficial.

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Will Lower Book Prices Drive Up Literacy?

While cheaper books may lead to busier bookstores, there’s no guaranteed boost in readership. After Sweden’s book VAT reduction, increased sales largely came from existing readers, suggesting a similar outcome could emerge in Denmark. Engel-Schmidt acknowledges this potential pitfall, cautioning: “If it turns out abolishing VAT only increases publisher profits and fails to lower prices, we need to reassess this decision.”

Opinions online are divided. A Redditor opined that the VAT removal encourages book sales, predicting increased library visits among teenagers with more affordable books. Conversely, another user doubted significant behavioral shifts from minimal price reductions.

Integrating Libraries and Schools

Denmark plans to support this policy shift by enhancing ties between libraries and educational institutions to foster early literary exposure and broaden access beyond pricing barriers.

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The Global Perspective

While many countries tax digital publications differently, Denmark’s new tax approach aligns with the EU’s upcoming VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) reforms, allowing broader application of zero VAT rates for cultural products. Countries dealing with similar changes in reading habits and digital influences might consider Denmark's strategy.

The Bigger Cultural Picture

This initiative transcends fiscal policy—it's a cultural investment. Imagine a young Dane discovering the joys of reading with fewer financial barriers. Lower-cost books could facilitate increased library visits and book purchases, contributing to a more literate population. With the specter of a non-reading populace looming, increasing literary accessibility serves as an investment in equity, cultural literacy, and communal heritage.

If other nations, such as the U.S., adopted similar measures, the cultural repercussions could be significant. Local bookstores might see revitalization, educational curricula could become more diverse, and a break from digital distractions could be within reach.

Denmark’s elimination of book VAT exemplifies how tax policy can prioritize public welfare. Whether cost-saving measures help or not, their integration with educational outreach could rekindle the cultural prominence of reading. As global focus turns to Denmark, this move symbolizes not just a tax adjustment, but a potential cultural revival, measured in kroner yet accruing dividends in a more literate society.

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