Norwegians face, as usual, a variety of new laws, regulations, taxes and fees that took effect from January 1st. Now, for example, they have to pay the equivalent of more sales tax on goods ordered from abroad, while getting some relief on those tied to transport.
Some tax reductions went into effect in the New Year, including those on car insurance and some fuels. Foreign tour bus operators, though, are now restricted to carrying passengers on Norwegian roads for only 20 days in a row, and a maximum 30 days a year. The goals is to protect higher-cost Norwegian tour bus operators and restrict alleged social dumping.
Everyone ordering online goods from abroad, meanwhile, now have to pay Norway’s 25 percent VAT also on purchases under NOK 350. Such small purchases had been tax-exempt, but no longer.
In other areas, Norway’s standard welfare payments for all children aged six to 18 have gone up to NOK 1,510 per month regardless of family income. Norwegian families with low incomes will also see a slight increase in welfare supplements or disability payments.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
