Removing this hefty tax can help improve reading habits, which have shown a worrying decline among youth, leading to concerns over their educational futures.
Denmark Cuts Book Tax to Encourage Reading Growth
Denmark Cuts Book Tax to Encourage Reading Growth
Danish government eliminates 25% sales tax on books to tackle the "reading crisis" among youth.
In a bid to combat the declining reading skills among Danish teenagers, the Danish government has officially abolished the 25% sales tax on books. This tax removal aims to make books more affordable and accessible, addressing what Culture Minister Jacob Engel-Schmidt describes as a "reading crisis." Recent OECD data alarmingly shows that 25% of 15-year-olds in Denmark struggle to comprehend simple texts. Engel-Schmidt expressed pride in this measure, believing it will stimulate cultural consumption among Danes. While neighboring Finland, Sweden, and Norway offer lower VAT rates on books, Denmark aims to improve the reading landscape despite acknowledging that tax removal is just one piece of the solution. Moreover, steps are being explored to bolster Danish literature's presence both domestically and internationally.
