At the beginning of this academic year, the Tax and Customs Board informed camp organizers and private hobby schools that they must start paying VAT. Previously, they were exempt from VAT.
The Estonian Camp Organizers Association and the Private Hobby Schools Association appealed to the Ministry of Education in October. They believe that camps and hobby education will become less accessible to children and young people.
The Ministry of Education agrees with the associations. They informed Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi that youth camps and private hobby education services should be exempt from VAT.
Education Minister Kristina Kallas said that camps and hobby schools provide voluntary education. This complements formal education and aids youth development.
Youth camps and private hobby schools are part of the comprehensive education system. Kallas emphasized that it is very important for children and young people that camps and hobby education remain accessible.
A study by the Development Monitoring Center shows that children of wealthier and more educated parents participate more in hobby education. If service providers must pay VAT, the service will become even more expensive and less accessible.
Kallas referred to the EU VAT Directive. According to it, services related to the education of children and young people are exempt from VAT.
The Ministry of Education wants clarity for camp organizers and private hobby schools regarding VAT. They have submitted nine questions on this topic to the Ministry of Finance.
Last academic year, nearly 71,000 children and young people attended private hobby schools. This year, 30,000 children participated in state-supported project and permanent camps.