{
  "id": 2142684,
  "title": "Colombia Offers Hybrid Vehicle VAT Refund to Owners Who Meet One Requirement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/colombia-offers-hybrid-vehicle-vat-refund-to-owners-who-meet-one",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T13:10:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colombia One",
    "slug": "colombia-one",
    "url": "https://colombiaone.com/2026/08/20/colombia-hybrid-vehicle-vat-refund/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Colombia is offering a hybrid vehicle VAT refund to owners who meet a single requirement. This benefit applies to vehicles equipped with HEV or PHEV technology and is part of Colombia's efforts to encourage cleaner transportation. The refund is available under two tax mechanisms: a reduced 5% VAT rate and a full VAT exclusion for efficient energy management equipment. To qualify, owners must obtain certification from the Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME). This certification, which retroactively applies to previously paid taxes, confirms the vehicle's reduced fuel consumption and environmental impact. Owners who have already paid VAT but obtained the UPME certification can still claim the refund by submitting the necessary documents, including the UPME certificate, sales invoice, and a bank certification. The refund request must be filed within five years of the invoice's issue date.",
  "summary": "Colombia is offering a hybrid vehicle VAT refund worth millions of pesos to drivers who purchased eligible hybrid vehicles, provided those owners complete one certification step that many buyers overlook at the time of purchase. The benefit applies to vehicles equipped with HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) or PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) technology, and it […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}