As {News-2018-08-13/A/4-previously reported}, Russia's standard value added tax (VAT) rate will be increased from 18% to 20% effective 1 January 2019. Russia's Ministry of Finance has recently issued a guidance letter to clarify the application of the increased rate. The letter provides that for supplies of goods, works, or services that are shipped, completed, or rendered as from 1 January 2019, the 20% rate will apply, including cases where supplies are made on the basis of contracts that w…