On 11 March, the European Commission decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to transpose two Directives on VAT measures into national law. Council Directive (EU) 2020/285 introduced substantial changes to the VAT rules applicable to small businesses (SMEs). Its aim is to create a modern and […]
Parliament green lights update of VAT rules to make them fit for digital times
The update will notably require that VAT be paid for services provided through online platforms, putting an end to an unfair distortion of competition. It will also fight VAT fraud. On Wednesday, Parliament’s plenary approved the changes to the rules that member states indicated in November they wished to make to the VAT Directive. MEPs […]
Council reaches agreement on VAT package for the digital age
The Council reached agreement today on new measures to make EU VAT rules compatible with the digital age. This legislative package, with new rules on e-invoices and real-time data reporting and on business activities carried out through digital platforms, will combat tax fraud, support businesses and promote digitisation. Mihály Varga, Hungarian Minister of Finance, said: […]
Council agrees on VAT in the digital age package
The Council today reached an agreement on new measures that will bring the EU’s value added tax (VAT) rules into the digital age. With new rules on electronic invoices and real-time data reporting, as well as business carried out through digital platforms, this package of legislation will fight tax fraud, support businesses and promote digitalisation […]
Ukraine: Commission waives customs duties and VAT
The European Commission has today adopted a Decision enabling Member States to temporarily waive customs duties and VAT on the importation from third countries of food, blankets, tents, electric generators and other life-saving equipment destined for Ukrainians affected by the war. This measure, which was requested by Member States, will apply retroactively from 24 February […]
New VAT rules for e-commerce in the EU
New value added tax (VAT) rules for online shopping came into force this week. This development comes in the context of efforts to ensure a more level playing field for all businesses, simplify cross-border e-commerce and introduce greater transparency for EU shoppers in terms of prices and choice. The EU VAT system was last updated […]
E-commerce: Council adopts new rules for exchange of VAT payment data
The Council today adopted a set of rules to facilitate detection of tax fraud in cross-border e-commerce transactions. The new measures will enable member states to collect, in a harmonised way, the records made electronically available by payment service providers, such as banks. In addition, a new central electronic system will be set up for […]