VAT Services Publications


Obligation to use SAF-T for VAT in Luxembourg

The OECD has defined a standard audit file format (Standard Audit File for Tax (SAF-T) for tax audits and a standard set of tests to be performed during an audit. Many OECD countries are considering the feasibility of implementing SAF-T and some have already begun. There will be some variation in how each country implements SAF-T, such as the scope of data, file format, whether it is mandatory or not, and which tax payers are in scope. However, companies in each jurisdiction will face a common set of challenges:

  • How to extract and populate a SAF-T file from their systems,
  • How to verify that all requirements are met in terms of structure and format,
  • How to ensure that the file content is VAT-compliant before submitting it to the tax authorities

Luxembourg is one of the counties which have implemented the SAF-T. In Luxembourg, SAF-T is referred to as FAIA (Fichier Audit Informatisé Administration de l’enregistrement et des domaines).


eVATAR - Coping with Luxembourg’s new compliance obligations

In an era of digitisation – and in the context of the European VAT directive that requests domestic authorities to give taxpayers the possibility to fulfil their compliance obligations electronically – the Luxembourg VAT authorities have gone for an automation of their processes in a bid to simplify and accelerate administrative processes.


B2C service - How VAT will impact your bottom line margin

Luxembourg is (increasingly) seen as the "place to be" for businesses offering electronic services, broadcasting or telecommunication services in Europe.


2015 – Gearing up for VAT changes

In 2015 the VAT place of supply rules will change. B2C telecoms, broadcasting and electronically supplied services rendered to EU resident customers will be taxed where the customer is located or belongs.
This will bring with it a number of challenges, not least of which will be the need to identify and locate B2C customers. Furthermore, businesses will face multiple VAT obligations in multiple territories.
There are options to manage the position – such as a mini one-stop-shop – but your response to the changes requires planning and careful consideration.


How the VAT exemptions impact the banking sector

A new research by Professor Ben Lockwood of the University of Warwick undertaken with PwC has revealed that the VAT exemption which applies to European banks does not lead to a tax advantage for the banking sector.
The report concludes that if bank services were subject to VAT (in place of the current exemption system) this would not lead to any significant increase in EU VAT revenues.


Shifting the balance - From direct to indirect taxes

Shifting the balance: From direct to indirect taxes, a new publication from our global indirect taxes network, tracks the development of indirect tax regimes worldwide and looks at how some of the key aspects of these regimes compare across major territories and regions.
As indirect taxes become more prominent in countries’ budgets, what moves are governments taking to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of VAT collection, minimise the VAT GAP and fraudulent behaviour and finally make it easier for business to comply?


Add Value to Tax VAT - Refunds to Foreign Businesses 2010 Update

Since 1 January 2010, EU-established businesses that have incurred VAT from other EU Member States no longer apply for a refund in the EU Member State whose VAT was incurred. Instead, these businesses apply for refunds electronically at their own local tax authorities. The local tax authorities will forward the refund requests to the relevant foreign (EU) Member States for processing. Another relevant change from 1 January 2010 is that in cases where EU established businesses apply for a refund of foreign EU VAT, interest is payable by the Member States of refund if they take too long to either process the request or pay the refund amount that the business is entitled to. This means a significant simplification with regard to the filing as well as, probably, an increase of the pace of processing the intra-EU VAT refund requests.


A Guide to VAT in the 27 EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland

In light of the recent VAT package introduced in January 2010, the important legislative changes that have come into play will have major consequences for those companies purchasing or providing services within and outside of the EU.

This 18th edition of A guide to VAT in the 27 EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland encompasses everything you need to know about VAT in Europe, and much more. Comprehensive and easy to use, it’s a VAT encyclopedia of over 1000 pages that goes beyond rules and legislation, offering a valuable resource that helps you to understand and interpret the changes.

A guide to VAT in the 27 EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland is an indispensable guide for all tax, accounting and finance professionals.


VAT Package Implementation Programme

The VAT package represents one of the most significant changes in recent years to the way VAT operates across Europe. Companies now have to rethink the planning of their service flow as well as their reporting and compliance obligations.

Assessing the impact of the new rules on your business and taking the appropriate actions to adapt to these changes may foster your relationships with clients, service providers and VAT authorities. Our VAT Package Implementation Programme is designed to help you in a comprehensive and flexible way. The programme aims at highlighting what should be done, the benefits for your business and the solutions we can offer.


Financial Services - VAT Package Implementation Programme

The VAT package represents one of the most significant changes in recent years to the way in which VAT operates across Europe. Companies now have to rethink the planning of their service flow as well as their reporting and compliance obligations.

Assessing the impact of the new rules on your business and taking the appropriate actions to adapt to these changes may foster your relationships with clients, service providers and the VAT authorities. Our VAT Package Implementation Program is designed to help you in a comprehensive and flexible way. The program aims at highlighting what should be done, the benefits for your business and solutions we can offer.