VAT Services Publications


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.


The impact of VAT compliance on business - Navigating VAT across the globe

Value Added Tax (VAT) is now the most common form of consumption tax system used around the world. This analysis covers VAT and equivalent sales tax systems implemented in 145 different countries.

Although the principles of the tax are broadly the same everywhere, the rules can be enacted and implemented differently in different countries so that the compliance burden on business varies considerably.


Luxembourg and new technologies: a perfect match

Luxembourg is increasingly seen as the "place to be" for businesses offering electronic services, broadcasting or telecommunication services in Europe. There are several compelling reasons for a business to consider setting-up in Luxembourg. Those revolve around Luxembourg's situation at the heart of Europe and its reputation for its accessible and business-friendly government.


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.


e-Invoicing and e-Archiving - taking the next step

In this survey, we have gathered 108 responses from medium to very large organisations in ten European countries, from industries associated with high invoice-volumes. We have found that about half of European companies with high invoice-volumes are in the process of implementing or have plans to implement e-Invoicing and e-Archiving in the next 12 months, while no fewer than one-third are already operating e-Invoicing. Companies that have done so are satisfied and over 70% have experienced increased efficiency, with more than 60% noting cost reductions. And yet, they are not fully exploiting the potential this might offer.