When it comes to VAT
The EU VAT system is rightly experienced by many companies as complex. The many exceptions in the form of VAT exemptions, VAT rates, reverse charge mechanisms and the exceptions to VAT deduction are often the cause. The changes to the EU VAT system have not made things any easier either. This could include, for example, the changes relating to sales via webshops to private individuals and related e-commerce activities. Recently (December 2022) new proposals have also been published to change the EU VAT system. These changes aim to modernize the EU VAT system and further embrace digitalisation.
It is true that more and more simplifications are being implemented, but in practice these simplifications are not experienced as such. If only because simplification is often accompanied by additional (administrative) requirements. In addition, VAT topics can change quickly due to the increasing number in court cases. It is therefore often a challenge to keep a good overview of the VAT system and all changes.
VAT PARTNERS offers a variety of education and training services to keep knowledge up to date within your company.
As regards education, the focus is often on guiding new employees or colleagues that are dealing with VAT. This can be at the level of a compliance officer, invoicing department or supply chain. Within these courses, the EU VAT system as such can be a topic, or a number of specific topics that are important for the relevant department or colleague.
In addition, we offer education services to update the board / management of a company about where the responsibility lies if (for example) a transaction does not meet the requirements for the application of the 0% rate, or if the transaction is not, not fully or not timely accounted for in the VAT return. Can you just include this in the next VAT return? From the many conversations and training courses we have learned that companies are often not well informed. Another topic concerns the changing position of the tax authorities in practice and your relationship with the tax authorities. This can include discussions with the tax authorities, the handling of requests, objections against assessments and the 'eagerness' with which assessments are imposed to correct transactions. Today, this often requires a different attitude from the company.
During training courses, a certain topic is further explored or developments on a certain topic can be discussed in more detail. Examples include intra-Community transactions of goods and services, B2C sales to private individuals in other Member States, the (pro rata) deduction of VAT, exports and imports, real estate transactions, new proposals to amend laws and regulations, et cetera. During these training courses, a lot of attention is paid to the impact of these specific topics on business processes and VAT compliance.
VAT PARTNERS provides compliance for many of its clients, the added value is in providing clarity and certainty.
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