Global VAT & Indirect Tax News

The article explains how the upcoming ViDA framework will eliminate tolerance for inconsistencies between VAT determination, invoicing and reporting, pushing control to the transaction level. It highlights that intra‑EU transactions will require near real‑time digital reporting, and notes key future dates for reverse‑charge harmonisation and the withdrawal of the European Sales Listing. The piece also discusses the implications for triangulation and supply‑chain transactions and promotes a single‑engine solution for compliance.

The European General Court issued an order on 21 January 2026 in Case No. T-394/25, upholding the EU VAT deemed supplier model that requires online platforms to collect and remit VAT for short‑term accommodation rentals. The court found the taxpayer’s challenge inadmissible under the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. This decision confirms the compliance obligations for platforms operating in the EU short‑term accommodation market.

The blog outlines emerging trends in intra‑group loan transfer pricing for 2026, highlighting recent court rulings in Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands that tighten documentation and credit‑rating requirements. It stresses the need for fact‑specific debt‑capacity analyses, robust credit‑rating methodologies, and clear contractual terms to mitigate audit risk. Multinationals should align loan terms with arm‑s‑length principles and document them comprehensively.

The article introduces a robot that automates the validation of EU VAT numbers via the VIES API, reducing manual effort and errors. It outlines a four‑step process that extracts VAT numbers from any file format, checks them against the VIES database, generates a PDF and Excel report, and emails the results. The service promises faster, 100% accurate validation and frees users to focus on higher‑value tasks.

The ViDA directive amends Article 217 of the EU VAT Directive, requiring electronic invoices to be issued, transmitted, and received in structured formats such as XML, EDI, or Factur‑X. Effective 31 December 2030, the directive also removes the need for recipient acceptance and will trigger automatic pre‑filling of tax data, creating a velocity mismatch for businesses that still park invoices. Companies must transition to structured formats and reconcile pre‑filled data with their own books to avoid audit issues.

The European Commission’s ViDA strategy outlines a phased reform of VAT systems across the EU, introducing real‑time digital reporting, mandatory e‑invoicing, and platform‑economy rules. Key milestones include legislative clarifications (2025‑2027), platform rules for accommodation and transport (2028), mandatory e‑invoicing for intra‑EU B2B (2030), and full harmonisation of digital reporting (2035). The reforms aim to save businesses €51 billion and reduce fraud by up to €11 billion annually.

The EU is proposing two new customs charges for small‑value imported parcels: a €2 handling fee effective November 2026 and a flat €3 duty on goods below €150 effective July 2026. These charges would be paid via the IOSS monthly return and could undermine the scheme by increasing costs and operational complexity. The measures are temporary, pending 2028 customs reforms, and will be reviewed every three months.

The article explains the EU VAT Directive’s call‑off stock simplification, which exempts the transfer of goods between Member States from VAT when a single, predetermined customer is known. It contrasts this with consignment stock, which triggers a deemed intra‑Community supply and requires VAT registration in the destination country. Practical compliance requirements such as maintaining stock registers, submitting EC Sales List reports, and potential Intrastat reporting are also outlined.

The article examines the OECD’s Digital Continuous Transactional Reporting (DCTR) framework, highlighting its role as a strategic blueprint for Tax Administration 3.0. It discusses the shift from manual reporting to real‑time digital compliance, the two primary DCTR models, interoperability challenges, SME protection measures, and the importance of data minimization for trust and security.

This briefing examines how EU legislation shapes Member States’ ability to set VAT rates, highlighting the legal uncertainty and administrative complexity arising from multiple preferential rates. It calls for regular reviews to assess the necessity and effectiveness of these rates amid high budget deficits and competing spending priorities.

The European Commission’s ViDA initiative introduces a common EU digital reporting standard, mandatory e‑invoicing for intra‑EU B2B transactions, and expands the OSS/IOSS to cover more B2C supplies. It also imposes platform‑operator deemed‑supplier rules for accommodation and transport services. The phased rollout runs from 2025 to 2035, requiring businesses to modernise their tax technology and processes.

The ViDA package represents a sweeping overhaul of the EU VAT system, aiming to curb fraud, simplify SME compliance, and create a fairer digital marketplace. It introduces mandatory e‑invoicing and near real‑time digital reporting for intra‑EU transactions, expands the Single VAT Registration and Import One‑Stop Shop, and projects up to €18 billion in annual revenue gains and €5.1 billion in compliance cost reductions by 2030.

The article explains the conditions under which a B2B intra‑community supply of goods can be zero‑rated in the EU. It outlines the required documentation, reporting obligations, and the consequences of non‑compliance.

Advocate General Kokott’s Opinion C‑603/24 clarifies how intra‑group transfer price adjustments interact with VAT. The opinion states that such adjustments are not automatically a separate VAT supply, but may alter the taxable amount under Articles 73 and 90 of the VAT Directive if they reflect a variable purchase price agreed upfront. Only when an actual service for consideration exists is a separate supply considered.

The European Parliament’s ViDA package introduces mandatory e‑invoicing and near real‑time digital reporting for cross‑border EU transactions from 1 July 2030, requiring the EU electronic invoicing format. Businesses must report transaction data within 10 days of the taxable event, and member states may extend domestic e‑invoicing to before, on, or after that date with transitional periods up to 2035. The initiative aims to harmonise VAT rules, reduce fraud, and lower compliance costs across the EU.

The EU has agreed an interim €3 customs levy for parcels that will take effect on 1 July 2026. Romania and Italy have already implemented national levies of 25 RON (~€5) and €2 respectively for low‑value parcels, while the Netherlands and France remain in proposal stages. The move aims to curb VAT and customs fraud on low‑value e‑commerce shipments.

The OECD has released guidance to help policymakers design real‑time reporting mandates for VAT transactions. The guidance outlines principles for implementing real‑time data submission to tax authorities, a feature increasingly adopted by member states. It aims to standardise reporting requirements and improve compliance.

The EU has abolished the VAT de‑minimis rule, making VAT applicable to all commercial goods. Starting 1 July 2026, a €3 fixed duty per product type will apply to low‑value e‑commerce consignments, with a separate handling fee expected from late 2026 and the €150 duty‑free threshold slated to disappear by mid‑2028. Member states such as Romania have already introduced €5 logistics fees from 1 January 2026.

Bloomberg Tax argues that digital services taxes (DSTs) are ineffective and distort the digital economy, citing low revenue and compliance burdens. The article highlights that several countries—including Canada, India, Malaysia, and France—have moved away from DSTs or are considering alternatives, and it advocates shifting to a VAT framework for digital services.

The European Union’s data supervisor cautions that the EU’s intensified crackdown on VAT fraud could blur the line between data cooperation and law enforcement, potentially undermining data protection. The warning highlights concerns about the balance between anti‑fraud measures and privacy safeguards.