The European Parliament’s ECON committee has released a draft report urging the removal of the long‑standing VAT exemption for financial and insurance services under Directive 2006/112/EC. The report highlights the distortions caused by the exemption, the proliferation of over 90 sector‑specific taxes across the EU, and calls for a coordinated framework that taxes identifiable fees, clarifies emerging services, and harmonises cost‑sharing mechanisms.
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Deloitte Luxembourg · 10 days ago
On 13 May 2024, the CJEU ruled that contractual price adjustments in intragroup transactions are not considered a supply of services for VAT purposes, meaning such adjustments fall outside the scope of VAT. The decision applies across the EU, including Portugal and Luxembourg, and underscores the need for case‑by‑case assessment of transfer pricing adjustments. The ruling does not change VAT rates or thresholds but clarifies the treatment of these adjustments.
Law360 · 15 days ago
The EU's top court ruled that intercompany pricing adjustments between the former General Motors unit and Stellantis do not alter VAT liability, meaning the Portuguese government should not have increased the VAT bill for Stellantis. The decision clarifies that such pricing shifts are not subject to VAT adjustments.
VatCalc · 23 days ago
EU finance ministers endorsed an amendment to Regulation (EU) No 904/2010 that will allow OLAF and EPPO to query Member State VAT systems, but the amendment restricts access to read‑only, case‑by‑case searches and bans bulk extraction or AI analysis. The measure is pending Parliament approval, likely in July 2026, and will be routed through VIES, CESOP and Eurofisc channels.
Global VAT Compliance · 23 days ago
The European Commission’s proposed EU bill would require member states to share VAT data with anti‑fraud agencies, but Spain has raised objections over data access provisions and inconsistencies. The proposal, introduced in November, seeks to strengthen cooperation against VAT fraud, which the Commission estimates costs the EU €90 billion annually. Spain plans amendments ahead of the upcoming EU finance ministers meeting.
SAFT Validator · about 1 month ago
The article examines the ownership of the SAF‑T compliance process across European organisations, outlining the roles of tax, finance, IT, and external advisers. It highlights the challenges of multi‑country mandates and proposes a three‑layer model—accountability, operational ownership, and execution—to streamline responsibilities. The piece also notes the expanding SAF‑T requirements, such as Bulgaria’s 2026 launch, and stresses the importance of clear ownership for accurate, timely filings.
e-Invoice.app · about 1 month ago
This guide explains how to design an e‑invoicing RFP that accommodates the growing number of mandates worldwide, highlighting the EU’s ViDA deadline of July 2030 for intra‑EU B2B e‑invoicing and outlining five compliance models. It offers practical steps for mapping mandates, drafting model‑specific questions, and evaluating vendors on regulatory adaptability, integration, and security.
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Key Takeaways
Financial services are exempt from VAT under Council Directive 2006/112/EC.
The exemption creates irrecoverable VAT, preventing institutions from deducting input VAT and embedding hidden costs into pricing.
ECON calls for reform to tax identifiable fees and commissions, clarify the treatment of emerging services, and harmonise VAT grouping and cost‑sharing mechanisms.
More than 90 sector‑specific taxes now apply across the EU.
The Commission withdrew its Financial Transaction Tax proposal.
Primary source
Read the full article at VATCalcThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 11 February 2026. It relates to VAT developments in European Union. The original source is VATCalc.
