This article discusses the importance of reviewing source documents for VAT compliance, highlighting common issues uncovered such as incorrect VAT treatment, missing invoice details, and data quality problems. It recommends a sampling approach of 10‑15 invoices per period and emphasizes the need to document findings and act on insights to improve processes.
Incorrect VAT treatment, missing invoice information, data quality issues, and human intervention errors.
Review 10‑15 invoices per period, focusing on high‑value transactions, first‑time suppliers or customers, non‑standard items or services, and transactions with complex VAT treatments.
They reveal issues that reconciliations cannot catch, such as incorrect VAT treatment, missing details, and data quality problems that can lead to audit difficulties and payment delays.
Document findings, keep a log of issues and actions, and use insights to improve processes, provide targeted training, or refine system configurations.
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VatCalc · about 15 hours ago
The OECD released a report on 10 January 2026 outlining Digital Continuous Transactional Reporting (DCTR) for VAT, aiming to standardise e‑invoicing and e‑reporting across jurisdictions. The guidance covers planning, digital invoicing foundations, compliance support, data security, interoperability, and long‑term sustainability. It seeks to reduce compliance costs and fraud while promoting cross‑border consistency.
Bloomberg Tax · 4 days ago
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.
GlobalVATCompliance · 5 days ago
From 1 January 2026, a wave of jurisdictions will tighten enforcement of VAT and GST on cross‑border digital services, expanding scope, tightening registration triggers and integrating data‑driven compliance. The changes focus on stronger enforcement, refined liability rules and closer integration of transaction and payment data, affecting non‑resident digital service providers worldwide.
The Guardian · 10 days ago
The UK’s new ‘taxi tax’ imposes a 20% VAT on minicab fares, but Uber has restructured driver contracts from January 2026 to act as an agent, shifting VAT responsibility to drivers. Most drivers earn below £90 k and therefore do not charge VAT, keeping fares outside London unchanged, while London fares remain subject to VAT.
Global VAT Compliance · 11 days ago
The article lists a series of VAT and GST rate changes set to take effect on 1 January 2026 across multiple jurisdictions, including the removal of reduced rates for accommodation in the Netherlands, new reduced rates in Finland and Lithuania, and standard rate increases in Zimbabwe and Malawi. It highlights the need for businesses to update pricing, invoicing, and compliance systems in anticipation of these changes.