VAT Action Plan: European Commission presents modernisation measures

As a broad-based consumption tax, VAT is both a primary and growing source of revenue for all EU Member States. However, according to the European Commission, the current VAT regime is too burdensome and complex for businesses and leaves the door open to fraud when it comes to cross-border trade (loss of revenue due to fraud is estimated at EUR 50 billion annually in the EU). Furthermore, the current VAT rules do not take into account technological developments, changes to business models as well as the globalisation of the economy. The conclusion is obvious: the VAT system needs to be modernised. 

As a broad-based consumption tax, VAT is both a primary and growing
source of revenue for all EU Member States. However, according to the European
Commission, the current VAT regime is too burdensome and complex for businesses and leaves the door open to fraud when it comes to cross-border
trade (loss of revenue due to fraud is estimated at EUR 50 billion annually in the EU). Furthermore, the current VAT rules do not take into account technological developments, changes to business models as well as the globalisation of the economy. The conclusion is obvious: the VAT system needs to be modernised.