Indirect Tax News

Issue 2/2020 - May 2020

Editor's Letter

Dear reader,

As we all are aware the COVID-19 virus has gripped the world and presented the business community with major challenges. First of all I hope that you and your loved ones are, and stay, healthy. I would also like to wish you strength to persevere in this difficult time. Governments have responded to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis and provide for various tax measures that mitigate these economic consequences to a certain extent. In many countries we see possibilities to defer payment of taxes (without the obligation to pay interest). BDO has a global tool set up in which you can find all COVID-19 related tax measures. In addition, in this edition of BDO Indirect Tax News you will also find news that specifically addresses the measures taken for VAT in a number of countries. In particular, I would like to draw your attention to the measures in Saudi Arabia which allow corrections to be made without the imposition of fines.

Although COVID-19 dominates the news, everyday life also continues, the extent depending on the local situation. This also applies to jurisprudence and legislation. In Spain, for example, the VAT rate for e-publications has been decreased and there are interesting judgments of the French and Dutch Supreme Courts. I recommend that you read the news about these judgements in our newsletter. Courts in Germany have asked interesting preliminary questions to the Court of Justice of the European Union about VAT grouping. These questions are important for all EU member states that have such a regime in place.

I hope you enjoy reading our newsletter. If tyou have any questions, of course you can contact me and my colleagues listed in the articles. Keep well and stay healthy!

Kind regards


In this issue: 

Tom Kivlehan, Chair - Indirect Tax Centre of Excellence

TOM KIVLEHAN 

Chair – BDO International Indirect Tax Centre of Excellence Committee
United Kingdom – London
tom.kivlehan@bdo.co.uk