Towards the Definitive VAT System – Update on the Implementation of the VAT Action Plan

The article provides an update on the implementation of the VAT Action Plan as regards the Commission’s proposal setting out the fundamental principles of the definitive single EU VAT area and a number of short-term measures to improve the functioning of the VAT system until the definitive regime has been implemented. It explains problems with the current transitional VAT arrangements, goes through the options for review as set out in the Impact Assessment accompanying the proposal and develops reasoning behind the preferred option. It then presents the contents of the proposal: cornerstones of the definitive system and the “quick fixes” relating to the call-off stock arrangements, VAT identification number, chain transactions and the proof of the intra-Community transport of the goods. It includes the explanation of the notion of the certified taxable person introduced by the proposal.