As global businesses navigate an increasingly complex landscape of VAT regulations, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for maintaining compliance and optimising tax processes. A recent webinar hosted by brought together industry experts – Catherine Quirke & Lisa Dowling – , Liz Gallagher – Meta and Colm McCormack – Autodesk to discuss the far-reaching implications of VAT in the Digital Age (VIDA), e-invoicing mandates, and the role of AI in shaping the future of VAT compliance.
This blog post summarizes key insights from the webinar and explores how these developments will impact finance and tax professionals dealing with cross-border transactions and complex supply chains.
The evolution of VIDA and it’s implementation timeline
The European Union’s VIDA initiative, designed to modernise the VAT system and combat fraud, has finally gained traction after two years of negotiations. On November 5th, 2024, the ECOFIN meeting approved the text of VIDA, marking a significant milestone in its development. The initiative comprises three main pillars:
- Digital reporting requirements for cross-border B2B transactions based on e-invoicing
- Deemed supplier rules for platform economy, focusing on short-term accommodation rental and passenger transport by road
- Single VAT registration and extension of the One Stop Shop
The implementation timeline for VIDA is as follows:
- Pillar 1: July 1, 2030, for the EU system; January 1, 2035, for interoperability between national solutions
- Pillar 2: July 1, 2030 (mandatory); July 1, 2028 (optional)
- Pillar 3: July 1, 2028
The Tsunami of eInvoicing mandates
While VIDA’s implementation may seem distant, businesses are already grappling with a wave of domestic e-invoicing mandates across Europe. Countries such as Germany, Poland, Belgium, Latvia, France, and Spain are introducing their own eInvoicing requirements, many ahead of the VIDA timeline. This creates a complex landscape for multinational companies, who must adapt to various national systems while anticipating future EU-wide standards.
The role of Peppol in Standardisation
Peppol, a non-profit organisation based in Belgium, is emerging as a potential solution for standardising eInvoicing across Europe. Its four-corner model (supplier, supplier’s service provider, purchaser, purchaser’s service provider) and five-corner model (including communication with tax authorities) are being considered by several countries, including France and Ireland. While Peppol may provide some level of harmonisation in infrastructure, it does not dictate the schema or data requirements, which can still vary between jurisdictions.
AI and automation in VAT compliance
Artificial Intelligence is poised to play a crucial role in managing the increasing complexity of VAT compliance. AI can assist with:
- Data quality management and reconciliation
- Automating repetitive tasks in VAT reporting
- Analysing large volumes of transaction data to identify anomalies
- Enhancing decision-making processes in tax planning
However, concerns around data security, accuracy, and the need for human oversight remain important considerations for businesses adopting AI-driven solutions.
Challenges and considerations for businesses
- Data Quality: The shift towards real-time, transaction-based reporting emphasises the need for high-quality master data and robust data management processes.
- Technology Investment: Companies must carefully consider their approach to e-invoicing solutions, weighing the benefits of global providers against more agile, localised options.
- Interoperability: The varying requirements between countries pose challenges for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions. The hope is that VIDA will eventually bring some level of standardisation, but in the meantime, companies must navigate a fragmented landscape.
- Resource Allocation: Finance and tax teams need to stay informed about upcoming changes and secure the necessary budgets and resources to implement new compliance measures.
- Strategic Planning: With implementation dates for various initiatives spread over the next decade, businesses must develop flexible, long-term strategies for VAT compliance that can adapt to evolving requirements.
Conclusion
The landscape of VAT compliance is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by initiatives like VIDA, the proliferation of eInvoicing mandates, and the potential of AI. For finance and tax professionals managing cross-border transactions and complex supply chains, staying informed and proactive is key to navigating these changes successfully.
To catch up on the full conversation, watch this webinar back on demand.
As the trusted advisor in VAT compliance, is committed to helping businesses understand and prepare for these developments.
To learn more about how these changes may impact your business and how can support your VAT compliance journey, contact our team of experts today.
