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News from Members Indirect Tax in 2013

Indirect Tax in 2013

by EY April 16, 2013

Website www.ey.com

Indirect tax systems becoming more efficient, but tax authorities increasing focus on compliance and enforcement
The economic crisis has led to more countries than ever before to rely on indirect taxes as a sustainable method to rebalance their budgets and stimulate growth, according to a new Ernst & Young report, Indirect Tax in 2013: With change comes complexity. The report finds the growing prominence of indirect taxes places more pressure on tax administrations to enforce compliance.

“ The sheer number and variety of changes in indirect taxes in recent years — and the challenge of implementing them into accounting and reporting systems — can be overwhelming for businesses”, says Philip Robinson, Global Indirect Tax Leader at Ernst & Young. “ This makes it hard to keep sight of the bigger picture. In addition, it’s important that companies understand and follow rules for indirect tax as they enter new markets, as non-compliance could undermine the opportunities presented by the rapid expansion of international trade”, adds Robinson.

VAT/GST rates are increasing
Globally, many countries are relying more and more on indirect taxes to finance their budgets. Coupled with the ongoing economic crisis, VAT/GST rates have increased significantly in recent years as a result; at the same time, the scope of VAT has broadened in many countries. This does impact retail prices causing them to rise and this is coupled with an increase in compliance risk.
Europe has seen significant increase in VAT rates with the average rate increasing from 19.5% to 21%. Japan has recently followed suit increasing their VAT rate from 5 % to 8 % and to 10% in 2015. In contrast, VAT rates remain relatively stable in the Americas.

Indirect tax systems are becoming more efficient
Applying higher rates is just one way to increase indirect tax revenues; others include broadening the tax base of an existing VAT/GST system, increasing the efficiency of the tax system or improving compliance and enforcement. Increased use of IT tools, creating common interfaces and electronic data transmission and filing have all contributed to this efficiency. Fifty-seven percent of the 39 countries that provided information for the report require VAT/GST returns to be filed electronically, 35% have an optional electronic filing (e-filing) facility and just 8% do not offer or require e-filing.

Tax administrations are focusing on compliance and enforcement
The report indicates the number of tax audits has increased in a large majority of the 39 countries and will likely continue to increase. At the same time, many countries are applying stricter penalty regimes in the case of non-compliance and mistakes. In the report, 72% of the 39 countries indicated that penalties are increasing and only 8% saw a decrease.

Free trade is meeting protectionist challenges
Customs duties were once a primary source of revenue for most countries. But continuously growing global trade and the efforts of organizations such as the World Trade Organization have led to a constant reduction in customs duties. This trend continues around the world as countries enter into a growing network of various kinds of trade agreements. A number of new free trade agreements are expected to enter into force in 2013, further reducing the amount of customs duties imposed on global trade, however, customs duties continue to remain a significant source of revenue for countries.

The current economic climate is hampering trade and encouraging protectionist tendencies. Non-tariff barriers have grown substantially in the form of health, safety or environmental requirements. The World Trade Organization reported 184 new trade-restrictive measures implemented between October 2010 and April 2011, and a further 182 were implemented between October 2011 and May 2012. In addition, where countries are not bound by free trade agreements, import duties are still a common and often-used means to steer trade and production




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About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is one of the world's leading professional services firms with approximately 167,000 employees in 700 offices across 140 countries, and revenues of approximately $24.4 billion in 2012. Our network is the most integrated at global level and its vast resources allow us to help our clients benefit from every opportunity. In Romania, Ernst & Young has been a leader on the professional services market since its set up in 1992. Our over 500 employees in Romania and Moldova provide seamless assurance, tax, transactions, and advisory services to clients ranging from multinationals to local companies. Our offices are based in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi and Chisinau. For more information, please visit www.ey.com

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