SME exporters from Northern Ireland are set to benefit from the European Commission (EC)’s proposal to standardise VAT reporting obligations across all 28 EU Member States,  according to ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

ACCA has worked closely with the EC on this project and welcomes the innovative approach being promoted to help make the administration of the VAT system less onerous for businesses within Northern Ireland, the UK, across the European Union and fiscal authorities.

Chas Roy-Chowdhury, head of taxation at ACCA says: “It is not an easy task for companies wishing to operate across border to comply with the various VAT reporting rules currently in place in the EU 28. We therefore commend the publication of this very useful business focused proposal, which we have worked closely on together with the European Commission and other interested groups and forums. We believe that it represents a step in the right direction to help companies, especially the small ones, to make the most of - and possibly expand - their business opportunities in the single market. The new proposal will help provide a more clear, simple and standardised approach to VAT reporting and facilitate more coordinated exchanges of information.”

For ACCA, restricting the number of possible boxes on the VAT return form and aligning their content and presentation across the EU should help reduce significantly the learning burden on small businesses. The SME, when setting-up in another member state, may find itself needing to register for VAT in the other jurisdictions whereas they may not have been required to register in their home market. Being able to rely upon their domestic guidance and advice that should be applicable across the EU would benefit both administrations and taxpayers.   

The global accountancy body supports the preference for electronic submission of information directly by the taxpayer, which will in many cases - and increasingly - be the most convenient format for both taxpayers and tax authorities.

“Alignment of calculation processes and consistency in approach will complement the characteristics of enhanced electronic filing, and we believe that the EU executive should look to the future benefits of coordinated treatment across the Union. A common experience of VAT reporting would bring the possibility of a true ‘one-stop-shop’ closer. We therefore encourage the Commission to effectively engage with administrations and import the best practices from across the EU in developing the model for submission,” concluded Chas Roy-Chowdhury.

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Notes to Editor1. ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants. We aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.2. There are over 20,000 members and students in Ireland.3. We support our 162,000 members and 428,000 students in 173 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. We work through a network of over 89 offices and centres and more than 8,500 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development. Through our public interest remit, we promote appropriate regulation of accounting and conduct relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.4. Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. We believe that accountants bring value to economies in all stages of development and seek to develop capacity in the profession and encourage the adoption of global standards. Our values are aligned to the needs of employers in all sectors and we ensure that through our qualifications, we prepare accountants for business. We seek to open up the profession to people of all backgrounds and remove artificial barriers, innovating our qualifications and delivery to meet the diverse needs of trainee professionals and their employers.