Editor's Letter

Dear Readers

As we head toward the end of 2019, not only is Christmas and New Year around the corner but also the introduction of a small number of ‘Quick (VAT) Fixes’ across the 28 European Union Member States.

Having spent most of my working life providing advice, the cynic in me appreciates that though ‘quick’ generally means what it says, unfortunately ‘fixes’ can cause significant problems.

Having reviewed the details of the proposed fixes, I see lots of potential problems for international businesses. So, if you are engaged in cross-border supplies of goods in the EU, take great care to read – in detail – the small print.

As always, my BDO international colleagues and I are here to provide any assistance that may be required.

Finally, I wish you and your families a happy and peaceful holiday break and best wishes for 2020.

In this issue:

ARGENTINA: Reimbursement of VAT credits for purchases of fixed assets
AUSTRALIA: Online travel agents potentially caught by GST amendments
BELGIUM: VAT remains due on tenant compensation for own fit-out works
CANADA: Proposed GST/HST changes target holding companies
CHILE: Digital Tax - Chilean proposal
CHINA: VAT Golden System has been upgraded nationwide
THE EUROPEAN UNION: Important changes for international trade
FRANCE: French Draft Finance Bill for 2020 - Changes in the scope of VAT exemption for collective investment funds
INDIA: Intermediary services under GST law
IRELAND: Finance Bill 2019
ITALY: Lottery of receipts
THE NETHERLANDS: New VAT identification numbers for some
NORWAY: Repeal of tax-free importation of goods
SINGAPORE: Goods and Services Tax on imported services
SOUTH AFRICA: Proposed Taxation Law Amendments - What to expect
SPAIN:
- VAT treatment of some insurance claim payments
- The future of the VAT compliance
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Decision of the Tax Dispute Resolution Committee and other developments
UNITED KINGDOM: Bespoke BDO customs training at zero cost to your business
UNITED STATES: Sales tax and digital goods
ZIMBABWE: Budget proposals for the year 2020