On 26 June 2012 the Commission adopted Decision 2012/C 188/02 setting up a group of experts on value added tax, the VAT Expert Group. On 28 June 2012, a call for applications for the selection of the members of the VAT Expert Group was published.
The VAT Expert Group assists and advises the European Commission on VAT matters, including aspects relating to e-invoicing:
VAT Expert Group and e-invoicing
The Communication on the future of VAT – Towards a simpler, more robust and efficient VAT system tailored to the single market (COM(2011) 851) adopted on 6 December 2011 set out an action programme for a broad reform of the EU VAT system:
“Invoicing rules have recently been further harmonised and the principle of equal treatment of paper and electronic invoicing is embodied in the VAT legislation. However, differences in other VAT obligations still oblige businesses to tailor IT specifications and procedures to each Member State in which they operate. This weakens the benefits of shared service centres for EU-wide accounting and tax obligations.” [9/17]
It is the vision that exchanges of views between the Commission and stakeholders to carry out the measures listed in this Communication and on any possible legislative initiatives would be organised in a permanent, structured and transparent way.
Membership
The group is composed of individuals with the requisite expertise in the area of VAT and organisations representing in particular businesses, consumers and tax practitioners which can assist in the development and implementation of VAT policies. The members are appointed for a mandate of 2 years.
The names of individuals and organisations which are appointed will be published under this heading.
Apply for membership
Applications must be duly signed and sent by Friday 24th August 2012 at the latest, preferably by e-mail to [email protected].
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