The Brexit aftermath from a VAT perspective.
There were some simplifications to the fiscal representation requirements in certain countries because of the mutual assistance protocol within the Brexit deal. Some EU member states removed or relaxed their requirements in relation to fiscal representation.
Apart from this though the UK will, in general, still be treated as any other third country for VAT purposes.
What uncertainties face businesses around Brexit VAT changes?
Fiscal representation requirements
Fiscal representation requirements were the main inconsistencies and uncertainties that businesses faced. Before the Brexit deal, a number of tax offices insisted on the implementation of fiscal representation by 31st December and then removed the requirement altogether after the Brexit deal.
Linking VAT numbers to EU EORI numbers
Other uncertainties surrounded the linking of VAT numbers to the EU EORI numbers.
For example, a business who was issued an XI EORI automatically by HMRC and tried to obtain a DE EORI number. The German Tax office couldn’t issue a DE EORI because the EU EORI system considered the XI number to already be an EU EORI number. However, HMRC couldn’t link the client’s EU VAT numbers to the XI EORI. Following several calls with the EU Commission and HMRC in this regard, a workaround was found.
Administrative delays
There were issues for businesses awaiting new VAT registrations in EU member states due to tax office backlogs.
For example, a business who had stock stuck at Customs in Germany who had a German VAT registration application in process, but because of the Brexit uncertainties and tax office backlogs, couldn’t get VAT registered in time, could not import into Germany post Brexit. Some business that had already agreed DDP terms with their customers could not therefore fulfil their orders.
Transit arrangements or customs procedures
Additionally, another significant inconsistency came from the different transit arrangements or customs procedures used by the couriers and other transport companies actually moving goods for UK established businesses into Europe. Many businesses use multiple providers, who use multiple transit arrangements that can all have different consequences from a VAT point of view. Clarification in this area created a huge workload for businesses and has produced many uncertainties.
Understanding what the transit arrangements are and what the Incoterms are agreed is vital. Interaction between the customs arrangements and the VAT treatment is key.
What are the issues facing businesses arising from Brexit VAT changes?
Indirect customs representation
Another issue that has raised its head, relates to indirect customs representation. This is a customs requirement so not directly related to VAT but still has created more uncertainty for businesses. Germany has begun to enforce the need for businesses from third countries to appoint a German customs representative or agent for imports. So, you will have obtained your German VAT number, and an EU EORI number but you still can’t import because you may also need to appoint a German customs representative.
We at Taxback International are in the process of checking this with the EU Commission as it is another administrative barrier for non-EU businesses, and it needs clarification. It seems to contradict the EU Commission guidance on the issuing and use of an EORI number. There was also rumour that the Netherlands would enforce the same, but we confirmed with Dutch customs that at the moment this is not the case.
Reciprocal agreements
And finally, there is still uncertainty regarding reciprocal agreements between the member states and the UK in relation to foreign VAT reclaim. In Italy for example, if there is no reciprocal agreement, a UK established business will have to VAT register and appoint a fiscal rep to recover their foreign VAT. The Italian tax office has not yet provided official clarification on this point so we must continue to monitor this situation.
Business and tax offices are still finding their feet after Brexit. There are long backlogs for new VAT registrations with HMRC and with EU Tax Offices. Between Brexit and COVID the administrative impact for business is huge.
Learn more about global VAT changes here.
