This report is prepared by KPMG to provide the European Commission's Directorate General for Taxation and Customs Union with an overview of the functioning of the Special Scheme for travel agents ("Special Scheme") contained in Articles 306 to 310 of the VAT Directive. It also addresses options...

SMEs are the backbone of the European economy and thus have a specific focus in EU policy. The EU's current SME policy places great emphasis on the reduction of compliance costs on businesses and their free access to markets. The Single Market access and business burdens are intricately linked...

The EU Commission and the Member States are concerned about the levels of VAT fraud and avoidance in the EU. The 2016 study on the EU VAT gap (based on 2014 data) measures the total amount of VAT lost in the EU at 159.5 billion EUR, representing 14% of the total expected VAT revenue. A number of...

Over the last five years, e-Commerce in Europe has grown by between 17% and 20% per year to become a key part of the digital economy and an important driver of economic growth. From 2009 to 2014, the contribution of e-Commerce to GDP has almost doubled. Recognising the importance of e-Commerce,...

Between 2009 and 2014, e-Commerce in Europe has grown by between 17% and 20% per year. In 2015, the growth of e-Commerce was decreasing slightly, to 13.4%, although it should be borne in mind that this is based on higher volumes. E-commerce has become a key part of the digital economy and an...

In line with the Digital Single Market Strategy objective of boosting e-Commerce growth within the EU, the European Commission is considering a number of policy Options aimed at simplifying the VAT and Customs system. These policy Options build on the recent legislation on telecommunications,...

The special scheme for small enterprises ('SME scheme') allows small enterprises to sell goods and services to their customers without charging VAT (VAT exemption) and to get some simplifications regarding their compliance and invoicing obligations. This scheme is optional, so small enterprises...

From 1 January 2025, EU small businesses can use the VAT exemption in Member States where they are not established. They can do this through a single registration in the Member State of establishment, allowing them to fully benefit from the EU internal market.