VAT Consultations answered

The European Commission conducted a public consultation on the reform of VAT rates. In the framework of the European Commission’s Action Plan on VAT – Towards a single EU VAT and its Work Programme for 2017, the Commission aims to adopt four proposals related to VAT, examining and potentially reforming aspects of the current VAT regime. The consultation was running until 20 March 2017.  The VAT Directive sets out general rules on Member States’ freedom to set VAT rates, intended to guarantee the neutrality, simplicity and workability of the VAT system. This framework was originally established with the aim of converging towards a definitive VAT system based on the so-called ‘origin principle’, setting minimum taxation levels. To avoid unfair competition, this system strictly required to tax the same goods at very similar rates. Nevertheless, in 2011 convergence was still low and the objective was abandoned in favour of a ‘destination-based’ system.  By nature, the destination system allows greater rate differentiation between Member States with a lower distortion risk. The introduction of the destination system has opened up the possibility to reform rules on rates and a Commission proposal is expected this autumn. The aim of the consultation was to obtain stakeholders’ views on the following aspects:

• The need for EU action on VAT rates,
• the proper balance between harmonisation and Member States’ autonomy in setting VAT rates,
• problems and risks linked to differentiation of VAT rates and
• the desired reform direction.

By answering, UIPI expressed its strong support for the continuation of the reduced VAT rate for labour-intensive renovations, repairs and maintenance of private dwellings as it has proven to be a significant stimulus for the real estate and construction sector. Furthermore and in the light of making the European building stock more energy efficient, the introduction of a reduced VAT rate for resource-efficient building products could serve as an incentive for greater investment in energy efficient buildings by (future) property owners. UIPI also raised the issue of  preservation of cultural heritage which could benefit from reduced VAT rates.