Under the current VAT Directive, most financial and insurance services are exempt from VAT. Existing rules - introduced in 1977 - are often criticised for being outdated, complex, difficult to apply and not having kept pace with the development of new services in the sector. The European Commission is currently in the process of introducing updated rules.
EFAMA strongly supports the VAT exemption for services related to EU-based special investment funds as defined by Member States, such as UCITS and non-UCITS, including pension funds. The maintenance of this exemption is crucial at a time when the EU is faced with a huge savings gap. This exemption has a substantial social impact by favouring savings of “retail” investors, who require a clear and stable tax environment. Removing the exemption for management services of EU funds would result in disruption for end-investors.
Building on our reply to the consultation on the review of VAT rules for FS, EFAMA took the opportunity to re-engage with TAXUD to share a short statement on EC's Consultation on VAT in the digital age. The aim was to highlight the relevance for our industry of specific problems concerning the VAT treatment of services supplied via platforms within the Financial Services sector.
EFAMA commented on the current VAT rules for financial services and their functioning, as well as on possible changes to these rules, in a public consultation of the European Commission.
EFAMA is grateful for the opportunity to comment on some messages included in the aforementioned roadmap. We believe that these comments should be made clear for all persons interested, especially to those who would like to participate in the upcoming public consultation.
