The European Commission unveiled on Wednesday, 8 May, 2024, an updated draft of the Value Added Tax (VAT) in the Digital Age (ViDA) package, aimed at modernising EU VAT rules.

This proposal, if adopted, will bring significant changes in three key areas:

Expansion of VAT rules for digital platforms
The proposal extends VAT obligations to platforms facilitating short-term accommodation rentals and passenger transport services. These platforms will be considered as the service providers unless the actual providers declare their VAT obligations. Member states can also opt to exclude certain services from these rules under specific conditions.

Expansion of the single VAT registration mechanism
The One Stop Shop (OSS), introduced in 2015, will be expanded to cover additional transactions, including transfers of own goods between member states and certain B2C sales of goods and services. However, some aspects, like sales subject to the margin scheme, have been excluded from the updated proposal.

Introduction of real-time digital reporting
The ViDA package proposes a new digital reporting system based on e-invoicing for cross-border businesses in the EU, aiming for better transparency and compliance.

If the proposal is adopted, the new rules are scheduled to come into effect starting 1 January, 2027.