New measures to fight VAT fraud using payment data

On 18 February 2020, the Council has approved new measures to transmit and exchange payment data in order to fight e-commerce VAT fraud.

On 18 February 2020, the Council has approved new measures to transmit and exchange payment data in order to fight e-commerce VAT fraud.

The new regime on the exchange of payment data will reinforce the capacity of Member States to fight against e-commerce VAT fraud by launching a Central Electronic System of Payment information (CESOP). As of 2024, CESOP will keep records of cross-border payment information within the EU, as well as payments to third countries or territories, for a period of five years. This will allow tax authorities to properly control the correct fulfilment of VAT obligations on cross-border Business to Consumer (B2C) supplies of goods and services.