VAT - Simplified proof of transport for intracommunity supplies of goods
VAT - Simplified proof of transport
In order to invoke the VAT exemption on intracommunity supplies of goods, the supplier must be able to prove the transport of the goods from Belgium to another EU Member State. In practice it is however often difficult for the supplier to obtain the transport document (e.g. CMR) which is properly completed and signed by all parties involved, especially if the transport of the goods is organized by the buyer (i.e. EXW or FCA supplies).
In order to ease the burden of this proof, the VAT authorities recently accept a so-called “destination document” as alternative proof of an intracommunity transport. If no transport document is available in case of EXW of FCA supplies, the VAT authorities now accept a “destination document”, in combination with the sales invoice, proof of payment and the transport invoice (if transport is organized by the supplier), as valid proof of the intracommunity transport.
This “destination document”, which has to be signed by the buyer, confirms that the goods are in the possession of the buyer in another EU Member State. The decision provides further details on the information to be added on the document, who can issue and sign the document, etc.
The VAT authorities allow that the supplier can opt for each intracommunity supply individually whether or not he will use such a destination document. Furthermore, one destination document may include all supplies performed to a customer during a period of maximum three consecutive calendar months. However, the supplier must remain sufficiently vigilant and take all reasonable measures to ensure that he is not involved in a tax fraud scheme in respect of the intracommunity supplies mentioned on the destination document.
The Belgian VAT authorities thus also preserve the right to demand other documents than transport documents to verify the reality of the transactions and the statements mentioned on the destination document.
Should you have any further questions concerning this new simplification, please contact your local KPMG tax adviser.
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