Value Added Tax (advanced)

1. General principles: What are the basic pillars of the VAT system? How does EU law affect VAT in different situations? What is the neutrality principle and its relationship to the principle of equality and non-discrimination? Other important VAT principles. The first session emphasises theory. Its aim is for the student to keep theory in mind when thinking analytically about practical tax issues.

2. International trade in goods and services: After reviewing the rules of place of supply, the course considers the following: What is the significance of establishing a company in another country? Does it make a difference whether an investment is in a branch or a subsidiary? What is the significance of a commercial group from a taxation perspective? What is the significance of contracts and agreements? How do customs duties affect VAT, or do they? The importance of different supply chains for different actors. We will also explore the possibilities offered by technology in the development of the VAT system. Have we already found a definitive VAT system for the EU?

3. VAT exemptions: Articles 132 to 135 of the EU VAT Directive exempt certain goods and services from taxation. What do exemptions mean for the functioning of the VAT system? What kind of problems do they bring? Are exemptions fulfilling their function? By looking at specific court cases, the course reviews exemptions for certain goods and those involving non-profit actors, health and social services, financial services, educational services and exemptions for certain goods, using case studies as examples. The course may also focus on specific exempt services. What problems do the exemptions bring in cross-border situations?

4. Mergers, acquisitions, share deals, asset deals and other business arrangements: are they within the scope of the VAT Directive from a VAT point of view and how should they be treated? What about related costs, are they deductible? One session will focus only on these questions.

5. Real estate taxation: Through case law and real-world examples, students are introduced to VAT on real-estate investments and transactions and real-estate construction. What does self-supply in context of real estate mean? What is subject to taxation and what is deductible? What should be considered when selling real estate? What are real-estate investments? These are some topics for discussion.

6. Deduction rights: This is perhaps the most difficult thing about VAT, even though it shouldn’t be. The course focuses on the impact of tax-exempt and non-VAT activities on the taxpayer's right to deduct. What costs are taxable in business and what costs are not? We reflect on the justifiability of current case law.