Are you (also) having much trouble in solving cross-border tax questions? The European Commission is looking into the matter and you can participate by completing the survey.

In the area of cross-border taxation of individuals, the track record of the Belgian tax authorities shows many deficiencies. Complex procedures and bureaucracy, difficult and erroneous software tools, language difficulties, difficult acces to authorities and lack of response, etc…. This is most often resulting in frustrating scenarios of international double taxation with other countries, even in those numerous cases, where international tax treaties exist that should enable the country to avoid this.

In its Action Plan for Fair and Simple Taxation Supporting the Recovery Strategy the Commission announced for 2021 a Communication taking stock of taxpayers’ existing rights under EU law together with a Recommendation to Member States to improve the situation of tax payers and to simplify tax obligations.

The public consultation is designed to collect information on direct tax (mainly Personal Income Tax) related problems that citizens currently face when they exercise their freedoms for cross-border activities. This could be the case if, for example, they work or buy property in, or move to, EU Member States other than their country of residence. The public consultation also aims at collecting information on certain indirect tax (VAT) issues especially affecting SMEs.

Feedback period

You are offered the opportunity to provide feedback through an easy online survey.

Feedback period: 10 March 2021 – 02 June 2021  (midnight Brussels time)

The results will feed into the Recommendation which is scheduled for the 3rd quarter of 2021.

Link to the survey

EU taxpayers’ rights – simplified procedures for better tax compliance (Recommendation) (europa.eu)