Hey, JP here from Taxamo. A few points. These new EU rules are effectively seen as the template for the taxation of the digital economy. The OECD has stated that a simplified online registration scheme (such as MOSS), is "the only viable option for applying taxes to e-commerce sales by non-resident traders to private consumers (so-called B2C)." Tax authorities around the globe are looking at how these new rules work out as numerous countries (e.g. Japan, South Africa, Australia, Canada) are either planning to introduce similar rules, or have already revealed plans. The VAT is now due in the country where the digital service is supplied. It is that country's tax, the companies are vehicles for the collection of this tax from their end users. But there's so much more to these new rules than evidence collection or invoicing. That's why we have created a solution that covers all elements of the new rules. Take a look for yourself: http://www.taxamo.com/how-it-works/
Potential audits will be co-ordinated between EU member states. For example, if an audit of a UK merchant is sought then the relevant EU tax authority (for argument's sake Spain) will have to go through HMRC first. Check out the answer to Q10 here: http://www.taxamo.com/new-eu-vat-rules-q-a/
One of the key elements of the new rules is that merchants must collect two pieces of non-conflicting evidence. And the onus of proof is on the merchants' shoulders. They must keep searching until they have two pieces of evidence that do not conflict. If IP address, for example, conflicts with cc billing address then more evidence will be required from the customer.
The new rules change how VAT on digital services is to be collected. Existing (2014) rules demand VAT to be accounted for based on the location of the supplier, but from Jan 1, 2015, the rules change. After Jan 1 VAT will have to be applied based on the customer's EU location. All digital service suppliers (EU and non-EU) will be affected.
Hey guys, JP here from Taxamo. Many thanks for linking to our content. The new rules affect all suppliers of digital services to customers in the EU, only B2C supplies are affected. We have developed an EU VAT compliance solution designed around these new rules: http://www.taxamo.com/#solution We have also created a knowledge base explaining the new rules and why they have been introduced: http://support.taxamo.com/