Our approach

A wide range of services focused on your needs

Internationally active companies face a variety of indirect tax obligations. With many countries changing their value-added tax (VAT) regulations, the complex task of managing operations in multiple jurisdictions can be difficult to keep up with, especially without technical expertise on staff. With limited in-house resources, reliance is often placed on accounting systems that incorporate minimal VAT logic, which can expose organizations to unnecessary risk.

What is often missing is a strategic plan for managing VAT at a global level. Such a plan can identify cash savings, reduce time spent on VAT compliance, reduce the risk profile and introduce efficiencies into the compliance structure, supply chain and processes.

RSM has identified four pillars for an effective local and global VAT strategy :

Structure 

Ensuring that all aspects of operations are structured so that the underlying transactions are managed effectively for VAT purposes.

This may include areas such as corporate structure, supply chain agreements, contractual structures, inter-company transactions and cash management.

Automation

Ensuring that the systems that support the management of VAT decisions and processes are properly configured and used.

Compliance

Ensuring that the processes the business has in place to review and report VAT data to the tax authorities are effective and appropriate.

This often involves significant human intervention, requiring technical knowledge.

Claims

Ensuring that there is a process for identifying and recovering previously unclaimed VAT amounts