The European Commission (EC) has, this week, announced that it is to drop plans to introduce a standard VAT return across all 28 Member States.
The original idea was to assist businesses which are required to submit returns in different jurisdictions in different languages by harmonising the information required and standardising the methodologies across Member States.
Although the intention is/was laudable, it would have likely increased complexity for the UK VAT return which is one of the most straightforward.
The changes to VAT reporting was due to be introduced in 2017.
The original plan has met with little support and the Commission has decided to focus on other harmonisation measures.