3 ms·

Fines yes but felony charges? Any references to that for the weird EU VAT of that actually happening unless it was deliberate, large scale avoidance? I messed u

Fines yes but felony charges? Any references to that for the weird EU VAT of that actually happening unless it was deliberate, large scale avoidance? I messed up with it a lot but (obviously) accidentally and on a small scale; I get a slap on the wrist and some back taxes when audited. Not even fines.

jwr 8y ago
I don't know about other countries, but in Poland the tax authorities are pretty strict, especially where VAT is concerned. It's good, because things are becoming clean and predictable, but you really do not want to get things wrong. You won't go to jail of course (unless you've defrauded bajillions), but fines and regular inspections will hurt your business pretty quickly. Doing VAT wrong is really not an option.
linohh 8y ago
Yep. Of course you’ll have to be negligent if not willfully wrong in your returns. But VAT ain’t nuthin’ to fuck with. It will come back to you.
- tluyben2 8y ago
  Well, I know a lot of small companies in NL from friends and people I met who are simply sloppy and negligent with VAT and taxes in general but not willfully wrong and nothing at all happens. Slap on the wrist and fines. Same in Spain (much higher fines). So ok, I see in theory it can happen but is there any case where this actually happened in the EU unless it was willfully wrong or fraud in some huge company with an accountants scandal?
  - linohh 8y ago
    At least in Germany this highly depends on your responsible internal revenue office (Finanzamt) which May Even vary within city limits. And of course there have been trials for seemingly trivial amounts of money never justifying the cost of persecution or tax auditing. While it may not put you on top of the most wanted list, there still is a risk and it’s not to be underestimated. Even though cum ex etc show ridiculously failing the checks and balances are

jwr 8y ago

I don't know about other countries, but in Poland the tax authorities are pretty strict, especially where VAT is concerned. It's good, because things are becoming clean and predictable, but you really do not want to get things wrong. You won't go to jail of course (unless you've defrauded bajillions), but fines and regular inspections will hurt your business pretty quickly. Doing VAT wrong is really not an option.

linohh 8y ago

Yep. Of course you’ll have to be negligent if not willfully wrong in your returns. But VAT ain’t nuthin’ to fuck with. It will come back to you.

tluyben2 8y ago
Well, I know a lot of small companies in NL from friends and people I met who are simply sloppy and negligent with VAT and taxes in general but not willfully wrong and nothing at all happens. Slap on the wrist and fines. Same in Spain (much higher fines). So ok, I see in theory it can happen but is there any case where this actually happened in the EU unless it was willfully wrong or fraud in some huge company with an accountants scandal?
- linohh 8y ago
  At least in Germany this highly depends on your responsible internal revenue office (Finanzamt) which May Even vary within city limits. And of course there have been trials for seemingly trivial amounts of money never justifying the cost of persecution or tax auditing. While it may not put you on top of the most wanted list, there still is a risk and it’s not to be underestimated. Even though cum ex etc show ridiculously failing the checks and balances are