Since the days of antiquity, trade routes have required knowledge of local customs and environments. In that respect, not much has changed…

Based on my extensive network of relationships throughout Europe, I consult with both private and public sector organizations on issues concerning European VAT regulations. I know the contexts and I understand the interests. My experience has taught me that mutual understanding and effective communication always contribute to better European regulations, even though this may sometimes take years. And good European VAT regulations almost always lead to good national regulations. This is one of the reasons I’ve always made it a priority to maintain a good working relationship with the Tax Authorities and the Ministry of Finance.

Regulations that don’t work in practice require improvements that are beneficial to all parties. I bring these parties together and make clear what the underlying interests are. Listening and attempting to understand are crucial factors in achieving better VAT regulations and implementation practices. In recent years I have given a variety of presentations to the EU VAT Forum to show EU member states how enterprises, both large and small, deal with issues such as VAT governance. It turns out that, generally speaking, all European countries face the same VAT problems and ultimately want a solution that suits everyone. After all, VAT does not stop at national borders.

Companies hire me to assess contracts and to advise them with regard to ongoing or new projects (such as promotional activities, e-commerce, new products or services). But other issues might include consultation regarding auditing, a ‘problematic’ case at the Tax Authorities (including conducting legal proceedings) or advice concerning the entirety of governance. Governance is a broad concept and includes both (the establishment of) the strategic positioning of VAT within a company and advice relating to actual risk management. Is it a good idea to outsource VAT compliance? What issues are involved in setting up a control framework for VAT? What role do the Tax Authorities play in this context and is it useful for both parties to collaborate through cooperative compliance?

Above all, thanks to my many years of experience in the private sector, my background in mediation and my grey hair, I believe I can offer positive and constructive support to my colleagues. That’s why my services are also available to VAT colleagues in need of a sounding board or confidential advice.

I regularly give presentations at seminars, for major national and international tax consultancy firms, for the Tax Authorities, the Ministry of Finance and the EU VAT Forum. I am also actively involved in the Post-Master in Indirect Taxation course at the European Fiscal Studies institute of Erasmus University in Rotterdam, where since 2005 I have been a member of the corporate specialists’ panel. Of course, I also offer in-house training to businesses.