Mandatory Electronic Audit Files A Worldwide Trend
- ricorn
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10 years 8 months ago #183
by ricorn
Mandatory Electronic Audit Files A Worldwide Trend was created by ricorn
The SAF-T standard, originally created by the OECD, is intended to give tax authorities easy access to the relevant data in an easily readable format. This leads to much more efficient and effective tax inspections.
The legal requirements of the file are in line with the obligation of using certified billing and logistic software that prevent changes on documents already issued.
Besides Portugal similar obligations exist already in Austria, Canada France, (voluntary basis), Luxembourg and Singapore. In Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Malta, Spain, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and UK discussions on SAF-T are already taking place. Countries like Sweden and Netherlands have their own e-audit file standard. Somehow related to SAF-T is the new mandatory electronic Tax Balance sheet requirement in Germany. From January 1, 2014 it is mandatory to send Tax Balances electronically.
Background
The OECD’s Committee on Fiscal Affairs (CFA) recently approved two notes arising from work to develop a set of guidance on business accounting system data requirements for tax audit purposes, and associated practical implementation issues for software developers. The set of guidance was prepared by a task group consisting of representatives of national revenue authorities, the Business Applications Software Developers Association (BASDA), accounting bodies, and other interested parties.
The aims of the guidance are to simplify tax compliance and tax audit requirements as they relate to information required for tax purposes from business and accounting systems. This guidance should encourage voluntary compliance by businesses that will also add to profitability by encouraging better internal control procedures. The guidance should also help promote compliance with new legislation on accounting standards such as Sarbanes Oxley and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). The application of standards through software development also provides both public and private auditors with a reference point.
See for PowerPoint slides and more detail: globalindirecttaxmanagement.com/table-of...worldwide-trend.html
The legal requirements of the file are in line with the obligation of using certified billing and logistic software that prevent changes on documents already issued.
Besides Portugal similar obligations exist already in Austria, Canada France, (voluntary basis), Luxembourg and Singapore. In Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Malta, Spain, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and UK discussions on SAF-T are already taking place. Countries like Sweden and Netherlands have their own e-audit file standard. Somehow related to SAF-T is the new mandatory electronic Tax Balance sheet requirement in Germany. From January 1, 2014 it is mandatory to send Tax Balances electronically.
Background
The OECD’s Committee on Fiscal Affairs (CFA) recently approved two notes arising from work to develop a set of guidance on business accounting system data requirements for tax audit purposes, and associated practical implementation issues for software developers. The set of guidance was prepared by a task group consisting of representatives of national revenue authorities, the Business Applications Software Developers Association (BASDA), accounting bodies, and other interested parties.
The aims of the guidance are to simplify tax compliance and tax audit requirements as they relate to information required for tax purposes from business and accounting systems. This guidance should encourage voluntary compliance by businesses that will also add to profitability by encouraging better internal control procedures. The guidance should also help promote compliance with new legislation on accounting standards such as Sarbanes Oxley and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). The application of standards through software development also provides both public and private auditors with a reference point.
See for PowerPoint slides and more detail: globalindirecttaxmanagement.com/table-of...worldwide-trend.html
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