Lessons from New Zealand for EU VAT Grouping and Tax Avoidance Issues

Abstract

This article analyses both the goods and services tax (GST) grouping scheme and GST anti-avoidance measures in New Zealand in order to determine whether the NZ GST system can provide legal alternatives or solutions which could eliminate or minimize problems found specifically within the area of value-added tax (VAT) grouping and tax avoidance in the EU. NZ GST grouping is noteworthy, as it appears to have been infected only to an insignificant level by the risk of tax avoidance. Thus, the article reflects on why NZ GST grouping seems to function so well, and what lessons can be learned from it in respect of EU VAT grouping and the prevention of tax avoidance. VAT, GST, groups, grouping, group of companies, avoidance, abuse, EU, New Zealand