MIT hosts the first VAT Practitioners’ Forum

The MIT hosted the first VAT Practitioners’ Forum on 22 March 2023 at the Notch Conference Centre, Urban Valley Resort. The event, brought by the MIT’s Indirect Tax Technical Committee, featured two panel discussions as well as an opportunity for Q&A.

The event was opened by Chris Borg, Chairperson of the MIT’s Indirect Tax Technical Committee, who introduced the concept behind this event, which was put together by the Committee members, of bringing professionals who work in the field of VAT together to discuss topical VAT issues, both technical and practical, and to share experiences and ideas.

The first panel discussion was a technical session on the recent VAT in the Digital Age proposals. Moderated by Sarah Cassar Torregiani (MIT), panellists Saviour Bezzina (EY), Louise Grima (KPMG), Anna Herrera (PWC) and Nico Sciberras (Office of the CfR) discussed certain aspects of the Commission’s proposals to revise the VAT Directive addressing Digital Reporting Requirements, the Sharing Economy and the single VAT registration. The panellists identified some of the key proposed changes and discussed their potential impact, highlighting the for professionals to prepare themselves and their clients, should the changes, as proposed enter into force.

The second panel discussion focused on issues encountered in practice. Moderated by Chris Borg (Deloitte), panellists Andrew Buhagiar (Office of the CfR), David Ferry (PWC), Anthony Pace (KPMG) and Matthew Zampa (ZampaDebattista) shared their views on some reporting obstacles faced by practitioners, with insights provided into the ongoing initiatives at the Office of the CfR to improve and simplify processes. A number of audience members participated in this interesting and relevant discussion, sharing experiences on issues encountered in practice.

The Malta Institute of Taxation would like to thank all attendees for participating in this event and the panellists for sharing their time and expertise.

The Institute is currently planning the next VAT Practitioners’ Forum, and looks forward to welcoming VAT professionals for this next opportunity for dialogue on VAT matters. Watch this space!