FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brussels, 26 November 2015
FEE welcomes the report on tax rulings and other measures similar in nature or effect that the European Parliament adopted yesterday. The report addresses key political challenges in the field of tax. It promotes a more coordinated, cooperative and transparent approach with common definitions to taxation in the EU.
FEE supports transparency and measures fostering fair competition and a level playing field between enterprises. We are furthermore committed to addressing public concerns on tax issues.
“Illegal tax practices are unacceptable”, FEE President Petr Kriz stated. “Policy makers need to draft concise legislation with clear definitions. This brings legal certainty for tax payers and their advisors. If sanctions are deemed necessary, they should be based on clear legal guidelines rather than on diffuse concepts of tax fairness.”
FEE CEO Olivier Boutellis-Taft added: “the profession is essential for the smooth operation of our tax systems. Tax experts help taxpayers, especially those operating cross-border, to comply with laws and regulations. Common guidelines for tax advisory services can help restore public trust, however drafting such guidelines whilst ensuring a level playing field will be challenging. This is due to the current diversity of service providers operating under different, and often very complex, national legal systems.”
The European Parliament will vote on another draft report next week, Bringing transparency, coordination and convergence to corporate tax policies in the Union. This report covers similar key policy areas on tax, and FEE looks forward to a clear and consistent message from the Parliament to all key stakeholders.
Addressing limitations in the existing tax systems at national and EU-levels is a great challenge. FEE, as the representative of the European accountancy profession, is committed to playing its role in identifying challenges, proposing solutions, and helping convert legislators’ visions for a 21st century tax system into reality.
More information
European Parliament asks FEE for views on tax (April 2015)
About FEE
FEE (Federation of European Accountants) is an international non-profit organisation based in Brussels that represents 47 institutes of professional accountants and auditors from 36 European countries, including all of the 28 EU member states. FEE has a combined membership of more than 800,000 professional accountants, working in different capacities in public practice, small and large accountancy firms, businesses of all sizes, government and education – all of whom contribute to a more efficient, transparent and sustainable European economy.
For more information:
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: + 32 2 893 33 60
