PwC's Tax Bites Podcast

Welcome to our Tax Bites podcast series. In this episode, we bring together several colleagues who have closely monitored the recent Belgian government negotiations. Join us as we delve into the newly agreed measures at the Belgian government level.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

Welcome to our podcast, where we explore the future of VAT. ViDA, or VAT in the Digital Age, is an EU initiative aimed at modernizing the VAT system. It introduces mandatory e-invoicing, extends the One-Stop-Shop (OSS), and sets new rules for platforms in sectors like accommodation and transport.These changes are designed to simplify VAT compliance,reduce fraud and create a more uniform system across EU member states. Given the introduction of mandatory B2B invoicing in Belgium on 1 January 2026-we will compare the ViDA rules with the Belgian rules. Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

On 15 January, the OECD published a new package of guidance and information on Pillar 2. Pieter and his guests explore what is in the package, and discuss what the potential impact can be of the new guidance. We discuss the updated guidance on deferred tax assets, the Multilateral Competent Authorities Agreement and the updated Globe Information Return. Tune in for a short overview of the new guidance.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

On October 28 the European Commission published a new Draft Directive, DAC 9, which seeks to harmonise the filing of the Pillar 2 Information Return within the EU. Tune in if you want to know what's in the proposed Directive and what the attention points for business are.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

Belgium published its QDMTT tax return and asks feedback to stakeholders. Are you interested to learn how Belgium looks at the QDMTT return? Tune in and get an update!Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

The Belgian government negotiations are ongoing as we speak: what is in the ‘Nota De Wever'? Get a comprehensive overview from our experts in the latest edition of the tax bites podcast. Our experts reflect on how this can impact groups with Belgian activities.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

In this episode, we share our first impressions on the ‘Zero Draft' Terms of Reference (ToR) for a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation released by the United Nations (UN) on 7 June 2024. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of other important international and European tax developments. Tune in to get our first take on the released material, and don't forget to register for our upcoming International Tax Webinar Series - Summer 2024 Insights taking place 26 and 27 June if you want to know more! 

In this episode of Tax Bites Podcast, we delve again into the intricate world of Pillar 2, what countries have done so far and we put a spotlight on Belgium's implementation of the new rules. Join us as we dissect the latest updates and explore the nuances of Belgium's implementation of this global tax initiative.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

A first critical look at the items addressed by the Administrative Guidance! In this episode, we share our first impressions of the Administrative Guidance on Pillar 2 published by the OECD on Monday 18 December 2023. A wide range of issues related to transitional safe harbours, the GloBE Rules and the Commentary are addressed in the guidance. In addition, a new timeline with respect to Pillar 1 - Amount A was released. Tune in to get our first take on the released material!Don't forget to register for our upcoming webinar trilogue (5, 6 and 7 February). Covering the latest state of play on various developments such as Pillar 1, Pillar 2, Public CbCR, ATAD 3 and more via this link: https://www.pwc.be/en/events-courses/2023/international-tax-webinar-trilogue-2024.htmlAn initiative of PwC's Tax Intelligence Community - your source of information to stay ahead of the curve.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

Future-proofing your statutory reporting function: managing transformations in the STAT & tax functionIn this fifth and final episode of our mini-series, we want to bring it all together. How do companies deliver in practice on the transformation of their STAT & tax function. How do they start such transformation projects? How do they manage execution and ensure continuity during the transformation? And finally, what does the future hold once the transformation project is completed? We also link back into the topics we touched upon in the previous episodes, closing the circle. Do not miss this last one!Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

In this episode, we unravel the intricacies of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) introduced by the European Commission. From targeted industries to a two-phase implementation, we break down why CBAM matters and its impact on businesses. Explore critical deadlines, challenges, and practical steps for companies in the affected sectors. Tune in for key insights and ensure your organization is prepared to navigate the evolving landscape of carbon pricing in the EU.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

In this episode the speakers elaborate on PwC's recently published Pillar Two Guide for EMEA Multinational Enterprises, which sets out the steps you need to take to be Pillar 2 compliant. Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

In this episode of the Tax Bites Series, following the publication of the draft Multilateral Convention on Amount A and related documents on 11 October 2023, the speakers give an overview of the current state of play of Amount A.  They discuss how Amount A may impact your organization and how to prepare for it and conclude with some key-takeaways.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

In this episode of our mini-series, the discussion delves into the concept of tax ledgers within ERP systems. Hosted by Pieter, experts Jorgen, Oualid, and Bert explore the reasons for considering tax ledgers, their benefits, and their relevance in the context of changing tax regulations like Pillar 2. The episode highlights the importance of cost-benefit analysis and offers key takeaways for organizations looking to optimize their tax processes.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

On 12 September  the European Commission published its long anticipated BEFIT proposal together with a proposal for a transfer pricing directive. In this podcast we discuss the content of these proposals and reflect on the impact for business. Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

In this episode the speakers will give an update on the current status and content of Amount B, what it means for businesses, next steps to consider along with some crystal ball predictions on the likelihood and breadth of the impact.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

Future-proofing your statutory reporting function: how to accommodate compliant local statutory ledgers in your Business ERP?In this third episode of our mini series we look at the ideal end state - dual ledger accounting. How do you ensure you meet the local statutory and tax requirements while reaping the benefits of centralization and standardization across countries? We discuss a.o. how important it is for the STAT and TAX function to be involved in ERP transformation projects and address their requirements as from the start  as well as how to monitor the continuously changing e-invoicing and e-reporting obligations to be future proof.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

Future-proofing your statutory reporting function: how to improve your statutory financials production by solving your data challengesIn this second episode of our mini series we first dive deeper into the types of STAT data as well as GAAP to STAT differences and how to accommodate for these in the most preferred way. Then we explore the use of a stat production tool like Workiva, how this can help multinational companies to standardize and streamline the preparation of statutory financial statements.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

This session is the first in a series where we will explore the topic of future-proofing the statutory reporting function and the close link to tax. We start with setting the scene, why it's such a hot topic today. We touch upon what that future-proof model could look like as well as the framework to identify your ideal operating model for STAT reporting purposes.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

In this episode we discuss a number of business transformations topics such as digital, supply chain and the war for talent. Tax is strongly intertwined with the work to be done from a business viewpoint in these areas and can have major impact on the ultimate value generated. There's a huge pocket of value to be generated when business and tax go hand in hand. The speakers share their experience in supporting clients both from a business advisory and tax perspective.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

In this episode, we discuss our first impressions of the 111-page Administrative Guidance on Pillar 2 published by the OECD on Thursday, 2 February 2023. A wide range of issues related to the GloBE Rules and Commentary were addressed in the guidance, and our experts also welcomed the additional clarification and examples, including those on the Qualified Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT) and the treatment of taxes paid under the US GILTI regime. Listen in to get our first take on the Administrative Guidance!Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

On the foot of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European energy landscape is facing unprecedented challenges. The response, on the part of the European Union and its member states, is to accelerate the energy transition. Although decarbonisation of our energy systems was always on the agenda in recent years, the current crisis accentuates the need for a low-carbon and energy-independent Europe, while also underlining the necessity of supporting businesses and people through hard times. Strategies such as rethinking supply chains, or investing in renewables or alternative fuels, can take a big bite out of the yearly investment budget, on top of the high energy bills.Fortunately, the EU and national/regional governments are offering multiple incentives to cope with tight investment budgets. Ranging from the development of highly innovative technologies through to demonstration and application, a plethora of cash grants and tax incentives is on offer. Curious to find out more?Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

On Thursday, 8 December 2022, the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework published another discussion draft in the two-pillar solution to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy.  The document outlines the main design elements of Amount B, a part of the two-pillar approach that until now was relatively undefined. During this podcast, the speakers discuss the main items of the discussion draft (scope, methods, documentation and certainty) to provide you with some important takeaways.Have a look at all our previous episodes and stay up to date on www.pwc.be/tax-bites

The recent developments in the tax arena may raise some areas of concern. In this podcast the speakers address some of the recent trends discussed with prof dr vikram Chand of the university of Lausanne on 23 November 2022.

Patrick Boone and Matthias Reyntjens look ahead to what the next months will bring in terms of economic developments, and what this means for tax policy. How will countries react, how can businesses react, and what will all this bring from a tax perspective. This podcast is the first of a series of podcasts dealing with the particular concerns for business in today's economic environment. Stay tuned to understand the tax side of inflation, work from anywhere, business transformations and much more. Stay tuned for more!

In this episode of the Tax Bites podcast series, our global tax ERP leader and other tax technology experts talk about the latest major trends in the global tax ERP landscape. Get insights into the ever-changing tax obligations and the impact on data needs. Learn about how these new obligations - like Pillar 2 taxation and ESG - can be tackled within the ERP system.

On 11 July 2022, the OECD released a progress report on Pillar 1. In this episode, we go through the key takeaways from this report for businesses. Towards the end of the episode, we also covered a brief update on the latest status of Pillar 2.

On 14 July 2022 the European Commission published its ambitious Fit For 55 Package. Tune in if you want to know where we stand today regarding the tax measures included in the Fit For 55 Package and how the developments impact business.

In this week's podcast, our speakers discuss the content of the proposal and assess which businesses will be impacted. They'll explain the allowance on equity and interest limitation, linking this to other pending EU proposals.

Throughout Europe, mandatory e-invoicing is more than ever seen as the way to close the VAT gap. In this podcast, we'll discuss the challenges businesses face to remain compliant, when the sources of structured tax information are increasing and information has to be delivered in a timely manner. We'll also look at interesting similarities between e-invoicing requirements and other tax transparency rules, such as DAC 6 and DAC 7.

On 22 December, the European Commission issued 2 proposals. One proposal deals with the introduction of the global minimum tax in the EU by 2023. The EU proposal deviates from the OECD proposal on a number of topics. Find out how the proposal will look like in this Tax Bites episode with Jean-Philippe van West and Isabel Verlinden. In addition, we also discuss the proposed directive covering the ‘unshelling' of the EU: the proposed ATAD 3, or should we say, ‘new DAC'. Let us know what you think!

On 22 December, the European Commission issued 2 proposals. One proposal deals with the introduction of the global minimum tax in the EU by 2023. The EU proposal deviates from the OECD proposal on a number of topics. Find out how the proposal will look like in this Tax Bites episode with Jean-Philippe van West and Isabel Verlinden. In addition, we also discuss the proposed directive covering the ‘unshelling' of the EU: the proposed ATAD 3, or should we say, ‘new DAC'. Let us know what you think!

On 20 December, the OECD published its proposal for a global minimum tax. All MNCs in scope of the minimum tax will be subject to a taxation of at least 15% in each country where they are active. In this podcast, the publication of the OECD is discussed and the reflections on the impact of the minimum tax. Enjoy!

Tax transparency is the new normal. An ever increasing amount of EU legislation is passed under the banner of the fight against tax fraud. The scope of the legal instruments that allow for mutual assistance between tax authorities are constantly extended.  This trend poses a huge challenge for businesses that are coping with tax officials who are using every means possible to collect taxes, while often overlooking  Fundamental rights of taxpayers. This podcast illustrates how instruments providing for taxpayer's fundamental rights can restore the balance. 

Recorded before the release of the 8 October Inclusive Framework Statement, we share perspectives on the current state of play for in- and outbound investments in China. Our speakers cover the main corporate income tax aspects, as well as insights on the China tax policy developments, including the main attributes that shape a sustainable tax strategy between the EU and China. 

On 8 October 2021, the Inclusive Framework (IF) announced a further agreement backed by 136 (out of 140) members of the Inclusive Framework on the two-pillar approach. In the last few days, a number of countries that initially opposed the reform are now also signing up for it (e.g. Hungary, Ireland and Estonia). With this, all EU Member States that are part of the IF are supporting the reform. In this podcast we'll discuss the key takeaways from the 8 October IF Statement. Furthermore we provide some insights on the expected implementation of the agreement in the EU.

In this episode, Nancy De Beule, Florian Jacobfeuerborn and Jurgen Coessens explore how tax can play a role in the economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. These M&A  experts use their experience in the Belgian market to explore the risks and pitfalls in relation to taxation and post-COVID recovery. They share valuable insights, relevant beyond Belgium, on how business can recapitalise or restructure. 

The increased importance of green taxation cannot be overstated. On 14 July, the European Commission published its ambitious Fit for 55 package. This package fits into the broader initiative of reforming the EU tax landscape, announced by the Commission in May of this year.  Join our podcast for an overview of the most relevant tax aspects of the package and how they will impact your business.

Global minimum taxation has been front page news since an agreement was reached by the G7 recently. It sounds simple as a concept, but different views and approaches around the world make it far from easy to navigate. In this podcast we'll discuss the expectations of a global minimum tax in the EU and the US, taking into account recent developments like the Biden Green Book and OECD IF announcement. And more importantly, we'll discuss how these two systems might interact and what this means for you as a taxpayer.

There are many things to consider for the tax reporting process and all deliverables linked to it. With automation on everyone's lips, what trends do we see and how are companies dealing with increasing complexities when operating at international level? What tools are out there and what should be top of mind to increase quality and avoid risk, while also making the end-to-end compliance process as streamlined as possible?Listen to our tax bites to find out!

With reputational and financial damage at stake, the need to be in control of your taxes and have sound tax risk management is rising rapidly. This transformation is especially important – and also challenging – in a tax landscape where sustainability, regulatory and transparency requirements are continuously evolving. In this episode, Maarten Temmerman, Annelies Butaye and Nikolaas Tassent talk about how companies can deal with this complexity by implementing a robust tax control framework. They also give insights on how to bring such a tax control framework to life within your organisation.

On 1 June, political agreement was reached on the introduction of public country by country tax reporting rules (public CBCR). Stefaan De Baets and Carla Buyens discuss the impact of these rules, how they fit in the broader move towards tax transparency and how companies can prepare.

On 18 May 2021, an important development in EU Tax policy took place when the European Commission announced their roadmap for Business Taxation for the 21st Century.This roadmap, published today, outlines 5 actions that the European Commission proposes to take in the coming months in Europe (some proposals by Q4 2021), including the publication of effective tax rate information based on book profits, new transparency measures, the introduction of new rules on shell companies and ultimately the repainting of the CCCTB, under the name BEFIT (Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation).As this is a milestone development, and part of a broader set of changes to the EU policy, we wanted to share the below PwC Tax Bites podcast on this subject. In the podcast, Pieter Deré welcomes Isabel Verlinden, PwC's Corporate Tax Strategy leader together with Stefaan De Baets and Jean-Philippe Van West.

In the week of 26 April PwC Belgium organised its tax webinar week. Over five days, we discussed five hot topics in five one hour sessions. This podcast is a review of some of the tax challenges companies face, that were discussed during the sessions. If you missed one or more of the webinars, or you're interested in listening again, please get in touch and we will share the recording and slides with you.

Europe aims to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and to leverage sustainable transition as a post-COVID recovery tool. All European stakeholders from national authorities to citizens need to mobilise. On this pathway, private companies play a leading role by investing in low carbon technologies and processes, as well as innovating and developing clean solutions. This podcast offers an overview of the financial instruments and incentive measures available to support private companies transitioning toward a low carbon economy. Explore with us the possibilities for funding your green agenda.

Tax disputes in Belgium and abroad are being triggered by new legislation and alternative interpretations of tax principles. This podcast focuses on recent trends, frequently audited topics, and our insights on what you can do proactively to manage the risks and uncertainties.

With everyone slowly beginning to see the light at the end of the ‘COVID tunnel', both employers and employees are looking ahead and reimagining the workplace where a new way of working may be a driver in the hunt for talent. Many groups are considering a work from home or even a work from anywhere policy, that will allow their employees much more flexibility on how, when and where to work. However, not many organisations have really thought through what this means in terms of taxation, both from the perspective of the employee as well as the company. We will talk you through some of the pitfalls and solutions and explain how to prevent tax from forcing you and your workers back into the office.

Now that the dust has settled on the US elections, it's time to look ahead and see what the Biden administration will bring to the table, not only in terms of US tax reform, but also in the context of the international debate on global tax reform. What do we already know and what should companies investing in the US monitor closely? These are just some of the questions we will try to answer during our podcast.

n the final days of 2020, the OECD released guidelines on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on transfer pricing. In this podcast, we invited our transfer pricing experts to discuss the impact of this OECD publication on multinationals' transfer pricing models. Explore with us the potential impact and get insights into whether you need to adjust or align your transfer pricing model as a result of COVID-19.

In the next episode of our Tax Bites podcast series, we will take a look at what 2021 will bring in the area of taxation. 2020 was in many ways a challenging year, with several developments materialising in the tax domain. In this episode we discuss with our experts what to expect in 2021, covering topics such as the OECD digital economy project, tax transparency and Brexit.

There have been recent changes to how tax transparency should be handled. Some of these, such as the Global Reporting Initiative Standards (GRI 207) and environmental, social and corporate governance initiatives, are driven by public demand. New EC reporting requirements (such as DAC6, DAC7 and CbCR) and cooperative compliance programmes are also making a material difference to increasing levels of transparency. Today, transparency has become a strategic concern at board level. An organisation's data must tell a consistent story, one that is aligned with their overall strategy. Businesses should be prepared to disclose their tax positions to both the authorities and the public. Implementing the appropriate internal governance processes and tax risk management procedures, and clearly documenting these actions, is the best way to ensure you are in a position to do this.  In this episode, we outline the recent changes and their implications for taxpayers, and outline a best-practice approach to efficient compliance.About the ModeratorPieter Deré Director International Tax, PwC Belgiumhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/pieterdere/About the speakersAnnelies ButayeCorporate Tax Director, PwC BelgiumLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/annelies-butaye-0a46045/Picturehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1H0lkpfgjZuunnv2LxQI7cDFpIZk_yjmM/view?usp=sharingTamara GeboersSenior Tax Manager, PwC BelgiumLinkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarageboers/Picturehttps://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1kI_xLpTEyHFcADbBl3Noq39y7mDgbWDGDaan VebeurgtSenior Associate Corporate Tax, PwC BelgiumLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/daan-verbeurgt-0b534410b/Picture https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/search?q=daan%20verbeurt