Demystifying DAC7: Reporting Requirements for EU Online Platforms

If you’re an e-commerce seller operating within the European Union, compliance with DAC7, the 7th version of the European Council Directive on Administrative Cooperation and Automatic Exchange of Information in the Field of Taxation, is of utmost importance. This initiative seeks to enhance tax cooperation among EU countries, combat tax avoidance, and improve tax transparency. In this article, we will provide an in-depth understanding of DAC7 and explore its potential impact on your e-commerce business.

Understanding DAC7

DAC7 is designed to ensure digital platform operators, such as e-commerce marketplaces, report essential information about sellers and their transactions. By enabling EU member states to share tax-related data, DAC7 aims to create transparency on taxpayer activities across all EU countries. The directive received approval from the European Commission on March 22, 2021, and its new reporting rules became applicable from January 1, 2023.

Who is Affected by DAC7

DAC7 applies to digital platform operators that facilitate sales transactions, rental of property, or rental of transport services. However, platforms that only list items or services for sale without facilitating transactions are generally exempt from DAC7 reporting.

Reportable Transactions and Sellers

Platforms are required to report on transactions termed “Relevant Activities,” including sales of goods, rental of immovable property, rental of any mode of transport, and time or task-based personal services. Reportable sellers encompass EU tax residents engaging in taxable transactions and non-EU sellers renting immovable property within the EU. Small-scale sellers with limited transactions and revenue may be exempt from reporting.

What and When to Report

Platform operators must collect and report various details, such as sellers’ personal information, tax identification numbers (TIN/VAT), business registration numbers, transaction amounts, financial accounts used, fees, and taxes withheld. The reporting deadline is January 31 of the following calendar year, with the initial reporting period commencing in 2023. Pre-existing sellers require validation by December 31, 2024.

Compliance and Penalties

Non-compliance with DAC7 can lead to significant penalties, and tax authorities may even block access to non-compliant platforms. Platform operators can fulfil their reporting obligations by submitting data to one EU member state, which will then be shared among all member states.

Data Collection and Completeness Issues

For platform operators, the collection and validation of data from sellers play a crucial role in meeting DAC7 requirements. Some platforms may already have readily available data, while others may need to implement specific data collection processes. Validation of data, particularly tax IDs of private individuals and sole traders, can be a challenging aspect of compliance.

Interaction of GDPR and DAC7

It is essential to note that while DAC7 mandates data collection and reporting, it does not exempt platform operators from complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Platforms must inform reportable sellers that their data will be collected and shared with tax authorities while safeguarding their data privacy rights.

 

So what next?

As an e-commerce seller within the EU, understanding and complying with DAC7 are critical to avoid penalties and maintain transparency in tax-related matters. By aligning with DAC7 requirements and ensuring data accuracy, e-commerce platform operators can contribute to a fair and efficient tax ecosystem within the European Union. Staying informed and working with experts to navigate the complexities of DAC7 compliance will ensure the success of your e-commerce business.

Need more guidance or have questions? Get in touch with the team info@scaleforetail.com