Financial Crime World

Belgium and Poland Step Up Efforts to Simplify and Modernize Tax Systems with EU-backed Project

Introduction

A 18-month project backed by the European Commission has come to a close, providing critical support to Belgium’s Federal Public Service Finance and Poland’s National Revenue Administration in their efforts to extend Cooperative Tax Compliance Programmes (CTCP) across both countries.

Objectives

The ambitious initiative aims to boost efficiency, transparency, and tax certainty for large businesses, ultimately stimulating economic growth and public confidence. The project responds to the European Union’s Action Plan on Fair and Simple Taxation, which seeks to ensure fair and simple taxation across the continent.

Deliverables

Through this joint effort, the beneficiary authorities have gained a range of valuable deliverables, including:

  • Feasibility analyses for extending the programme
  • Strategies and action plans to increase participation
  • Guidelines for comprehensive Tax Control Framework (TCF) analysis
  • Practical tools for training TCF auditors
  • Communication materials tailored to specific stakeholder groups

Expected Outcomes

The technical support is expected to lead to a significant uptick in CTCP adoption, enabling tax authorities in both countries to better assess the effectiveness of their tax systems. In turn, this will contribute to:

  • More efficient and effective tax administrations
  • Improved tax collection
  • A more favorable economic environment for businesses

Impact on Tax Authorities

By enhancing understanding and capabilities among tax authorities, as well as exploring ways to expand programme scope, the project has empowered beneficiaries with comprehensive guidance and tools to implement changes effectively. A strategic approach to communicating these changes to key stakeholders will also facilitate smoother adoption of the CTCPs.

Resources

For further information on Poland’s Cooperative Tax Compliance Programme, please visit podatki.gov.pl.

For more details on Belgium’s initiative, visit Co-operative tax compliance programme.