Europe to set out tax evasion sanctions – The European Commission is set to lay out new plans today for a unified approach to tackling tax evasion across member states, including setting up a dedicated team of auditors.

The Commission will argue a common approach will “defeat the fraudsters and evaders” and enable it to “reclaim vast sums of money that are legitimately due”.

It is expected to suggest the possibility of EU-wide minimum rules for certain types of tax offences and will look at introducing cross-border tax identification numbers for businesses, to allow countries to exchange information automatically, reports The Times.

It is also considering setting up a team of auditors focused specifically on cross-border tax fraud to improve the fight against tax evasion in the 27 countries of the European Union.

Algirdas Šemeta, the Lithuanian Commissioner for taxation, customs and audit, said:

• “Let there be no illusion: tax evaders steal from the pockets of ordinary citizens and deprive member states of much-needed revenue.
• “If we want fair and efficient tax systems, we must stamp out this activity. The political will to intensify the battle is there. Now it is time to translate that into action.”

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