The Growing Challenge of VAT Compliance

For large multinational companies, managing VAT compliance across multiple jurisdictions is an ongoing struggle. With VAT registrations in various regions, a mix of in-house teams and outsourced providers, and constantly changing tax regulations, businesses face significant hurdles in maintaining control and visibility over their VAT obligations.

The lack of oversight can lead to missed deadlines, penalties, and fines, creating financial risks for companies. Additionally, staying updated on evolving VAT regulations, tax rates, and real-time reporting requirements adds to the complexity. As governments worldwide continue to push for digital tax compliance, businesses must be prepared for this shift.

The Need for Security and Transparency

Beyond regulatory challenges, businesses must also ensure the security of their VAT data. Maintaining a comprehensive audit trail of filings, transactions, and supporting documentation in a single, secure location is critical. The global approach to VAT compliance is rapidly changing, yet businesses have struggled to find solutions that adapt to these evolving requirements.

Introducing Comply by Taxback International

Recognizing these challenges, Taxback International developed Comply, an end-to-end VAT compliance platform designed to simplify and automate global VAT management. With over 20 years of expertise in VAT compliance and reclaim solutions, Taxback International understands the difficulties that large organizations face.

Comply provides a centralized, automated solution that ensures businesses remain compliant while eliminating risks associated with VAT obligations. The platform:

  • Automates VAT compliance across multiple jurisdictions
  • Offers real-time visibility and control over VAT processes
  • Facilitates tax office payments in local currencies
  • Provides full audit trails and secure documentation storage

By integrating advanced automation and payments technology, Comply transforms the way businesses manage VAT compliance—eliminating manual errors, improving efficiency, and ensuring seamless reporting.

Taxback International: A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1996 as part of The Taxback Group, Taxback International has grown into a global leader in VAT compliance and recovery solutions. With a presence in over 30 offices worldwide and a workforce of more than 1,200 employees, the company serves some of the world’s largest corporations, including Apple, Google, IBM, P&G, and Facebook.

Initially focused on VAT reclaim services for the events and conferencing industry, the company pivoted in 2010 to address VAT reclaim challenges for corporate businesses, particularly in business travel. By developing integrations with major expense management platforms, Taxback International became the first provider to automate the VAT reclaim process, launching VAT Connect—the world’s first automated VAT recovery solution.

Advancing VAT Reclaim Through AI and Machine Learning

With VAT Connect, Taxback International leveraged AI and machine learning to automate transactional data reviews, ensuring VAT recovery on even the smallest receipts. Clients gained full visibility into their global VAT reclaim potential, compliance rates, and forecasting capabilities.

Additionally, the company introduced a Continuous Improvement Program, using intelligent analytics to identify non-compliant expenses. This data-driven approach allowed businesses to implement training programs that improved compliance rates over time.

The Evolution of Comply: A First-of-Its-Kind VAT Compliance Platform

Building on the success of VAT Connect, Taxback International developed Comply to address global VAT compliance challenges. Like VAT Connect, Comply is the first solution of its kind—designed by VAT experts, for VAT experts.

Operating in over 20 languages through its 24-hour European Central Processing Centre, Taxback International offers multilingual platforms, websites, and customer support. The company’s dedicated team of VAT specialists continuously researches EU and non-EU tax laws, ensuring that clients remain compliant in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.

Future Expansion and the Road Ahead

In response to the disruptions caused by COVID-19, Taxback International adapted to meet the evolving needs of its clients. As businesses resume international travel, the demand for T&E VAT Reclaim is expected to rise.

Looking ahead, Taxback International plans to:

  • Expand its global footprint by opening new offices in key regions
  • Strengthen its position as a global VAT consultancy hub
  • Invest in cutting-edge AI-driven compliance solutions
  • Continue attracting top-tier talent to drive innovation

“With the easing of lockdown restrictions, we anticipate a surge in business travel, bringing renewed focus to T&E VAT Reclaim. At the same time, our AI-powered Comply platform ensures that compliance is not just an obligation but a valuable addition to our clients’ financial strategies,” says Catherine Quirke, CEO of Taxback International.

By leading the charge in VAT compliance innovation, Taxback International is empowering businesses worldwide to navigate tax complexities with confidence, efficiency, and complete control.