COURSE OBJECTIVES
VAT is not just a finance and/or IT topic but opportunity/risk for which you, as in-house counsel, need to be up to date on both basic and evolving new notions.
Contracts, T&C, M&A, data protection and IT are all intimately linked to VAT, a tax that follows the economic reality of purchases and sales of goods and services.
While VAT is supposed to be “neutral” because what goes in is supposed to come out (i.e., VAT incurred on purchases should be deductible from VAT due on sales), such textbook theory rarely plays out perfectly harmoniously.
That’s where I come in. I’m here to give in-house counsel all you need to know to avoid common pitfalls and anticipate the upcoming massive reforms already announced and still to come in the EU and beyond, the real game changers, including how solid contracts and internal process can:
1. Avoid or at least simplify VAT fixed establishments and VAT registrations
2. Facilitate getting VAT back in refund claims and save the day in case of audits
3. Facilitate e-commerce and international trade/tariffs issues
4. Be necessary and help handle the new e-invoicing requirements coming into force across multiple EU jurisdictions
Ready for a rapid-fire tour of today’s top topics in only 2 hours with practical case studies to get you efficiently up to speed on VAT in the EU and beyond?
PREREQUISITE
Intermediate level in English.
PLACE OF TRAINING
Virtual Classroom
TOTAL DURATION
2 hours/one-day workshop
YOUR CONSULTANT – TRAINER
Amanda Quenette, Associate, CMS Paris
Amanda joined CMS Francis Lefebvre in 2022 after having developed an expertise in VAT – international trade since 2014.
She advises companies in their day-to-day issues, as well as in the context of audits and litigious matters, or specific missions, in VAT, wage tax, corporate solidarity contribution “C3S” and diverse turnover taxes.
She notably is specialized in international supply chain management for French and foreign companies as well in the distribution, transport, aeronautics and insurance sectors.
PROGRAM CONTENT
Embed VAT Strategy into Legal Documents: Learn to draft and review clauses in contracts, T&Cs, and M&A agreements that proactively manage VAT risks and opportunities.
Manage Cross-Border Risk: Identify and mitigate the risk of creating unintended—and costly—VAT “fixed establishments” and registration obligations in other EU member states.
Strengthen Your Position in Audits: Understand how robust contracts and internal processes can be your best defence during a VAT audit and critical for succeeding in refund claims.
Navigate the VAT of Digital & Global Commerce: Grasp the essential VAT rules governing e-commerce, the supply of digital services, and the complexities of international trade.
Prepare for Mandatory E-Invoicing: Get ahead of the upcoming wave of new e-invoicing and digital reporting requirements (ViDA) and understand their impact on your systems and contracts.
Advise on Future Reforms: Confidently anticipate the impact of major upcoming EU VAT changes, allowing you to provide proactive, strategic advice to your business stakeholders.
CERTIFICATION
ECLA will issue a certificate to each participant at the end of the course indicating the exact hours of training.
The online course will take place on 12 February 2026 as a 2-hour long session with a 15-minute break.
(You can select your favoured schedule during checkout)
More schedules are currently planned and will be communicated shortly. Get informed
399,00€ – 599,00€
Discount for ECLA Members*
Discounts for large groups and individual company packages can be arranged – please contact: info@ecla.eu
CONTACT
Tristan Sessoms
Academic Coordinator
tristan.sessoms@ecla.eu
*ECLA Member: You must be an in-house counsel and individual member of an ECLA national member association. For the list of national member associations please visit www.ecla.eu
In co-operation with:
Rue Des Sols 8
1000 Brussels
Belgium
info@ecla.eu
