Swedish Lawmakers Grant Tax Agency New Powers Against VAT Fraud

The Swedish parliament approved Wednesday expanded powers for the national tax agency to combat value-added tax fraud.

The measures include enhanced vetting of VAT registrations, greater authority to refuse or revoke existing registrations, the ability to quickly flag unreliable taxpayers in the EU’s VAT validation tool, and new powers to restrict VAT refunds when tax evasion risks are detected.

As part of the VAT registration process, the agency will be able to order company representatives to appear in person and provide fingerprints and facial images for identity verification.

• Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson