Indirect taxes and global trade

In recent years, issues related to managing indirect taxes — such as VAT, GST, customs and excise duties — have risen on the corporate agenda.

What EY can do for you

Knowing the indirect tax rules for your business operations and applying them correctly are key to avoid assessments, penalties and goods blocked on airports, harbors, roads, etc. Taxpayers and tax administrators do not always agree about the rules. Complex local legislation, evolving business models and widely different compliance obligations in different jurisdictions add to the risk of disagreements.

We can advise you on the steps to take to strategically meet your tax obligations and resolve tax controversy. We foster an open dialogue with customs authorities, government officials, business partners and other stakeholders about customs and international trade issues, the impact of policy decisions and the importance of free trade.


TradeWatch 3, 2023

The latest edition of EY TradeWatch features some of the key global trade trends affecting international businesses.

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The global trends shaping indirect tax

As we continue to navigate a turbulent year for the global economy, three overarching trends are shaping indirect tax policy and how indirect tax leaders plan: global trade, transformation and sustainability. These external pressures mean indirect tax teams must be agile, use technology to adapt, and sometimes do more with less. But they are also creating new opportunities for organizations to thrive.

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The team

Worldwide VAT, GST and Sales Tax Guide

Outlining value-added tax (VAT) systems in 150 jurisdictions, the 2024 edition of our Worldwide VAT, GST and Sales Tax Guide is now available.

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Our latest thinking

How three global trends are shaping indirect tax

Indirect tax leaders need to comply and spot the opportunities in the megatrends affecting indirect tax policies and international trade. Find out more.

How transformation is shaping global indirect tax

The trends that are driving transformation at a global scale and how indirect tax functions can best prepare and add value. Find out more.

How disruption is shaping opportunities for global trade

In the face of continued geopolitical uncertainty, indirect tax and trade functions have an opportunity to show their real value. Find out more.

How sustainability is shaping global indirect tax

Indirect tax leaders need to not only comply but spot the opportunities in the ever-evolving group of sustainability taxes and incentives. Find out more.

How to navigate global sustainability compliance challenges

Staying ahead of ESG regulations on a global scale can be a challenge but, businesses cannot risk falling behind on supply chain policies. Learn more.

    Podcast: How unilateral digital services taxes put global tax reforms in motion

    This episode of Tax and Law in Focus explores how the proliferation of DSTs has helped fast-track BEPS 2.0, triggering the biggest shake-up in international taxation for decades.

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