Stefan Evers (CDU, centre), Berlin's Senator for Finance, hands over a symbolic key to Beate Penshorn (right), Head of the Berlin International Tax Office, at the opening of the Berlin International Tax Office.
© dpa
Berlin is repositioning itself in the fight against VAT fraud by foreign companies. To this end, Finance Senator Stefan Evers (CDU) opened the Berlin International Tax Office in Neukölln on Monday in the presence of District Mayor Martin Hikel (SPD).
Evers handed over a symbolic key to the head of the office, Beate Penshorn. The new authority is responsible for the centralised sales taxation of companies based in more than 100 countries throughout Germany, not least those that earn their money from online trading.
According to the tax authorities, their number has risen considerably in recent years. Previously, the Neukölln tax office was responsible for them. The launch of the new Berlin International Tax Office is intended to ensure that companies cannot evade their obligation to pay VAT in Germany. From the point of view of the Berlin tax authorities, the new tax office will help to combat international tax crime.
A significant number of the companies concerned are based in Asia. According to the tax authorities, this involves complex tax transactions. Finance Senator Evers expects that the establishment of the new tax office will improve tax revenue. The administration is looking for employees for the new office.