New tax office blacklist!
The Federal Ministry of Finance has published the new blacklist for 2024. This list includes countries in which the tax authorities consider transactions to be particularly risky when it comes to tax evasion. Anyone doing business here quickly becomes a suspected case. But what exactly does this mean for you and what can those affected do? Here are the three most important facts:
1. who is on the list?
The list currently comprises eleven countries, including well-known tax havens such as Palau and the US Virgin Islands. This list was announced by the Federal Ministry of Finance on October 10, 2024. It is entitled: Third Ordinance amending the Tax Haven Defense Ordinance.
2 Why is the list only half the truth?
However, the suspicion does not only concern these “usual suspects”. From the point of view of the tax authorities, every foreign business relationship is potentially suspicious, whether in other continents or in countries of the European Union, such as France, Spain or Poland. Business abroad, even with European neighbors, is subject to strict scrutiny. The tax office uses data from sales reports and international account transactions to identify anomalies. Taxpayers with foreign transactions should be prepared to provide additional evidence during audits.
3. what can you do if you do business with foreign countries?
Object to the mail from the tax office! Anyone who is on the list as a taxpayer or is requested by the tax office to submit documents should take legal action and lodge an objection. On PepperPapers.de you will find sample objections that you can easily use. This way, you can protect yourself legally and clearly show the tax office that you know your rights.
The new blacklist shows: The tax office takes a close look at foreign activities. You should therefore be prepared and defend yourself in an emergency.
