All published updates

Digital Adoption Platforms for Expense Management in Hybrid Work

A SAP Concur blog post argues that hybrid and flexible work, combined with increasingly sophisticated enterprise applications, has made digital adoption platforms (DAPs) a key tool. A DAP is a codeless software addition that simplifies processes within an enterprise application via in-interface guidance and tool tips. The post cites IDC research showing 87% of surveyed line-of-business respondents are automating their own work, and an IDC prediction that by 2025 CIOs investing in DAPs and automated learning technologies will see a 40% productivity increase. It also notes that more than 170 countries operate VAT systems, with regimes such as the UK's Making Tax Digital and the EU's SAF-T evo…

Canceled or Delayed Flight? TripIt Can Help with Compensation

TripIt partners with AirHelp to help passengers claim compensation for delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights to/from/within the EU and Brazil. If a disruption is eligible, TripIt automatically emails and helps file a claim. AirHelp handles paperwork and communication, charging only on success. Past three years' disruptions can also be claimed.

Three Regulatory Pressures Impacting Business Travel in 2020

A SAP Concur blog post outlines three regulatory pressures affecting business travel in 2020: tax and permanent-establishment risks in international business travel, US interstate personal income tax withholding requirements, and the EU's revised Posted Workers Directive. It cites data showing 84 public cases of Canadian immigration non-compliance in 2018 with penalties of CAD 1,000 to CAD 10,000 and 49 organizations receiving two-year bans, plus 12 public US immigration non-compliance cases with fines of $275,000 to $34 million.

EY Sheds Light on 3 Key Business Travel Risk Areas

EY, through SAP Concur, offers an end-to-end travel management solution to help corporations manage business travel risks. The article identifies three key risk areas: trade risks (rising protectionism is the biggest risk, with US-China business travel suppressed), tax risks (129 countries pledged to implement BEPS, tax authorities may demand permanent establishment), and talent risks (countries protect domestic workers, such as EU posted-worker regulations). EY's service provides real-time assessments of travelers' tax, immigration, and EU posted-worker obligations.

Impact and considerations

With global risks rising, companies need to proactively manage tax, immigration, and compliance risks in business travel to protect employees and avoid reputational damage.

How to Reclaim More VAT on Corporate Travel Expenses

SAP Concur blog post discusses VAT recovery on corporate travel expenses. It cites GBTA data that over 480 million business trips are taken annually and notes a €137 billion VAT gap in the EU. The article recommends using automation and digitalization to improve VAT compliance and recovery efficiency, citing examples of Electrolux and Citrix Systems achieving significant VAT recovery increases through automation.

Tax Alert: VAT Refund Application Due by September 30, 2018

SAP Concur issued a tax alert: the EU 8th VAT Directive allows EU-established businesses to recover VAT incurred in one of the 28 EU countries, with the 13th Directive covering non-EU businesses, and a September 30, 2018 deadline. Businesses registered in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain may be eligible if conditions are met. Eligible expenses vary by country and personal expenses are never eligible. The post advises completing country-specific forms, noting deadline exceptions such as the UK and Cyprus, using automated systems and planning ahead.

Be Ready for Brexit, Whatever the Outcome

A SAP Concur blog post advises UK SMBs to prepare for Brexit, whatever the outcome. It notes that businesses trading with or traveling to the EU may need to adjust travel, expense, and invoice processes. Specific recommendations include updating travel policies, considering prepaid currency cards, and preparing for changes to VAT refund processes.

Taxback International and SAP Concur Partner to Automate VAT Reclaim

Taxback International, the first technology partner to integrate with SAP Concur to automate the entire VAT reclaim process, continues to innovate for efficiency, visibility, and regulatory compliance. The article highlights the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act limits on meals and entertainment deductions, post-Brexit uncertainty for UK VAT reclaim, and the EU's 2021 e-commerce VAT rules. Taxback International's cloud software adapts to changing rules, helping companies manage compliance risk and optimize reclaim.