Update on Dutch Tax Authorities’ ICT modernization

The Dutch State Secretary of Finance informed the Dutch Parliament about the progress of modernizing the Tax Authorities’ ICT systems. The letter provides an update on the modernization of the IT systems at the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, including the progress on phasing out the outdated ‘Cool:Gen software’, adjustments to the planning of two IT projects, and measures taken to address issues with the Data Renewal program.Modernization of IT Systems.

The implementation of the EU VAT e-Commerce directive to simplify and harmonize VAT compliance for online sales within the EU has been delayed. The planned transition from the temporary “Emergency Track” to the permanent “Main Track” system has been postponed from December 2023 to June 2024 due to complications in testing and data migration.

The transition has been further delayed to prioritize the implementation of the EU Small Businesses Scheme (KOR2025), with the Main Track system now expected to go live in early 2025.

The Data Renewal program, aimed at improving data management within the Tax and Customs Administration, has experienced delays and is being fundamentally reassessed. The program lacked adequate steering and oversight, leading to budget overruns and a lack of clarity on the remaining effort required. Corrective measures have been taken, including the appointment of a dedicated program manager and the adoption of a more agile, iterative approach to the remaining projects.

Source: rijksoverheid.nl

Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.

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