VATupdate
the Netherlands

Share this post on

Boxx on Wheels: Legal Dispute Over VAT Exemption for Mobile Storage Services

  • X provided movable property boxes to customers under a concept called Boxx on wheels
  • The boxes were stored in a warehouse and stacked by X
  • Customers did not have access to the storage area
  • Each box was locked with a padlock and only the customer had the key
  • Customers could request access to their box digitally through an app
  • Upon request, X moved the box to a different area for 24 or 48 hours where customers could access it using a code received through the app
  • After access, X returned the box to the storage area
  • X believed their services under the Boxx on wheels concept should be exempt from VAT as they related to the rental of real estate
  • The tax inspector imposed VAT assessments for the years 2014 to 2017 along with penalties for non-compliance
  • X appealed, arguing that the service was primarily about providing storage space, which involved the passive provision of space or surface area in buildings
  • The Amsterdam Court ruled against X
  • The Supreme Court dismissed X’s further appeal without detailed reasoning as per Article 81 of the Judicial Organization Act

Source: futd.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.

Sponsors:

VAT news

Advertisements: