Member services

Indirect taxes

PKF is a leading global provider of indirect tax services, offering full worldwide coverage through our network of member firms. Our experts deliver a complete range of VAT compliance, GST consulting, customs advisory and excise tax services designed to help you manage complex cross-border tax requirements and maintain full regulatory compliance.

VAT, GST, customs and excise

While VAT and GST are theoretically designed so that the indirect tax burden falls solely on the end consumer, in practice, businesses face substantial challenges as VAT collectors and GST compliance agents. Issues like complex indirect tax compliance, inefficient partial exemption methods, incorrect VAT treatment or GST charging, cash flow pressures from delayed input tax recovery and inconsistent VAT regulations across jurisdictions can create significant operational costs and administrative burdens.

Our global team of VAT, GST, customs and excise specialists can help you navigate these complex indirect tax requirements, reducing your risk and improving compliance efficiency.

VAT and GST compliance outsourcing

Global VAT and GST systems vary widely, but they share one constant: strict rules and severe indirect tax penalties for non-compliance, even for minor errors. If your organisation lacks the in-house resources or expertise to manage accurate and timely VAT/GST compliance, outsourcing to PKF member firms can reduce risk and ensure full regulatory adherence.

Our network’s experienced indirect tax specialists deliver end-to-end VAT, GST, customs and excise compliance services, including the preparation and submission of all returns and the maintenance of required documentation.

Indirect tax services (VAT, GST and other non-direct taxes)

Our members deliver comprehensive VAT/GST advisory and compliance services tailored to both domestic and international operations. We help businesses navigate evolving indirect tax requirements, manage cross-border complexities and reduce risk through practical guidance, process optimisation and proactive audit support.

• Domestic and international VAT/GST frameworks
• VAT/GST compliance for cross-border transactions and supply chains
• Registration, reporting and filing support
• Audit support and dispute management
• Indirect tax process reviews and risk assessments

Local, state & indirect tax (SALT & indirect tax) advisory

Our member firms provide deep expertise in US state and local tax as well as global indirect tax regimes including VAT and GST. This integrates our offerings across mainstream and non-direct taxes.

We provide comprehensive services designed to help businesses manage complexity, minimise risk and uncover opportunities across jurisdictions. Our team supports clients throughout the full tax lifecycle - from strategic planning to compliance and controversy - while delivering practical, state-specific guidance aligned with business objectives.

• Multi-state corporate income and franchise tax compliance and planning
• Nexus reviews and apportionment analysis
• State-specific incentives, credit programs and exemption opportunities
• Sales and use tax advisory, compliance and audit defence

Obtaining refunds

Although VAT and GST should not create a cost to your business, many organisations face significant cash flow pressures due to timing differences between collecting output tax on sales and recovering input tax on purchases. The impact is even greater for exporters seeking VAT/GST refunds or for businesses making substantial capital investments. Effective indirect tax planning and strong refund application processes can greatly reduce these cash flow challenges.

Our specialists can help optimise your cash flow, accelerate refunds and ensure your indirect tax position is fully compliant and efficient.

Understanding and applying exceptions and exemptions

Indirect taxes may seem straightforward, but VAT and GST exceptions and exemptions create significant complexity across many jurisdictions. Understanding how these rules impact your outputs (sales) and inputs (purchases) is vital for accurate indirect tax calculation, reporting and compliance. Exempt (rather than zero-rated) supplies can limit input tax recovery, while the import of services may require you to self-assess VAT/GST under reverse charge rules.

Let our experts help you reduce risk, maximise input tax recovery and ensure full indirect tax compliance.

Other indirect taxes

If your business is subject to other forms of indirect tax, like stamp duty, insurance premium tax or special sales taxes, our global experts can provide a comprehensive range of compliance, advisory and tax review services to ensure full accuracy and efficiency across all indirect tax obligations.

Representation

Whether you’re facing a tax authority dispute or submitting VAT/GST refund claims, our indirect tax specialists ensure your case is professionally prepared, technically robust and fully supported with the required documentation and evidence to maximise your chances of a successful outcome.

Planning and compliance reviews

Our experts help you identify risks, inefficiencies and opportunities across your VAT, GST, customs and excise processes. Let our specialists review your systems, documentation and timing obligations to improve compliance, strengthen controls and enhance cash flow management.