No. 204: Tax Compliance Management Systems in German Tax Audits – An Analysis of Practical Experiences

Recent regulatory changes and the adoption of the ‘DAC 7’ EU Directive have significantly increased the importance of Tax compliance management systems (Tax CMS) in German tax audits. Our interview-based study, which draws on the insights of experts from various sectors, including industry and commerce on the one hand side and tax advisors on the other hand side, reveals nuanced perspectives on the impact of Tax CMS on tax audits. Our results reveal that the number of Tax CMS in German firms has increased in recent years and that, in particular, the majority of large firms have implemented these control systems. From a firm’s perspective, there has been no discernible impact on the duration, scope, or focus of tax audits, nor the frequency of tax disputes or the number and size of tax refunds. However, tax practitioners in advisory firms report a slight positive change in the audit environment, with fewer tax disputes, and a more efficiency-driven approach to audit procedures, with an increase in process-oriented audits. These findings represent preliminary observations on the use and effectiveness of Tax CMS in tax audits. They provide early insights into the advantages and disadvantages of these systems. These findings are particularly relevant given the expected increasing role of Tax CMS in German tax audits, driven by ongoing regulatory developments.