Nearly Half of Foreign Tourist Buses in Copenhagen Violate VAT Rules

Copenhagen's streets are seeing a significant number of foreign tourist buses flouting tax regulations. A recent inspection by the Danish Tax Agency revealed that approximately 45.7% of the 35 foreign bus companies checked were not registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) in Denmark.

Out of the 46 buses examined at key tourist locations like Tivoli Gardens, Thorvaldsens Museum, and near the Little Mermaid, 16 companies failed to meet VAT registration requirements. This situation highlights a persistent issue, although the agency noted a slight improvement compared to a similar control last year.

"But we can also state that there are still companies that have not gotten their VAT registration in order, even though they are driving tourists in Denmark," said Rasmus Winther Borup, deputy director at the Tax Agency. "Therefore, there is still a need to keep an eye on the area." The agency plans to contact the non-registered companies to guide them through the registration process and enforce compliance, potentially imposing daily fines for non-adherence.

The initiative aims to create a level playing field for both Danish and foreign bus companies, ensuring all operate under the same rules and contribute fairly through taxation. The controls were conducted at several central tourist spots across Copenhagen during the summer.

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But we can also state that there are still companies that have not gotten their VAT registration in order, even though they are driving tourists in Denmark. Therefore, there is still a need to keep an eye on the area.