Google Tax: How to Avoid Stepping Back in the Near Future?

Subject This article discusses the issues related to tax changes in the taxation of foreign organizations providing electronic services (e-services) in the territory of Russia. Such changes are expected in 2019. Objectives The article aims to identify problems in the practice of e-service VAT taxation and tax management, as well as develop recommendations for certain improvements. Methods For the study, I used the methods of economic analysis, induction, deduction, and comparison. Results The article reveals the technical (determination of the e-service location) and organizational (unavailability of property in the territory of Russia) problems of effective tax administration. It proposes to use the best foreign practices (the EU case) as part of the VAT reverse charge mechanism. Conclusions The general rules of e-services VAT taxation will change in the B2B segment from January 1, 2019. The article concludes that the effective mechanism of implementation of e-service VAT taxation is hampered by significant legislative and technical problems. Tax changes introduced from January 1, 2019 can further exacerbate these problems.