How do I proceed if I want to apply for a VAT refund?
June 18, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Roberta Schlattmann
Dear Tax Advisor,
I have a question regarding the application for a VAT refund and hope that you can help me. I am a self-employed entrepreneur and have been running my business for several years. In the past, I have regularly submitted VAT returns and paid VAT to the tax office. Now I have learned that under certain conditions, I can apply for a VAT refund to get back the VAT I have paid.
Currently, I regularly pay VAT on business expenses such as purchases of goods or services. I would like to know how to proceed in order to apply for a VAT refund and what documents I need for this. I would also like to know if there are specific deadlines to be aware of and if there are any special considerations when applying for the VAT refund.
My concern is that I might make a mistake when applying for the VAT refund and therefore financial disadvantages could arise for my company. Therefore, it is very important for me to receive professional support and advice from you to ensure that I submit the application correctly and can use the VAT refund to my advantage.
Could you please explain to me in detail how to proceed in order to apply for a VAT refund, what steps I need to follow, and what documents I need for this? I am very grateful for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Martina Klett
Dear Mrs. Klett,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the application for a VAT refund. I understand that you are concerned and want to ensure that you submit the application correctly in order to achieve financial benefits for your company.
In order to apply for a VAT refund, you as a business owner must meet certain requirements. Firstly, you must be liable for VAT and regularly submit VAT returns. Additionally, you must have paid VAT, for example through the purchase of goods or services for your business.
The application for a VAT refund is usually done as part of your VAT return. In this, you declare the VAT you have paid to the tax office as well as the VAT you have paid. The difference between VAT and input VAT then results in either a liability or a refund.
In order to correctly apply for a VAT refund, it is important that you keep all relevant documents carefully. This includes invoices for purchases where input VAT is shown, as well as your VAT returns. These documents serve as evidence to the tax office and must be able to be presented in case of an audit.
There are no specific deadlines for applying for a VAT refund. You can claim this within your VAT return for the respective reporting period. However, it is advisable to apply for the VAT refund promptly to improve your liquidity and avoid possible interest charges in case of a refund.
It is important that you follow all steps carefully and correctly to avoid errors. If you are unsure or have further questions, I am happy to assist you. I also recommend seeking support from a tax advisor for more complex issues to ensure that you can take advantage of all benefits.
I hope this information helps you and answers your questions. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards, Roberta Schlattmann
