How can I claim the input tax on invoices from EU countries?
November 26, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Felix Schönecker
Dear tax advisor,
My name is Leonie Hagedorn and I run a small business that imports goods from various EU countries and resells them in Germany. Lately, I have been receiving more invoices from EU countries and I am wondering how I can claim the input tax from these invoices.
So far, I have been collecting the invoices, but I am unsure of how to correctly declare and settle the input tax in my VAT return. I am worried that I might make mistakes and risk tax payments or even fines.
Could you please explain to me how I can correctly handle and claim the input tax from invoices from EU countries? Are there any specific forms or procedures that I need to follow? How can I ensure that my VAT return is correct and that I do not have any issues with the tax office?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Best regards,
Leonie Hagedorn
Dear Mrs. Hagedorn,
Thank you for your question regarding input tax from invoices from EU countries. It is important to handle the input tax correctly to avoid potential errors and problems with the tax authorities.
When importing goods from other EU countries and reselling them in Germany, you generally have the right to claim the input tax from the invoices of these imports. To do so, you need to collect the invoices and declare them in your VAT return. You can then offset the input tax with the VAT you receive from your own customers.
To claim the input tax from invoices from EU countries, you must ensure that the invoices contain all the necessary information. This includes your own VAT identification number, that of the supplier, the date of the invoice, the quantity and type of goods supplied, the net amount, the tax rate, and the tax amount. Make sure that the invoices are correctly issued and meet the requirements.
In your VAT return, you must declare the input tax from invoices from EU countries in the corresponding line. There is no specific form for this, you simply enter the amounts in the designated fields. It is important to correctly declare all input tax amounts to avoid potential errors.
To ensure that your VAT return is correct and you avoid problems with the tax authorities, I recommend that you regularly consult with a tax advisor. A professional tax advisor can assist you with the correct calculation of input tax and VAT, so you do not risk tax payments or fines.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Felix Schönecker
