What are the consequences if I do not submit the sales tax pre-registration on time?
July 10, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Günther Hering
Dear tax advisor,
My name is Christiane Kronberger and I run a small online trading company. In recent months, I have unfortunately been experiencing recurring issues with submitting the advance VAT return on time. I am aware that this is not ideal and would therefore like to learn more about the possible consequences.
Currently, my situation is such that I often only realize shortly before the deadline that I do not have all the necessary documents and data ready. This regularly puts me under time pressure and I am unable to submit the advance return to the tax office on time. I am concerned that this could have negative implications for my business and wonder what specific consequences could arise if I do not submit the advance VAT return on time.
I know that I urgently need to improve in this regard in order to avoid possible fines or even legal consequences. Therefore, it would be very helpful for me if you could explain to me what the consequences could be if I continue to miss the deadlines. Are there alternative ways to submit the advance return on time without always being in a rush?
I thank you in advance for your assistance and look forward to your professional advice.
Best regards,
Christiane Kronberger
Dear Mrs. Kronberger,
Thank you for your inquiry and trust in my expertise as a tax consultant in the area of value-added tax. It is good that you are aware of the importance of timely submission of the VAT return and that you want to improve your situation.
If you do not submit the VAT return on time, it can have various consequences. First of all, late payment interest of 0.5% per month on the tax not paid on time may be imposed. These can quickly add up and lead to financial burdens for your company. In addition, the tax office may issue warnings and impose fines in case of repeated violation of deadlines.
Furthermore, the late submission of the VAT return can lead to a deterioration of the relationship with your tax office. A poor relationship with the tax office can lead to further inspections and audits, which can cause additional effort and costs.
It is therefore advisable that you take measures to ensure the timely submission of the VAT return. One option would be to implement better organization of your accounting to ensure that you have all necessary documents ready on time. A regular schedule and setting reminders can help you keep track of deadlines and avoid time pressure.
You may also consider hiring a tax consultant to prepare the VAT return. A professional tax consultant can ensure that the return is submitted on time and correctly, as well as assist in optimizing your tax processes and avoiding errors.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you can take steps to improve your situation. If you have any further questions or need support, I am happy to assist you.
Best regards,
Günther Hering
