What happens if I accidentally provide incorrect information in my advance VAT return?
February 5, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Dietrich Hohenadel
Dear Tax Advisor,
My name is Andreas Voss and I am a self-employed entrepreneur in the electronics trading sector. In my VAT return for the last quarter, I accidentally made incorrect statements. I did not correctly record some income and as a result, I paid too little VAT. Now I am very worried about what consequences could be coming my way.
I noticed that I made mistakes when I reviewed my accounting. Unfortunately, I only realized this after submitting the VAT return. I have tried to correct the incorrect information, but I am unsure if this is enough to avoid legal problems.
I am afraid that the tax office could penalize me or that I may even have to undergo a tax audit. I am also concerned about my reputation as an entrepreneur and my financial situation. I want to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and avoid any potential consequences.
Can you please tell me what happens if I accidentally make incorrect statements in my VAT return? Are there ways to correct the errors and avoid legal problems? I would be very grateful for your support and advice on this matter.
Sincerely,
Andreas Voss
Dear Mr. Voss,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the incorrect information in your VAT return. It is understandable that you are concerned about the potential consequences as a self-employed entrepreneur. I would like to assist you in this matter by providing you with some information and advice.
If you have mistakenly provided incorrect information in your VAT return, this can indeed lead to legal issues. The tax office places great importance on accurate and complete information in tax returns and regularly audits them. If errors are discovered, the tax office may take appropriate measures.
In your case, since you have noticed the errors yourself and have tried to correct them, it is advisable to contact the tax office immediately. You have the option to submit a corrected VAT return with the erroneous information corrected. It is important to be transparent with the tax office and communicate the mistake openly.
The consequences for inadvertently providing incorrect information can vary depending on the circumstances. The tax office may require a repayment of the underpaid VAT, as well as interest and possibly fines. In severe cases, it may also lead to a tax audit.
To avoid legal issues, it is advisable to correct the errors as soon as possible and cooperate with the tax office. Additionally, I recommend seeking assistance from a tax advisor to resolve the matter professionally and minimize potential consequences.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need my assistance. I am available to advise you on this matter.
Sincerely,
Dietrich Hohenadel
