VAT refund

When the VAT refundable exceeds the VAT payable, the company is entitled to get it back. We handle the procedure: from checking the documents to communicating with the NRA while the procedure is under way.

What is included

• Checking the grounds for the refund and the documents supporting the input VAT credit.
• Determining which procedure applies to the company: the general procedure or accelerated refund.
• Preparation of the VAT return and supporting documents.
• Communication with the NRA during the procedure, including responses to requests and a tax audit, if one is ordered.

We do not handle refunds of VAT paid in other EU countries: each country has a minimum threshold, and the procedure is costly and makes sense only for large amounts.

Who it is for

For companies with major investments or purchases, exporters, companies with many intra-Community supplies and anyone whose VAT return shows VAT refundable for several consecutive months.

VAT refundable arises when the VAT on purchases for the month exceeds the VAT on sales. This is common for a start-up with large initial costs, when buying a machine or property, or for a company that sells mainly outside the country. A refund in itself is not an irregularity, but the NRA checks whether the purchases are genuine and related to the business. That is why the documents must be complete when the VAT return is filed.

A refund is often the trigger for an inspection or a tax audit. Well-prepared documents shorten the dialogue with the NRA and reduce the risk of the input VAT credit being refused. If such an audit begins, your time limits and rights are described on the “Representation before the NRA” page.

Statutory deadlines

• Under the general procedure, the VAT refundable is first offset against other outstanding liabilities to the NRA. The remainder is deducted from the VAT payable in the next two tax periods. If an amount still remains after that, it is refunded within 30 days of filing the last VAT return (source: Art. 92(1) VAT Act).
• Accelerated refund within 30 days of filing the VAT return is possible in the cases listed in the law. Example: over the last 12 months, the company's zero-rated taxable supplies have exceeded 30% of all its taxable supplies (source: Art. 92(3) VAT Act).
• The VAT return is filed by the 14th of the following month (source).

What the client provides

• The purchase invoices on which input VAT credit is claimed, and proof of payment.
• The contracts for major purchases or investments.
• For exports or intra-Community supplies: transport documents and documents proving that the goods have left the country.
• A bank account for the refund.
• Any documents the NRA requests during the procedure.

How we work

1. We check the documents and the grounds for the refund.
2. We determine the procedure and time limits for your case.
3. We file the VAT return and the documents.
4. We respond to the NRA's requests and follow the procedure through to refund or offset.

If the NRA asks for additional documents, we tell you exactly which ones and by when. The faster the response, the less the procedure is delayed.

Frequently asked questions