Which deadlines do I have to observe for the advance sales tax return?
March 21, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Oliver Götzinger
Dear tax advisor,
My name is Ingo Blumberg and I run a small online trading company. In the past, I have always submitted my VAT returns on time, but now I have a few questions about the deadlines I need to adhere to. I want to make sure that I do not make any mistakes and do not incur penalties for late submissions.
Currently, I am submitting monthly VAT returns, as my turnover is still below the threshold that entitles me to submit on a quarterly basis. I am wondering if there are specific deadlines that I need to meet in order to submit my VAT returns on time, and what consequences I may face if I do not meet these deadlines.
Furthermore, I am interested in knowing if there are any options to extend the deadlines in case I am unable to submit my VAT return on time due to unforeseen reasons. I am worried that I could receive high fines or penalties that would financially burden my company if I violate the deadlines.
Could you please provide me with detailed information on the deadlines for VAT returns and suggest possible solutions if I encounter difficulties in meeting these deadlines? I look forward to your support and thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Ingo Blumberg
Dear Mr. Blumberg,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the deadlines for advance VAT returns. As a tax advisor specializing in VAT, I would be happy to assist you and answer your questions in detail.
Firstly, it is important to know that the deadlines for submitting the VAT return are legally prescribed. For monthly returns, these must be submitted by the 10th day of the following month. For quarterly returns, the deadline is by the 10th day of the second month following the end of the reporting period. It is crucial to adhere to these deadlines to avoid penalties.
If you are unable to submit the VAT return on time due to unforeseen circumstances, there is the possibility of an extension. However, this must be requested in a timely manner and there must be valid reasons such as illness or technical issues. Generally, an extension will be granted if the reasons are plausible.
If you still cannot meet the deadlines and submit the VAT return late, penalties in the form of late filing fees may be imposed. These can be significant depending on the amount of VAT and can financially burden your business. Therefore, it is extremely important to adhere to the deadlines or request an extension in time.
In summary, it is crucial to adhere to the deadlines for VAT returns to avoid penalties. If difficulties arise, options such as extensions are available. I recommend contacting your tax advisor or the relevant tax office early on in case of problems to find solutions and avoid penalties.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Oliver Götzinger
