VAT returns and the tax return
An error in the VAT return can bring additional tax. A missed tax return brings an enforcement penalty. We take these filings on so they are right each time. Greenleaf is an approved accounting firm and files VAT and tax returns for limited companies, sole proprietorships and holding structures across Norway.
The VAT return
Most VAT-registered businesses file every two months. We reconcile the documents, check the rate – 25 per cent as the main rule, 15 per cent on food and 12 per cent on passenger transport, accommodation and cinema among others – assess zero-rated and exempt transactions, handle reverse charge on imports and on remotely deliverable services, and file the return. You get the figures and the payment details well before the due date. Not everyone files every two months. Small businesses can apply for annual filing, subject to conditions.
The tax return
Limited company: the tax return with its business specification is due 31 May, including in a year with no turnover. We calculate the tax, check accruals and depreciation, and file with the documentation in place. Sole proprietorship: the business figures form part of your personal tax return through the business specification, with the same deadline. We make sure deductions for a home office, mileage, phone, professional literature and pension are handled correctly. A one-month extension can be applied for, but it does not arrive on its own – the application has to be sent before the ordinary deadline. Electronic applications are granted automatically, and the new deadline for businesses is 30 June.
Cross-border VAT and the reverse charge
If you buy remotely deliverable services from abroad – advertising, cloud services, software – you generally have to calculate and report the VAT yourself under the reverse charge rules. This is among the most commonly forgotten obligations in small businesses. The rules are not the same for every service, and construction work on Norwegian property follows different rules again.
What if a document is missing just before the deadline?
Do not guess. Try to get the documentation from the supplier. If it does not arrive in time, the return is still filed by the deadline on the basis of what can be reported correctly – and amended once the documentation exists. For recent periods you can normally file a new VAT return for the same period, and the most recent filing is the one that applies. Self-correction can generally be made within three years of the original deadline. This is why we agree an internal deadline ahead of the public one, so a missing document surfaces while there is still time to get it.
What happens if something is not filed?
The Tax Administration does not start charging the day after the deadline. First comes a notice and a conditional decision with a new deadline. If that one passes too, the enforcement penalty begins to run. It stops when the information is filed or the maximum is reached. One thing worth knowing in advance: if the Tax Administration has assessed VAT by discretion because the return was missing, you should normally not send an ordinary letter of appeal. File the missing return – it is then treated as an appeal against the assessment. If you have had notice of a change or of additional tax, we help with the correspondence and the documentation. If you find an old error yourself, there are separate rules on voluntary correction.
Frequently asked questions
When is the VAT return due?
The main pattern is one month and ten days after the period ends, but two periods break it: May–June is due 31 August, and November–December is due 10 February. The others are 10 April, 10 June, 10 October and 10 December.
What happens if the VAT return is wrong?
If the business gives incorrect or incomplete information that could produce a tax advantage, additional tax can be imposed. The ordinary rate is normally 20 per cent of the advantage, and in cases of intent or gross negligence aggravated additional tax can be added on top, bringing the total to 40 or 60 per cent. We reduce the risk by reconciling before filing.
Can we avoid VAT if we are small?
If VAT-liable turnover and withdrawals stay under 50,000 NOK in any twelve-month period, you are not required to register. If the business has made large purchases before turnover begins, advance registration may be possible subject to conditions. That is different from voluntary registration, which applies to letting commercial property among other things.
How do you file the tax return?
Directly to Altinn on your behalf. You get a review before filing and can approve the final figures.
Get VAT and tax right every time
We take over the filings and make sure deadlines, deductions and documentation are in place. Get in touch for a quote.
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