Switzerland: Ask For Your Money Back: Application For Claiming A Refund Of EU VAT Deadline 30th June 2007

If you have incurred foreign VAT on your expenditure, then this VAT can generally be reclaimed if the following conditions are met:

1. Your business is Swiss VAT registered and is not established, VAT registered or engaged in business activities in the country where a reclaim is sought;
2. The expenditure was incurred for business purposes and
3. the expenditure relates to trainings, meetings, trade missions, exhibitions, conferences and similar activities, travel, hotel accommodation, meals, car rental or fuel.

If your business meets the above conditions and you wish to reclaim the VAT incurred on goods or services purchased in 2006, you must apply for the VAT refund by 30 June 2007 at the latest1. If you do not meet the deadline your entitlement expires and the foreign VAT will be a cost to your business. The VAT rates are not harmonised in the EU and the maximum rate is 25%. Certain restrictions may apply for banks and insurance companies.

Each country has a similar administration procedure which has to be followed. Generally, a business will need a minimum amount of VAT to reclaim, original VAT invoices, official forms completed in the local language and confirmation of VAT registration status in the country of residency. Reclaim forms need to be submitted directly to the tax authorities of the country in which the reclaim is sought.

The following countries are currently within the EU:

In cooperation with our international Network, we would be pleased to assist you in filing applications for VAT refunds. Should you wish to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.