Thursday, August 1, 2013

What is VAT?

 VAT proves to be an efficient tool for revenue collection;  its performance, therefore, has direct impact on fiscal mobilization, macroeconomic stability, and development. 

Compared with alternatives in indirect taxation, the VAT has more revenue potential:  it is generally more broad-based and entails a trail of invoices that helps improve tax compliance and enforcement.  Note also that the VAT may eliminate the cascading problem, which is typical for the turnover tax.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax of up to 25% that is levied on both goods and services in most countries around the world. The national tax systems of Europe, Japan, and Australia and others often allow for a refund of VAT to non-resident business entities worldwide. For VAT claims that are not Travel and Entertainment expenses, registration for VAT may sometimes be required prior to the transactions in order to get a refund. The frequently section gives you an overview of VAT and the Rate section explains the current VAT rates and the local name for VAT in differentcountries.


Companies must add value added tax (VAT ) to their prices. Thus, VAT is only paidby the end user of a product or service. Companies transfer the VAT received to the tax authorities on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. The frequency generally depends on the level of company turnover.

The normal VAT rate of 19 percent is just below the European average. A reduced rate of seven percent applies to certain consumer goods and everyday services (such as food, newspapers, local public transport, an hotel stays. Some services (such as bank and health services or community work) are VAT exempt.

The official German term for VAT is Umsatzsteuer, but it was originally called Mehrwertsteuer and is often still referred to by this name.

Value-added tax which is collected has to be paid to the responsible tax office on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. The exact time frame depends on the company’s level of turnover.

The official German term for VAT is Umsatzsteuer (USt), but it was originally called Mehrwertsteuer (MwSt.) and is often still referred to by this name. 

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