Businesses may recover VAT paid in early 2020 and reschedule payment

The Government is proposing that value-added tax (VAT) already paid in the early part of 2020 could be returned to businesses as part of revised payment arrangements. However, it will not be for free: rescheduled payments will be subject to 3% interest.

Government says the purpose of this measure is to alleviate the financial difficulties of many businesses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

In Finland, the standard VAT rate on most products and services is 24%.

Under these arrangements, a rescheduled payment scheme would be drawn up for the later payment of the returned amount of VAT to the Tax Administration, the Ministry of Finance said in a press release.

“The temporary returning of VAT already paid is one of the Government’s measures for alleviating the situation for businesses that find themselves in financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. I’m pleased that this is now moving forward,” said Minister of Finance Katri Kulmuni.

The Government is also proposing that it would not be possible for the returned VAT to be used towards tax arrears in an adjusted payment arrangement or deferral, but would instead be paid to the VAT-liable business, provided that there are no other obstacles to doing so.

Interest lowered

It is also proposed that late-payment interest applicable to payment arrangements and deferrals would be lowered further to 3% from the already reduced level of 4%.

This lower rate would apply to taxes due between the start of March and the end of August this year, and to VAT payable in early 2020 that is subject to adjusted payment arrangements.

The Government's intention is that the proposed changes would enter into force as soon as possible.