Norway

Co-operation with the EU to reduce VAT fraud Last month we communicated how countries in Europe, specifically the Benelux countries, were embarking on joint ventures with the aim of reducing VAT fraud. The European Commission aims to establish a similar incentive with Norway, with the same underlying objective- to reduce the VAT gap. This is a unique development- it is the first ‘alliance’ of its kind with a non-EU country. As part of the agreement, tax authorities in both the EU and in Norway can share tax information and partake in activities to help fight VAT fraud similar to those outlined in the EU. A recommendation from the European Commission plans to extend this joint initiative yet further, proposing new methods to further reinforce barriers against VAT fraud. Reduction of the VAT gap is the primary objective of e-invoicing mandates, which are expected to be implemented with increasing frequency in the coming years in Europe. By extension, we can envisage the European Commission, and countries of their own initiative, to instigate measures to further reduce the VAT gap in a streamlined and efficient manner.

VAT exemption extended for electronic news services The Norwegian Ministry of Finance has extended the VAT exemption applied to electronic news services until 2028, via press release No.14/22. This exemption was first introduced in 2016 and provided parity between news relayed on paper and electronically. It is hoped that the extension will serve to increase consumer appetite for news and current affairs.

New VAT return as of 1 January 2022

The Tax Authorities have announced that a new VAT return will be introduced that will replace the current, manual VAT return, effective 1^st January 2022. The new VAT return will be based on the SAF-T codes and will include approximately 30 boxes as opposed to the 19 boxes in the current VAT return. The Norwegian Tax authorities aim for a direct transfer from the company’s accounting system to altinn. It will however still be possible to fill out and submit the VAT return manually as per the current process.

New VAT return as of 1 January 2022

The Tax Authorities have announced that a new VAT return will be introduced that will replace the current, manual VAT return, effective 1^st January 2022. The new VAT return will be based on the SAF-T codes and will include approximately 30 boxes as opposed to the 19 boxes in the current VAT return. The Norwegian Tax authorities aim for a direct transfer from the company’s accounting system to altinn. It will however still be possible to fill out and submit the VAT return manually as per the current process.

Proposed extension of 6% COVID reduced VAT rate to 30 September 2021

The Norwegian government has proposed to extend the temporary 6% reduced VAT rate for transportation, lodging, etc, until September 30, 2021 in the revised national budget. Originally, the reduced rate was to last until the end of June 2021. However, this decision is yet to be formally approved.

Proposed extension of 6% COVID reduced VAT rate to 30 September 2021

The Norwegian government has proposed to extend the temporary 6% reduced VAT rate for transportation, lodging, etc, until September 30, 2021 in the revised national budget. Originally, the reduced rate was to last until the end of June 2021. However, this decision is yet to be formally approved.

Norway: Reduced VAT rate extension

Norway has extended the 6% Reduced VAT Rate beyond October 31. A new end date has not yet been established.

Norway: Reduced VAT rate extension

Norway has extended the 6% Reduced VAT Rate beyond October 31. A new end date has not yet been established.

Norway implements EU VAT Directive 55

The European Union (EU) VAT Directive 55 obliges all EU public authorities to receive invoices electronically, or at least to have a defined for how they will do so, by 27 November 2018.

Norway implements EU VAT Directive 55

The European Union (EU) VAT Directive 55 obliges all EU public authorities to receive invoices electronically, or at least to have a defined for how they will do so, by 27 November 2018.