VAT
VAT changes: what changes in practice for businesses
Published · 4 min read · NS Accounting & Tax Office
To organise tax and accounting deadlines together, see the business obligations calendar.
VAT changes rarely concern the rate alone. In practice they affect how you invoice, when you may deduct input VAT and how your books reconcile with myDATA data.
The first step is updating your invoicing software: item categories, rates, exemptions and intra-community transactions. Incorrect setup leads to wrong periodic returns for months.
The second step is a monthly review of myDATA mismatches. Documents not transmitted, or transmitted with the wrong classification, create differences the tax authority detects automatically. See also our guide to myDATA and electronic invoicing.
Finally, watch your deduction rights: expenses with incomplete details, invoices issued to the wrong tax number or payments without a bank trail can be rejected during an audit.
When a credit balance arises, also see our complete guide to VAT refunds for businesses, the process and deadlines.
For a detailed analysis of which VAT is and is not deductible on business purchases, see our guide to input VAT.