By when must the advance VAT return be submitted?

The advance VAT return is a document that entrepreneurs in Germany must regularly submit to the tax office. It is used to report the turnover achieved in the respective advance return period (usually monthly or quarterly) and the VAT due on it.

Here are some important points about the advance VAT return:

1. Purpose: The advance return enables the tax office to monitor the VAT that a company has collected and the input tax that it has paid. This ensures that the correct amount of VAT is paid to the state.
2. Deadlines: The deadlines for submitting the advance return vary depending on the company’s turnover. Smaller companies can submit quarterly advance returns, while larger companies usually have to report monthly.
3. Contents: The advance return lists total sales, taxable sales and deductible input tax. The difference between the VAT collected and the input tax paid is the amount to be paid or refunded.
4. Submission: The advance VAT return must be submitted electronically to the tax office via the Elster portal (electronic tax return).

It is very important for entrepreneurs to ensure that the advance VAT return is prepared correctly and submitted on time in order to avoid fines and back payments.