VAT Payment Calculator

VAT rules across the EU are more or less the same, although Slovakia does differ in some aspects. For example, Slovakia adds VAT to the sale of goods and services, and to the purchase of goods from abroad. This is for both EU member states as well as third countries. The supplier in most cases then pays VAT, although some exceptions exist where the buyer pays VAT.

The VAT Act sets an annual turnover limit for mandatory registration as a VAT payer. In 2023, this amount is EUR 49 790 annually (the last 12 consecutive calendar months). Further, regardless of turnover, any foreign entity in Slovakia must register for VAT if they intend to:

• Supply goods

• Sell services

• Buy goods from EU countries outside of Slovakia

Note: This excludes transactions in Slovakia with another Slovak business. It also excludes real estate rental to a Slovak business from any supplier within the country.

The VAT Act (§ 27 of Act no. 222/2004 Coll. on value added tax) regulates value added tax in Slovakia. VAT is an additional charge which the final consumer takes on in addition to the price of certain goods or services. The VAT payer (the supplier) collects this tax in the price of the transaction, and must then pay VAT into the central government budget. VAT payers must also keep records and submit tax control reports, while meeting specific invoicing requirements.

In Slovakia, it might be advantageous to register as a VAT payer even if it’s not necessary by law. This might be for example if you buy goods or services from VAT payers more often than you sell to them. In such transactions, VAT payers can technically access your products and services at a lower cost by claiming VAT back. You might also voluntarily register if buying products at a standard VAT rate but selling at reduced rates. It could also be when purchasing valuable assets to later claim VAT on.

In 2023, the standard VAT rates in Slovakia include the basic VAT rate (20%), and the reduced VAT rate (10%). There is also now a reduced VAT rate (5%), which applies to certain rental housing. Examples of the reduced 10% rate include for example:

• Book sales

• Some food goods

• Select medical devices

• Buy goods from EU countries outside of Slovakia

• Accommodation services

• Goods or services within the social economy

To register for VAT in Slovakia, foreigners must submit an application of registration at the Bratislava Tax Office. The tax authority must then register the foreigner within 7 days from the date of application. It is possible to register via post, electronically, or in person. Applicants will also need to submit:

• A foreign business register extract, or an extract from a similar business register (either officially translated into Slovak, or with the original in Czech language)

  A power of attorney if applicable (in Slovak), such as when an agent is acting on your behalf.

Whenever your annual turnover exceeds the mandatory registration limit, you must pay VAT. For example, imagine you reach the turnover limit in the 9th month of a taxable calendar year. However, at tax time, all of your invoices were without VAT. In this case, you must pay VAT for the months your income surpassed the limit. This means you pay VAT on months 9 through 12, starting when you technically become a VAT payer.

All registered VAT payers are responsible to pay VAT at the conclusion of each tax period. Taxable periods can be a calendar month, or a calendar quarter, depending on the payer and their obligations. VAT payers then have to file a VAT return no longer than 25 days from the end of the taxable period. They must correctly account for and send each payment to their corresponding account number. Also, it is only possible to file VAT returns electronically.

The VAT refund is one of the most common ways to deduct VAT payable for incoming supplies to Slovakia. It is also possible for foreign entities to apply for a refund on any VAT they paid. However, the foreign entity must meet certain conditions. These include purchasing select goods and services in Slovakia, or importing goods into the country. Further, all foreign applicants must:

• Apply via the electronic portal from their country;

• Apply by 30 September of the taxable year following the refund period;

• Provide a copy of the invoice or import document (if the VAT base is EUR 1,000 or higher, or EUR 250 or higher for a fuel purchase import).

More information for EU nationals If ever in doubt, more information for EU nationals registering for VAT is available through the Slovak Financial Administration.