Changes to VAT

The VAT field brings a number of news effective from January 1, 2026. Even though majority of them were effective in 2025 already.

Financial activities

Certain financial activities will no longer be exempt from tax without the right to deduct tax, e.g., collection of payments, collection of radio or television fees, payment of pension insurance benefits, collection of recurring payments from the population, or keeping records of investment instruments.

Refund of groundless tax payments

Since January, recipients of supplies may ask the tax administrator to refund groundless tax payments in their tax returns, e.g. in situations where the supplier incorrectly stated a higher VAT rate on the document, or in situations where the supplies should have been exempt or subject to the reverse charge mechanism. A number of conditions must be met in order to apply.

However, a refund of groundlessly paid tax can only be requested in exceptional cases where it is impossible or excessively difficult for the supplier to refund the tax to the recipient, e.g. if the supplier is insolvent.

Other

The changes also apply to adjustments to the tax base in relation to bad debts and adjustments to tax deductions due to non-payment of receivables.