Many entrepreneurs are seeing how the internationalization of their companies causes them to have to bear the VAT in countries of the European Union that are not theirs. This is the case with VAT operations of hotels and restaurants, which is very typical of trade fairs, for example. To clean up your finances, it is important to know how to request a refund of input VAT outside Spain through forms 360-361.
Forms 360/361: How to request a refund of the VAT supported abroad?
To request a refund of the VAT supported outside Spain forms 360/361 must be presented via the internet. In this form, we must write down all the information regarding the supplier in which we have made the expenditure and a copy of the invoice received (date, taxable base, VAT rate applied, concepts of expenditure incurred). In addition, the invoice must be attached to the application. If the countries in which the costs have been incurred are different, different applications should be made.
When to order form 360/361?
The frequency of filing for form 360/361 will depend on the amount of money being claimed. If the request is for an amount to be returned of more than € 400, it must be done every quarter. If the amount of money is less than € 400, it must be done annually. The deadlines for requesting the refund of VAT paid abroad are as follows:
- If a quarterly application is required: From the day following the end of the natural quarter in which the VAT was paid until September 30 of the following calendar year.
- If an annual application is required: From the day following the end of the calendar year in which the VAT was paid until September 30 of the next calendar year. Each country has its own rules on the minimum limits to be returned, although the most common is that the minimum amount is 50 euros. You can not request a refund if the amount is lower.
How does a VAT refund work?
Once filed form 360, the Spanish tax authorities will be responsible for managing the refund to the country where the VAT was supported. The applicant is then informed through an electronic acknowledgement of receipt, having to decide in 15 days to send it by electronic means to the Member State in which the contributions were paid.
Can only a refund of VAT be supported in EU countries?
No, you can also recover the VAT paid abroad if there is a reciprocity agreement with Spain, such as Canada, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, Monaco or Norway, among others. If you need advice on how to obtain a refund of the VAT supported outside of Spain through forms 360 and 361, do not hesitate to contact our tax advisors in Barcelona. We will analyze your situation and look for the best solution.
