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Non-resident traders with a VAT number are required to file regular Bulgarian VAT returns. These are required to report taxable transactions in Bulgaria, as well as any VAT due/refund from the tax payer.
Companies registered in Bulgaria, and charging Bulgarian VAT, may offset the VAT charged on sales (output VAT) against the VAT paid on Bulgarian supplies (input VAT). This includes VAT charged on the import of goods. There are some exemptions including:
Bulgarian VAT filings are due monthly on the 14th day of the month following the tax period end. For electronically supplied services VAT filings are due before the 20th day of the month following the relevant quarter. If the due date falls on a weekend or public holiday then the due date will be the next working day. Any Bulgarian VAT due must be paid by the same date.
Type of return | Frequency | Filing deadline | Document | Format | |
VAT return | Monthly | 14th of the 2nd month following the tax period | VAT Declaration | ||
EC listing | Monthly | 14th of the 2nd month following the tax period | VIES Declaration | ||
Intrastat | Monthly | 14th of the 2nd month following the tax period | Intrastat Declaration | Fixed Format | |
VAT Books | Monthly | 14th of the 2nd month following the tax period | - | TXT |
In most cases, foreign businesses can use the electronic filing and payment system on the National Revenue Agency website: www.portal.nap.bg
There may be penalties for failure to register for VAT and late submission of Bulgarian returns and VAT payments. These range from BGN500 to BGN20,000 (approximately EUR255 to EUR10,186). Interest is charged on outstanding balances at a rate of 10.02% per annum. This is calculated by adding 10% to the Bulgarian National Bank base rate which is currently set at 0.02%.
If there is a surplus of VAT inputs over outputs (more VAT incurred than charged), then a Bulgarian VAT credit arises. Input VAT is recoverable and refunded by the Bulgarian VAT authorities within 30 days after the third monthly VAT return has been filed.
+44 (0)1273 022400