Arvonlisäverojärjestelmässä

Arvonlisäverojärjestelmässä, commonly referred to as VAT or ALV in Finnish, is a consumption tax levied on goods and services at each stage of the supply chain. The tax is ultimately borne by the final consumer, but it is collected by businesses throughout the chain.

The fundamental principle of the VAT system is that businesses collect VAT on their sales and can deduct the VAT they have paid on their purchases. This mechanism ensures that tax is only paid on the value added at each stage. Businesses registered for VAT must charge VAT on their taxable supplies, issue VAT invoices, and submit regular VAT returns to the tax authorities. The standard VAT rate varies by country, with reduced rates often applied to essential goods and services like food, books, and public transportation.

The objective of the VAT system is to generate revenue for the government while minimizing distortions in competition. It is a widely adopted indirect tax system used in over 160 countries globally, including all member states of the European Union. For businesses, understanding and complying with VAT regulations is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations. Taxable transactions typically include the sale of goods and services, imports, and intra-community acquisitions. Exemptions and zero-rating apply to specific types of transactions, such as certain financial services or exports.