The VAT control statement: what it contains and what to watch out for

The VAT control statement is the tool the Financial Administration (Finančná správa) uses to compare data between suppliers and customers and to uncover discrepancies in the tax applied. For a VAT payer it is a mandatory attachment to the return that calls for precision and well-organised accounts. This is precisely where many requests from the tax office arise that could have been avoided. In this article we explain what the statement contains, when it is filed and where the most common mistakes occur.

What the control statement is for

The purpose of the statement is to cross-check output VAT against deducted tax. The Financial Administration’s system matches invoices on the seller’s side and the buyer’s side, so differences between partners quickly come to the surface and prompt a closer check. That is exactly why it pays to make sure your data match your business partners’ data precisely, particularly the identification numbers, the invoice serial numbers and the amounts of tax. Even a minor discrepancy, such as a difference of one cent or a different invoice number, can trigger an automatic request, although the tax itself was paid correctly.

What the statement contains

The statement is divided into several parts according to the type of supply and according to whether it concerns output VAT or a deduction. Each part has its own rules, and putting a document in the wrong part is a common mistake. Put simply, this is where you report:

• issued invoices with output VAT
• received invoices from which you claim a deduction
• corrective documents and credit notes
• simplified invoices and summary data from the cash register

What to watch out for

Most problems are caused by typos in the partner’s identification number, incorrect invoice serial numbers or a supply being assigned to a section other than the one it belongs in. Other mistakes include reporting a document in a period other than the one to which the tax belongs, or a mismatch between the amount in the statement and in the return. So check the data thoroughly before sending, ideally also with the automatic check in your accounting software, which will uncover most discrepancies by itself.

When and how it is filed

The control statement is filed electronically for the same tax period as the return and by the same deadline, that is, together with it. If you have no data to report in a given period, you generally do not file the statement, even though you must still file the return itself. However, check this exception against the current rules, as it may differ depending on the type of supplies made.

How to avoid requests from the tax office

If your data do not match your partner’s data, the tax office may ask you to resolve the discrepancy within a set period. You need to respond quickly and provide the correct documents, otherwise you risk a penalty. Well-organised accounts, ongoing checks and reconciling invoices with your partners before filing are the best way to prevent such requests and save time on both sides.

When to consider an accountant’s help

If you are unsure about the correct classification of supplies or you often trade under more complex regimes, such as the reverse charge, leave the VAT control statement to an experienced accountant. You will save time and reduce the risk of discrepancies that could lead to a tax audit or a penalty with a real financial impact.

Related articles: The EC Sales List for trade within the EU, How to file your first VAT return, Excess VAT deduction: when it arises and how to get it.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I make a mistake in the control statement?

If you discover a mistake, you file a corrective or supplementary control statement. If there are discrepancies with a partner, the tax office may ask you for an explanation. An uncorrected mistake can lead to a penalty, so respond without delay.

Does the statement have to be filed with a nil return as well?

If you have no supplies in the period that are reported in the statement, you generally do not file it, even though you must file the return. Check the specific rules against the current wording of the VAT Act.