Possibility to request a tax filing extension until 30 June 2021

In a press release, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that it is possible to obtain an extension of the 31 May deadline for the filing of annual reports and the related tax returns (corporate income tax, small company tax, innovation contribution, income tax of energy companies, vocational training contribution) by submitting a justification request.

COVID-19 justification requests to be treated with priority by NAV

The crisis caused by COVID-19 makes the life and operation of organisations difficult, and therefore, in view of the pandemic situation, the Ministry of Finance has asked the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) to consider reasons attributable to the coronavirus pandemic and referred to in justification requests submitted by 30 June as circumstances to be taken into consideration in particular. On the basis of the press release, justification requests submitted by 30 June 2021 will be assessed by NAV quickly and equitably if they include reasons attributable to the outbreak.

Those whose requests were approved by NAV will be exempted from the adverse legal consequences (default penalty and late payment surcharge) of failure to comply with the deadline of 31 May 2021. However, it is important to point out that, together with the justification request, applicants must also submit their tax returns not filed at the original deadline, and they must nevertheless pay the tax or request from the tax authority a deferment or apply for payment in instalments.

Special rules for local business tax and public interest entities

We also call attention to the fact that from 2021 the local business tax return must be filed on the form of and with the participation of NAV; however, justification requests in connection with this type of tax is to be submitted separately for each local tax authority, and these will also be assessed individually by each local tax authority, independently of each other and of NAV.

Finally, it is worth keeping in mind that, on the basis of the press release, requesting an extension of the deadline is not possible in case of businesses of public interest, such as listed companies, banks, insurance companies and investment firms. These are subject to the general tax administration rules, but of course they can also submit justification requests in case of being late with their annual reports.