VAT rebates on building materials to be speeded up

Taxpayers have been able to turn in applications for VAT rebates since the beginning of 2006. Tax offices do not have to hurry in giving back the money. They have six months to consider the application form but the payment has to be preceded by a clerk's decision. This means that each application has to be checked along with invoices, which is time consuming. The Finance Ministry suggests paying the rebate without the clerk's decision if the application form raises doubts. The taxpayer would then have to take responsibility for any mistakes or misinformation, as in the case of a yearly tax return. (WBJ Real Estate Newsletter)