The 2012 worldwide VAT, GST and sales tax guide

F INLAND 227
• The quantity and nature of the goods supplied or the extent and
nature of the services rendered.
• The date on which the supply of goods and services is made or
completed. For an advance payment, the invoice must show the
date on which the payment on account is made if such date may
be determined and differs from the date of issuance of the invoice.
• The taxable amount (excluding VAT) for each VAT rate or
exemption, the unit price exclusive of VAT and the amount of
any discount or rebates if they are not included in the unit price.
• The VAT rate applied (for each VAT rate).
• The VAT amount payable in euros (unless the margin scheme
applicable to second-hand goods, works of art, collectors’ items
and antiques is applied).
• If an exemption is involved or if the customer or buyer is liable
to pay VAT, the basis for the exemption or the liability of the
customer or a reference to the appropriate provisions of the
Finnish VAT Act or the EU VAT Directive.
• If a corrected invoice (for example, a credit note) is issued, an
unambiguous reference to the original invoice.
In some specific cases, the invoicing requirements are less
de tailed. Less-detailed invoices may be issued in the following
cases:
• Invoices for amounts up to €250 (including VAT).
• Invoices relating to supplies made by certain businesses whose
clients are principally private persons, such as retailers and
kiosks, and hairdressers.
• Invoices regarding passenger transport or restaurant services
and receipts concerning parking meters and vending machines.
For these invoices, only the following information must be
included:
— The invoice date.
— The supplier’s name.
— The supplier’s VAT identification number.
— The quantity and nature of the goods supplied or the nature
of the services rendered.
— The amount of VAT payable (at each VAT rate) or the taxable
amount exclusive of VAT (at each VAT rate).
A VAT invoice is necessary to support a claim for input tax
deduction or a refund under the EU 8th or 13th Directive refund
schemes (see the chapter on the EU, page 208).
A VAT credit note may be used to reduce the VAT charged and
reclaimed on a supply.
Proof of exports and intra-Community supplies. Finnish VAT is not
chargeable on supplies of exported goods or on the intra-Community
supply of goods. However, to qualify as VAT-free, exports and
intra-Community supplies must be supported by evidence, such
as proof that the goods have left Finland. Acceptable proof
includes the following documentation:
• For an export, a copy of the export document, officially validated
by customs. The authorities may also approve the use of
other documentation such as consignment notes (or other commercial
evidence) or the import declaration of the customs
destination. Depending on the party that arranges the transportation,
other requirements may need to be satisfied for the VAT
exemption to be allowed.