The 2012 worldwide VAT, GST and sales tax guide

G REECE 273
scanned copies of relevant invoices placed in an electronic
archive or file. The refund period must be no longer than one
calendar year (the minimum VAT claim amount is €50) or less
than three calendar months (the minimum VAT claim amount is
€400). The appropriate Greek authority for this purpose is the
following:
The Hellenic Republic
Ministry of Finance, VAT Division
Directorate of VAT Administration and Resources
Sina 2-4
10672 Athens
Greece
Repayment interest. If the refund application is approved, refund
of the approved amount must be paid within 10 working days
after the expiration of the deadline to respond. Interest is payable
to the applicant on the amount of the refund to be paid if the
refund is paid after the last date for payment. Interest due is calculated
according to the rules applicable for payment of default
interest to Greek taxable persons.
H. Invoicing
VAT invoices and credit notes. A taxable person must generally
provide a VAT invoice for all taxable supplies made, including
exports and intra-Community supplies. Invoices are not automatically
required for retail transactions, unless requested by the
customer. A document qualifies as a valid invoice if it complies
with requirements set out in the Greek law (the Code of Books
and Records).
A valid original VAT invoice is required to support a claim for
input tax deduction or a refund under the EU 8th Directive refund
scheme. Invoices must comply with requirements in the Greek
Code of Books and Records to qualify as valid evidence to support
input tax deductions.
A VAT credit note may be used to reduce the VAT charged and
reclaimed on a supply. A credit note must be cross-referenced to
the original VAT invoice.
Proof of exports and intra-Community supplies. VAT is not chargeable
on supplies of exported goods or on intra-Community supplies
of goods. However, to qualify as VAT-free, exports and
intra-Community supplies must be supported by evidence confirming
that the goods have left Greece. Acceptable proof
includes the following documentation:
• For an export, copies of the export document, officially validated
by customs and showing the supplier as the exporter, and
the bill of lading issued by the transporter
• For an intra-Community supply, a range of commercial documentation,
such as dispatch notes, the bill of lading and proof
of payment
Foreign-currency invoices. If an invoice is received in a foreign
currency, the amounts must be converted into euros. The exchange
rate to be used is issued by the Ministry of Finance. An invoice
may be issued in foreign currency if Greece is the place of supply
of goods or services and if the amount of VAT payable is indicated
in euros.