The 2012 worldwide VAT, GST and sales tax guide

M ALTA 435
2008/9/EC. For businesses established outside the EU, refund is
made under the terms of the EU 13th Directive.
For the general VAT refund rules under Council Directive
2008/9/EC and the EU 13th Directive refund schemes, see the
chapter on the EU, page 208.
Claims for refunds by persons established in other EU member
states must be made online in accordance with Council Directive
2008/09/EC. Claims for refund under the EU 13th Directive must
be made on an appropriate form and sent to the following
address:
Commissioner of VAT
Value Added Tax Department
Centre Point Building
Ta’ Paris Road
Birkirkara BKR 4633
Malta
H. Invoicing
VAT invoices and credit notes. Registered persons must generally
provide tax invoices for all taxable supplies of goods and services
made and for exports. Fiscal receipts must be issued for
retail sales. A purchaser who receives a fiscal receipt for a supply
must retain it for a period of at least 24 hours because the purchaser
may be required to produce the receipt for inspection by
the VAT authorities.
A credit note may be used to reduce VAT charged and reclaimed
on a supply. A credit note must be cross-referenced to the original
invoice.
Proof of exports. VAT is not chargeable on exports of goods to
third territories. An export supply must be accompanied by
evidence that confirms the goods have left Malta. Suitable evidence
includes the stamped customs exportation documentation.
Foreign-currency invoices. Invoices may only be issued in euros.
Foreign currency may only be quoted as a reference. The selling
rate quoted by the European Central Bank on the date on which
the supply takes place must be used.
I. VAT returns and payment
VAT returns. In most cases, registered persons file VAT returns
quarterly. VAT returns must be filed within one and a half months
after the end of the tax period to which they relate. Payment in
full is required on the same date. Return liabilities must be paid
in euro.
Recently Maltese VAT law was amended to ensure that businesses
sending their VAT declarations and making payments
online are not charged interest and administrative fines if the
declaration or payment is sent within seven days after the current
deadline.
Penalties. Interest is assessed on VAT paid late. The current rate
is 0.75% for each month or part of a month. The interest rate may
change.