In Romania the default VAT return period is one month. Businesses with an annual turnover of below EUR100,000 (or equivalent) may submit quarterly returns. However, if that business makes an intra-Community acquisition monthly VAT returns will be required.

In addition to declaring sales or output VAT in the Romanian return, companies can offset output VAT by the corresponding input or purchase VAT.

There are some exceptions, including:

• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products
• 50% of the VAT related to intra-Community purchase, hire or lease of certain vehicles

Romanian monthly or quarterly VAT returns are due on the 25^th day of the month following the period end.

Any Romanian VAT due must be paid at the same time.

Medium sized and large businesses i.e. those with an annual turnover of over RON 7million must file Romanian VAT returns electronically.

If there are inaccuracies or late fillings of Romanian VAT returns, foreign companies may be subject to penalties.  Failure to register for VAT, late filing of VAT returns, inaccurate returns and late payment of VAT are all subject to penalty of up to RON 5000. In addition, interest is charged by the day on any outstanding VAT from the day it was due. There is a five year statute of limitations for Romanian VAT, except for fraud or other criminal offences, in which case it is extended to ten years.

If there is a surplus of VAT inputs over outputs (more VAT incurred than charged), then a Romanian VAT credit arises.  In theory, this is due back to the VAT registered business.  Claims for refunds can be made through the VAT return. VAT credits of over RON 5000 will be refunded, however VAT credits of less than RON 5000 will be carried forward to offset future VAT payments. All VAT refund requests may be subject to a VAT inspection.

This summary of taxable supplies and acquisitions between Romanian VAT registered businesses should be submitted with the same frequency as the VAT return.