VAT rules for imports

If you trade with countries outside of the EU, this is reported together with other VAT on the VAT report to Skatteverket.

The taxable amount for purchases from a country outside of the EU must be reported in box 50, Taxable value in conjunction with an import. The output VAT is then reported in box 60-62, Payable value added tax 25%, 12%, 6%, depending on which VAT rate applies for the import.

The input VAT is reported as usual in box 48, Input VAT to deduct.

The information on taxable amount and VAT comes from Swedish Customs and you can read more about the new rules on the Skatteverket's website.

The BAS Group also has suggestions for which accounts can be used to record invoices/purchases from outside the EU:

Account no	Account description	Tax forms
2615	Output VAT on import of goods 25%	60
2625	Output VAT on import of goods 12%	61
2635	Output VAT on import of goods 6%	62
4545	Taxable amount for import 25%	50
4546	Taxable amount for import 12%	50
4547	Taxable amount for import 6%	50
4549	Offset account for taxable amount for import	No VAT code

You can change the VAT code of your accounts by clicking on Edit on the account under Settings - Chart of accounts.

Accounting example

When you receive an invoice from your supplier, you post it the usual way (on the accounts without any VAT codes), for example:

Suggested account	Description	VAT box	Debit	Credit
4000	Purchase of goods	--	50 700
2440	Accounts payable	--		50 700

When the customs duty invoice comes, the taxable amount and VAT are posted.

The taxable amount according to the customs duty invoice is 50 700 kronor (in this example, matches the purchase cost, but this is not always the case).

Suggested account	Description	VAT box	Debit	Credit
4545	Taxable amount for import 25%	50	40 500
4547	Taxable amount for import 6%	50	10 200
4549	Offset account for taxable amount for import	--		50 700
2615	Output VAT on import of goods 25%	60		10 125
2635	Output VAT on import of goods 6%	62		612
2645	Charged input VAT	48	10 737