Despite being harmonised with the EU VAT legislation, the Bulgarian VAT rules are still specific and provide for a number of procedures and reporting requirements. The Bulgarian revenue authorities exercise strict control, while the administrative courts have their own and diverse interpretations of the EU VAT rules and the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
VAT may account for a substantial share of a company’s turnover and may raise significant risks for all businesses. The Bulgarian filing and payment deadlines are very short. Corrections of past periods are quite cumbersome, if allowed at all. Severe penalties may be imposed for delays in issuing or reporting invoices. Input VAT deductions may be challenged on the basis of insufficient evidence or vendor’s omissions.
The customs and excise duties are administered by the Customs Agency usually exercising strict and formal control over applicable regimes and procedures.