CJEU rules on right to deduct VAT in case of missing supplier

On 22 October 2015, the CJEU rendered its judgment in case C-277/14, PPUH Stehcemp, referred to it by the Polish Supreme Administrative Court. The EU Court holds that national law may not refuse the deduction of the VAT due or paid in respect of goods delivered, on the grounds that the invoice was issued by a trader which is to be regarded as non-existent, and that it is impossible to determine the identity of the actual supplier of the goods. This does not apply where it is established on the basis of objective factors that that taxable person knew, or should have known, that the transaction was connected with VAT fraud. When establishing this, the taxable person cannot be required to carry out checks which are not his responsibility.

– Judgment: EN (all EU languages)

Source and copyright CFE