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Value Added Tax (VAT): How to Treat Goods Remaining in Stock on 1 January 2013
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On 1 January 2013 the Value Added Tax (VAT) was introduced to replace the Goods and Services
Tax (GST) that has been in place since 2001. VAT is applicable at the rate of 15% (same as
the GST rate) and is applied on most imports and on goods and services bought and consumed
in Seychelles other than those specifically exempted under the VAT Act.
There is concern that tax will be charged twice on the same goods in view that GST would
have been paid on the goods purchased prior to 31 December 2012 and VAT will apply on the
same goods if still in stock on 1 January 2013.
In one of our previous article we explained the GST deduction mechanism for importers on
goods which GST was paid directly at the point of entry at Customs. You will recall that
as a transition rule, GST paid on goods directly imported by VAT registered businesses,
before the introduction of VAT and remaining in stock as at 31 December 2012, can be offset
against VAT collected if the following conditions are met:
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The goods are used for business purpose;
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The goods are used for making taxable supplies;
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The same goods are not exempted under VAT (and were not exempted from GST);
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There are satisfactory documents to prove to SRC that GST has been paid.
In today’s article we will look at the retailers that have purchased their goods locally
rather than imported directly.
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What will happen to retailers that did not import directly but rather purchased their goods locally?
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As there was no GST on the domestic sales of goods, for VAT registered retailers who
purchased goods for resale on the domestic market, there is no GST on the invoices issued
by the suppliers. However, prices while expressed GST free, have potentially a GST
component which is the GST paid at the point of entry at Customs and passed on the
retailer (customer) by the importer/wholesaler (supplier).
This GST component has to be neutralized to avoid a cascade of tax on tax - in other words
the application of the VAT on the GST. The GST is neutralized by a notional credit mechanism.
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How does the notional credit mechanism works?
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The notional credit mechanism is a transitional measure put in place to avoid any potential
price increase by retailers that would have indirectly paid GST on goods in their shop.
Retailers registered for VAT by 1 January 2013 will be exceptionally allowed to deduct a
notional credit of 10% on the price of all taxable(*)goods — purchased locally and
remaining in the handling stock on December 31, 2102 — as mentioned on the invoice issued
by their local supplier.
(*) GST exempted goods are excluded from this mechanism>
This deduction will be made according to the general conditions prescribed for GST on
imported goods. It will be a one-off deduction made on the first VAT return due for 21
February, 2103 for compulsory VAT registered businesses (or by 21 April 2013 for voluntary
VAT registered taxpayers).
For example
During 2012 a retailer A has purchased from a local wholesaler B the following taxable goods
that remain unsold on 31 December 2012.
The inventory reflects the following
- 10 packs of detergent SCR 4,000 invoiced July 10, 2012
- 250 bottles of wine SCR 30,000 invoiced September, 23, 2012
- 17 packs of aluminum paper SCR 3,500 November 2012
- 30 toys for kids SCR 12,000 invoiced December 11, 2012.
Total amount charged for these goods (4000 + 30 000 + 3500 + 12000)= SCR 49,500.
Notional credit allowed as an input tax credit 49 500 * 10% = SCR 4,950
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What are the conditions for the notional credit?
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To be able to claim the notional credit, the following condition applies:
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The physical inventory is accurate and documented,
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All goods locally purchased and in stock are justified by a proper invoice issued by a local
supplier (importer/wholesaler). SRC will verify the accuracy of these deductions; documents must
be available upon SRC’s request,
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These goods are not VAT exempted.
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When will the notional credit be deducted?
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The GST is deductible from VAT collected on sales on the first VAT return which should
be remitted to SRC on or before the 21st February 2013 for compulsory registered
businesses and on or before the 21st April 2013 for voluntary registered businesses.
The deduction should be reported on line 7 [adjustment (+ or -)] of the VAT return.
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For more information
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You can contact Seychelles Revenue Commission on 4293737 or email us at vat@src.gov.sc.
The Value Added Tax Act, 2010 is available here.
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Website Published Date: 25 January 2013
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