VAT Hungary Guide

Read our guide and find out everything you need to know about VAT in Hungary, from registration to filing, and more.

Expanding your business to Hungary requires a solid understanding of its VAT (Value Added Tax) system. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Hungarian VAT landscape, exploring rates, registration, returns, and other essential aspects to help you navigate VAT in Hungary efficiently.

What is the Hungary VAT rate?

In Hungary, VAT is referred to as "Általános forgalmi adó" (AFA). The Hungarian VAT system includes a standard VAT rate of 27%, two reduced rates of 18% and 5%, as well as a zero Hungary VAT rate.

Type of VAT	VAT Rate	Applicable Goods/Services
Standard VAT rate	27%	All other taxable goods and services.
Reduced VAT rate (1)	18%	Includes some foodstuffs, takeaway food, and admission to open-air music events.
Reduced VAT rate (2)	5%	Specific goods and services, including some foodstuffs, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, books (excluding e-books), newspapers and periodicals, hotel accommodation, writers and composers, and restaurant and catering services.
Zero VAT rate	0%	Intra-community and international passenger transport.

Registering for VAT in Hungary

There is no registration threshold for resident businesses in Hungary, although they can request an exemption if their sales do not exceed HUF 12 million. Foreign businesses with taxable activities in Hungary, but without a permanent establishment, must register regardless of their turnover.

In alignment with the rest of the EU, the distance-selling threshold in Hungary is €10,000. So if your cross-border sales to Hungary exceed this amount, VAT registration becomes mandatory. Businesses must also be registered for VAT in Hungary if they store products in the country or are part of a fulfillment program that includes Hungary, such as FBA (Fulfilled-by-Amazon).

To register, complete the necessary forms and submit them to the Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration. Upon successful registration, you will receive a Hungary VAT number, crucial for all VAT-related transactions. The entire process typically takes no longer than a couple of weeks.

Fiscal representative in Hungary

For non-EU-based businesses conducting taxable activities in Hungary, appointing a fiscal representative is mandatory. The representative helps in fulfilling VAT obligations and liaising with tax authorities and is jointly responsible for all VAT liabilities in the country.

Hungarian VAT return filing and penalties

Hungarian VAT returns must be filed electronically. Newly registered businesses are required to file monthly for the first three years, after which the following frequency of VAT return filing applies:

Monthly return: Businesses owing more than HUF 1 million in VAT for the preceding year or those who are part of a VAT group.

Quarterly return: Businesses owning between HUF 250,000 and HUF 1 million in VAT for the preceding year.

Annual return: Businesses owing less than HUF 250,000 for the preceding year, provided they aren’t engaged in inter-community trading.

The deadline for Hungarian VAT returns and payments is the 20th of the month following the reporting period. For annual filers, the deadline is February 15.

Failing to file a VAT return can lead to fines ranging from HUF 100,000 to HUF 500,000. Late VAT payments attract an interest penalty of 1.8%, with interest calculated daily.

Hungarian Intrastat declarations

Intrastat declarations are required for businesses involved in intra-EU trade exceeding certain thresholds. The threshold for arrivals is HUF 250 million, and for dispatches, it's HUF 140 million. Declarations must be submitted electronically by the 15th of the following month for the supply of goods above that threshold.

Reverse charge mechanism in Hungary

The reverse charge mechanism is applicable in Hungary for intra-EU transactions and certain domestic transactions, transferring the VAT liability from the supplier to the recipient. This is particularly relevant for foreign suppliers without a VAT registration in Hungary.

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