
If you’ve recently received a letter from the State Tax Inspectorate (VMI) regarding mandatory VAT payment—even though your company is not a VAT payer—you’re not alone. Many businesses are now facing this requirement, particularly when purchasing services from foreign suppliers. Here’s what you need to know about VAT declaration submission and payment under the reverse VAT mechanism.
Why Non-VAT Payers Are Required to Pay VAT
The VMI has intensified its inspections, ensuring compliance with VAT regulations. Even if your company is not registered as a VAT payer, you may still be obligated to declare and pay VAT when purchasing services from foreign suppliers. This applies specifically to services—not goods—that are subject to VAT under Lithuanian law.
In such cases, companies must calculate and pay VAT themselves using the reverse taxation mechanism. This means that the responsibility for declaring and paying VAT falls on the buyer rather than the supplier.
What Needs to Be Declared in the FR0608 Form
The FR0608 declaration is used to report services purchased from foreign suppliers that are subject to reverse VAT taxation. The following types of services must be included:
Advertising Services: For example, advertisements on platforms like Facebook, Google Ads, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and others.
Electronic Services: This includes software subscriptions (e.g., Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud), cloud computing services (e.g., AWS), and other SaaS solutions.
Other Services: Any services for which your company is required to pay VAT under the reverse mechanism.
Relevant Legislative Acts
Two key legislative documents regulate this process:
VAT Law (Lithuanian Value Added Tax Law): This law stipulates that services purchased from foreign suppliers must be taxed under the reverse VAT mechanism.
FR0608 Declaration Instructions: These instructions outline how companies should report such services in their declarations and calculate the payable VAT amounts.
Taxes That Must Be Paid
When purchasing services from foreign suppliers, companies are responsible for:
VAT: Calculating and paying VAT directly to the Lithuanian budget based on the applicable local rate.
Reverse VAT: When foreign service providers are not registered as VAT payers in Lithuania, the buyer must apply the reverse taxation mechanism.
Examples of Service Providers Subject to Reverse VAT
Below is a list of common service providers whose services may require declaration under the FR0608 form:
Advertising Services:
Facebook (Meta): Advertising on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp.
Google Ads: Advertising via Google and YouTube.
LinkedIn: Advertising and promotional campaigns.
TikTok: Advertising services.
Software and SaaS Providers:
Microsoft: Office 365, Azure, SharePoint.
Adobe: Creative Cloud software subscriptions.
Amazon Web Services (AWS): Cloud computing solutions.
Salesforce: CRM software.
Slack: Team collaboration tools.
Other Electronic Services:
Spotify: Music streaming.
Netflix: Video streaming.
Apple iTunes: Apps and digital content.
Shopify: E-commerce platform services.
Legal and Consulting Services:
Upwork: Freelance work platform.
Fiverr: Custom service providers (design, programming, translations).
Payment Services:
PayPal: Payment processing solutions.
Stripe: Online payment systems.
Other Services:
Alibaba: E-commerce goods and services.
Booking.com: Accommodation booking platform.
Final Thoughts
Navigating VAT obligations can be challenging for non-VAT payers, particularly when dealing with international service providers. To ensure compliance with Lithuanian law, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities under the reverse taxation mechanism and properly declare all applicable services in the FR0608 form. If you have any doubts or need assistance with your declarations, consulting an accounting professional can help ensure accuracy and avoid potential penalties.