Recording VAT paid on imports

When entering the purchase invoice for imported goods, use the VAT type 0% Import on the expense line.
Customs broker services are often used when preparing the import customs declaration and paying VAT. The broker issues an invoice covering VAT and customs charges.
Instructions for recording the customs broker’s invoice are provided below.

Customs broker purchase invoice entry

The VAT paid at customs and the additional costs (customs duty, customs broker service fee) are separately itemized on the customs broker’s invoice.

Accounts to be used when entering the invoice:

  • 1511 VAT paid on import at customs – VAT type 0% Import
  • 5090 Customs expenses – VAT type depends on the nature of the expense: customs duty calculated on the value of goods (= not turnover), or other customs-related costs subject to 24% VAT
  • For the customs broker service fee, use expense account 5050 Purchased services – VAT type 24% Estonia

VAT types in environments created before 2022

Settings -> Environment settings -> VAT classes: 0% Import, make sure that the input VAT account is set to 1511 Value added tax paid on import at customs.
This is important to ensure that the system correctly calculates the amounts in the period closing entry under the VAT statement.

VAT statement

Accounting -> VAT statement

The VAT paid at customs is included in the amount on line 5 and is also itemized on line 5.1.

Control calculation:
1511 Value added tax paid on an import customs: 880.00
1510 Input value added tax: 12,00
Total: 892,00

Company pays customs VAT directly

If the company has not used a customs broker and has prepared the customs declaration on its own, the customs declaration serves as the supporting document for the transaction. The transaction can be entered as a purchase invoice or as a financial entry. The customs declaration file can be attached as a supporting document.

If you have any additional questions, please write to us at support@simplbooks.ee

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