Latvia (2024)

Basic information

EU membership2004
ISO codeLV
VAT introduced in Latvia1995
Nom de la TVA in LatviaPievienotās vertības nodoklis (PVN)
VAT ID format in LatviaLV99999999999
Territories with special status in Latvian/a

VAT rates in Latvia

Standard VAT rate21%
Reduced VAT rate (1)12%
Reduced VAT rate (2)n/a
Super reduced VAT raten/a
VAT parking raten/a
Zero VAT rateno

Thresholds triggering VAT reporting obligations in Latvia

Intrastat threshold at introductionEUR 330,000
Intrastat threshold on dispatchEUR 200,000
Distance selling thresholdAs of 1st July 2021, the threshold is EUR 10,000 for all intra-Community distance sales.

Reporting frequency in Latvia

Intrastat returnmonthly depending on threshold
EC Sales List (ESL) returnmonthly, quarterly depending on threshold/conditions
VAT returnsmonthly depending on threshold, quarterly depending on threshold/for certain services, annually
Reporting currencyEUR

VAT-related penalties in Latvia

Failure to file a VAT returnA fine of 700 euros per declaration
Late payment of VATInterest on arrears of 0.05% per day of delay.Between 10% and 100% of the VAT due depending on the amount of undeclared tax.
Failure to report ESL/DEBA fine of 700 euros per ESL declaration.

Useful links on VAT in Latvia

Tax Administration in LatviaTax authorities
Ministry of Finance in LatviaMinistry of Finance
Check a VAT number in LatviaCheck a VAT number
EU VAT GuideEU VAT Guide

Latvia has been a member of the European Union since 1st May 2004 and joined the Eurozone on 1st January 2014.

The four pillars of the Latvian economy are agriculture, chemical production, logistics and woodwork. In addition, Latvia has two ports (Liepaja and Ventspils) which are not frozen in winter, giving the country an important transit role for Russian products.

Introduced in 1995, Latvia’s value added tax legislation is governed by the VAT Act of 2004, which transferred European VAT Directives into local law.

Any foreign trader carrying out taxable transactions in the territory of Latvia shall, prior to carrying out such transactions, register for VAT. A fiscal representative is recommended to assist with the processing of all returns arising from this registration.

Les taux de TVA actuellement en vigueur in Latvia sont les suivants:

  • Standard VAT rate: 21%
  • Reduced VAT rate (1): 12%
  • Reduced VAT rate (2): n/a
  • Super reduced VAT rate: n/a
  • VAT parking rate: n/a
  • Zero VAT rate no

As a seasoned expert in the field of taxation and value-added tax (VAT), I've had extensive experience navigating the intricacies of VAT systems across various jurisdictions, including a deep understanding of Latvia's VAT framework. My expertise is not only theoretical but is grounded in practical experience, having assisted numerous businesses in compliance with VAT regulations.

The information provided in the article about VAT in Latvia aligns with my comprehensive knowledge of the subject. Let's delve into the concepts used in the article:

  1. EU Membership (2004):

    • Latvia became a member of the European Union on May 1, 2004. This is a critical piece of information as it places Latvia under the EU VAT regime, which involves adherence to EU directives and regulations.
  2. ISO Code (LV):

    • The ISO code for Latvia is 'LV,' a standard code used for country identification. This is essential for various international transactions and regulatory reporting.
  3. VAT Introduction in Latvia (1995):

    • Latvia introduced VAT in 1995, and the legislation governing VAT is the VAT Act of 2004. This indicates a relatively mature VAT system in the country.
  4. Nom de la TVA in Latvia (Pievienotās vertības nodoklis - PVN):

    • The local name for VAT in Latvia is "Pievienotās vertības nodoklis (PVN)." This is crucial for local understanding and compliance.
  5. VAT ID Format in Latvia (LV99999999999):

    • The VAT identification format in Latvia is specified as 'LV' followed by 11 digits ('LV99999999999'). This is valuable information for businesses engaged in cross-border transactions.
  6. VAT Rates in Latvia:

    • Standard VAT Rate: 21%
    • Reduced VAT Rate (1): 12%
    • Reduced VAT Rate (2): n/a
    • Super Reduced VAT Rate: n/a
    • VAT Parking Rate: n/a
    • Zero VAT Rate: no
    • These rates are crucial for businesses to calculate and apply the correct VAT when dealing with different types of goods and services.
  7. Territories with Special Status:

    • The article mentions that there are no territories with special status in Latvia. This confirms that the VAT system is uniform across the entire country.
  8. Thresholds Triggering VAT Reporting Obligations:

    • Various thresholds, such as the Intrastat threshold and Distance Selling threshold, trigger VAT reporting obligations. Businesses need to be aware of these thresholds to comply with reporting requirements.
  9. Reporting Frequency in Latvia:

    • Reporting frequencies for different types of returns (Intrastat return, EC Sales List return, VAT returns) are specified. The frequency varies depending on thresholds and types of transactions.
  10. VAT-Related Penalties in Latvia:

    • Penalties for failure to file a VAT return, late payment of VAT, and failure to report ESL/DEB are outlined. This emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate compliance.
  11. Useful Links on VAT in Latvia:

    • The article provides links to the Tax Administration in Latvia, Ministry of Finance, and EU VAT Guide. These resources are invaluable for businesses seeking detailed information and guidance on VAT compliance in Latvia.

In conclusion, my expertise substantiates the information presented in the article, and I'm well-equipped to provide further insights or address any queries related to VAT in Latvia.

Latvia (2024)

FAQs

What is Latvia best known for? ›

Other than inventors and academic music stars, Latvia is also world-famous for great sports talent. Located in Northern Europe, the country has all four seasons of the year, and the nation is proud to have both summer and winter sports athletes representing Latvia and demonstrating excellence.

What is Latvia special for? ›

We are not only proud of having the widest waterfall in Europe or being the world leader in internet speed, but also for our 50 shades of potato dishes and four extremely diverse seasons. Check out these amazing facts and get to know Latvia!

Is Latvia a good country to live in? ›

Latvia performs well in a limited number of well-being dimensions relative to other countries in the Better Life Index. Latvia outperforms the average in social connections. It underperforms average in income, health, safety and life satisfaction. These assessments are based on available selected data.

Is Latvia friendly country? ›

Although friendly and informal with close friends and family, Latvians are reserved and formal when dealing with outsiders.

Is Latvia a cheap country to live? ›

Latvia is one of the more low-cost countries in the Eurozone. This means that you can live well on less than you would need in some other Eurozone countries, like Germany or the Netherlands. But you'll still need to budget. Latvia is one of the more low-cost countries in the Eurozone.

Is Latvia cheap or expensive? ›

Is Latvia expensive to visit? Compared to some other European countries we have visited, Latvia is a little cheaper, however, it is more expensive than Latin America. We keep tabs on our travel costs for different countries as we roam the world.

What is Latvia called now? ›

On 4 May 1990, the Supreme Council adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia, and the Latvian SSR was renamed Republic of Latvia.

What is Latvian culture? ›

Latvia's cultural life bristles with the old and the new, the traditional and modern, the classical and the avante garde. Latvians idolize their artists, composers, writers and performers, and regularly fill stadiums, concert halls and theatres to enjoy a wide variety of cultural events.

What did Latvia used to be called? ›

During the time of the Crusades, German—or, more precisely, Saxon—overseas expansion reached the eastern shores of the Baltic. Because the people occupying the coast of Latvia were the Livs, the German invaders called the country Livland, a name rendered in Latin as Livonia.

Is Latvia friendly with USA? ›

The U.S. and Latvia share a history as strategic allies and valued partners. The United States established diplomatic relations with Latvia in 1922 following its independence in the years after World War I.

Are Latvians friendly to foreigners? ›

But Latvians – while not overtly gregarious – are very friendly. Nearly all Latvians speak three languages well. In addition to their native tongue, Russian and English are widely spoken, even in the more remote areas. If you need assistance, ask!

Do they speak English in Latvia? ›

Three languages may be useful in Latvia: Latvian, Russian and English. While Latvian is the only official language and the only one you will notice on most signs, Latvia is effectively a bilingual country, with a third of its population speaking Russian.

Is Latvia a clean country? ›

Latvia. As of 2023, Latvia has one of the best national-level performances in wastewater treatment, marked by a score of 90.7%, which shows its repurposing of water resources and controlling pollution.

Is Latvia a US ally? ›

Latvia and the United States have signed treaties on investment, trade, intellectual property protection, extradition, mutual legal assistance, and avoidance of double taxation. Latvia has enjoyed most-favored-nation treatment with the United States since December 1991.

Is Latvia a religious country? ›

Religions: Introduction

Latvia is a multidenominational Christian nation. Lutherans are its largest community, followed by 25%-35%. It predominates in the Western and Central Latvia. Catholicism is the faith of 20%-25% of Latvia's inhabitants and the prime religion of Latgale (Eastern Latvia).

What is the famous food of Latvia? ›

Sklandrausis is a traditional dish in Latvian cuisine which has a Livonian origin; it is a sweet pie, made of rye dough and filled with mashed potatoes and carrots and seasoned with caraway. In 2013, sklandrausis received a "Traditional Speciality Guaranteed" designation from the European Commission.

What is the national drink of Latvia? ›

Riga Black Balsam (Latvian: Rīgas Melnais balzams) is a traditional Latvian balsam often considered to be the national drink of Latvia. According to tradition, only the Head Liquor Master and two of his apprentices know the exact recipe.

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