Experts and inspectors consulted by the newspaper warn that this requirement increases the administrative burden, duplicates information already existing in AT systems and may discourage adherence to the regime.
In this circular letter, the AT clarifies the rules of the new VAT group regime, in force since October 2024 and applicable to tax periods starting from 1 July 2026. The regime allows companies within the same economic group to consolidate their VAT balances, offsetting the tax payable from some with the tax recoverable from others, improving the treasury situation and reducing the companies’ need for debt.
Speaking to Jornal de Negócios, the president of the Order of Certified Accountants, Paula Franco, recognizes the usefulness of the regime, but emphasizes that, for groups that are usually in a position for reimbursement, it may be unattractive due to the additional work: “It’s a lot of work”, she says and “for groups that are always in reimbursement, it may be unattractive due to the work involved (…) we know that the reimbursement process in Portugal is very demanding and is practically a general inspection of companies”.
Among other new features, AT will make pre-filled group declarations available. It was also clarified that, if the dominant entity is replaced, another Portuguese company may assume that position by communicating it to AT.