Information Regarding the Application of VAT Rates at the Turn of 2024/2025
According to Article VII of Act No. 278/2024, from January 1, 2025, VAT rates in Slovakia will change: the standard rate will increase from 20% to 23%, and the reduced rate will rise from 10% to 19%. The 5% rate will remain but its application will be extended. The key factor for applying the correct VAT rate is the date of the tax obligation.
General Rules
- The tax obligation for the delivery of goods arises on the date of delivery (Article 19, Paragraph 1).
- For services, the tax obligation arises on the date the services are completed (Article 19, Paragraph 2).
- For advance payments, the tax obligation arises on the date the payment is received (Article 19, Paragraph 4).
Practical Examples
Invoice issued in 2025 for delivery in 2024
The VAT rate from 2024 applies (20%) because the tax obligation arose on the delivery date (December 30, 2024).Advance payment for goods in 2024, delivery in 2025
The entire advance payment is taxed at 20% in 2024. There is no need to pay the difference resulting from the new 23% rate in 2025.Services on New Year’s Eve night
The VAT rates from 2024 apply until midnight (e.g., 10% for non-alcoholic drinks and 20% for alcoholic beverages). After midnight, the 2025 rates apply (19% and 23%).Advance payment for rent for the first half of 2025 paid in 2024
The tax obligation arose on the date the advance payment was received (December 30, 2024). The invoice should be issued using the 20% rate, even though the service covers the year 2025.Invoice for transport in 2025 for a service completed in 2024
If the invoice was issued in 2025, the new VAT rate (23%) applies.Contract for work – advance in 2024, assembly in 2025
The advance in 2024 is taxed at 20%, and the remaining amount in 2025 is taxed at 23%.Shift of the tax obligation to the recipient
For advances in 2024, the 20% rate applies. The remaining amount paid in 2025 is taxed at the 23% rate.Intra-Community acquisition
The tax obligation arises on the date the invoice is issued by the supplier. For an invoice issued on January 10, 2025, the 23% rate applies.Corrective invoice (credit note) for goods from 2024 issued in 2025
The VAT rate from 2024 applies (20%), in accordance with the date of the original tax obligation.Complaint for goods purchased in 2024
In the case of a return or price reduction, the VAT rate from the original transaction applies (20%).