VAT and excise refunds for hauliers in the EU
Every time your truck refuels or pays a toll abroad, it pays another country's VAT. That VAT can be recovered, and in several countries part of the diesel excise duty too.
A haulier established in the EU can reclaim VAT paid in other member states on diesel, AdBlue, tolls and other business expenses. The claim is filed electronically with the tax authority of its own country and the deadline for one year’s VAT is 30 September of the following year.
How much is at stake
Diesel VAT is 21% in Spain, 23% in mainland Portugal, 20% in France and 22% in Italy. A truck spending €30,000 a year on diesel and tolls in Spain pays over €5,000 of Spanish VAT. If it is not claimed, it is lost. Several countries, such as France, Italy, Belgium and Spain, also refund part of the excise duty on professional diesel, each with its own rules.
How we work
- We collect the invoicesFrom your fuel card, toll device and other suppliers, country by country.
- We check and fileEvery invoice is checked against the requirements and claims are filed on time.
- We follow up until paidWe answer requests from foreign tax authorities and let you know when each refund arrives.
Key rules
- Quarterly claims require at least €400; annual claims at least €50.
- The refunding country generally decides within four months, extendable if it asks for more information.
- Businesses established outside the EU follow a different procedure.
Do I need full invoices?
Yes, invoices addressed to your company. Fuel cards and toll devices provide valid invoices per country, which makes claims much easier.
What if I missed the 30 September deadline?
That year’s VAT can no longer be reclaimed under this procedure, which is why quarterly claims are safer.