28.4 Tax Filing Requirements and Deadlines
Understanding Tax Filing Obligationsβ
All companies in Luxembourg must file corporate tax returns and pay taxes on time. Understanding filing requirements and deadlines is essential for compliance and avoiding penalties.
Filing Requirementsβ
Who Must Fileβ
All Companies Must File:
- All registered companies (SA, SARL, SCS, SNC, etc.)
- Regardless of profit or loss
- Even if no tax is due
- Must file annual tax return
What Must Be Filedβ
Required Documents:
- Corporate Tax Return: Complete tax return form
- Financial Statements: Annual accounts (balance sheet, income statement)
- Supporting Schedules: Detailed schedules and calculations
- Supporting Documentation: Invoices, contracts, etc. (if requested)
Filing Deadlinesβ
Standard Deadlineβ
Filing Deadline: 7 months after fiscal year-end
Example:
- Fiscal year-end: December 31, 2024
- Filing deadline: July 31, 2025
Payment Deadlineβ
Payment Deadline: Same as filing deadline (7 months after year-end)
Important: Tax must be paid by filing deadline, even if return is filed earlier
Extension Requestsβ
Requesting Extensionsβ
Extension Available:
- Can request extension of up to 3 months
- Must request before original deadline
- Extension applies to both filing and payment
Extension Process:
- Submit extension request to tax authorities
- Provide justification for extension
- Receive approval (usually granted if reasonable)
Extended Deadline:
- Original: 7 months
- Extended: Up to 10 months after year-end
Tax Return Contentsβ
Required Informationβ
Tax Return Must Include:
- Company Information: Name, address, RCS number, tax ID
- Fiscal Period: Start and end dates
- Revenue: Total revenue and breakdown
- Expenses: Total expenses and major categories
- Tax Adjustments: All adjustments to accounting profit
- Taxable Profit: Calculated taxable profit
- Tax Calculation: Corporate income tax, municipal tax, employment fund
- Tax Credits: Any applicable tax credits
- Tax Due: Final tax liability
Supporting Schedulesβ
Common Schedules:
- Depreciation schedule
- Interest expense schedule
- Related-party transactions
- Tax loss carry-forwards
- Investment allowances
Electronic Filingβ
eCDF Platformβ
Electronic Filing:
- Tax returns filed through eCDF platform
- Same platform as VAT returns
- Electronic submission required
- Paper returns generally not accepted
eCDF Processβ
Steps:
- Log in to eCDF
- Select corporate tax return
- Enter all required information
- Upload supporting documents
- Review and validate
- Submit electronically
- Pay tax through eCDF
Payment Methodsβ
Payment Optionsβ
Available Methods:
- Bank Transfer: Direct transfer from eCDF
- Online Banking: Link to online banking
- SEPA Direct Debit: Automatic debit authorization
- Credit Card: Credit card payment (fees may apply)
Payment Confirmationβ
After Payment:
- Receive payment confirmation
- Keep confirmation for records
- Payment appears in eCDF system
Late Filing and Payment Penaltiesβ
Late Filing Penaltiesβ
Penalties:
- β¬250 - β¬2,500: Fixed penalty for late filing
- Additional penalties: For very late filing
- Interest: On unpaid tax from due date
Late Payment Penaltiesβ
Penalties:
- Interest: Charged on overdue amounts
- Additional penalty: For persistent non-payment
- Collection action: For serious non-payment
Luxembourg Compliance Noteβ
Critical Requirements:
- File on time: Late filing results in penalties
- Pay on time: Late payment results in interest and penalties
- Accurate returns: Errors can trigger audits
- Keep records: Maintain all supporting documentation
- eCDF filing: Must file electronically through eCDF
Best Practices:
- Start early: Begin preparation well before deadline
- Organize documents: Keep all tax documents organized
- Review carefully: Review return before submission
- Professional help: Use tax advisor for complex situations
- Calendar reminders: Set reminders for deadlines
Think It Throughβ
TechLux Solutions has a fiscal year ending December 31. Their tax return preparation is delayed, and they won't be ready by July 31. What should they do? What are their options?
Concepts in Practiceβ
Tax Filing Process
TechLux Solutions tax filing:
Fiscal Year: January 1 - December 31, 2024 Filing Deadline: July 31, 2025
Preparation Timeline:
- January-February: Gather documents
- March-April: Prepare financial statements
- May: Calculate tax adjustments
- June: Complete tax return
- July: Review and file
Filing Process:
- Complete tax return form
- Prepare supporting schedules
- Review all calculations
- Log in to eCDF
- Enter return information
- Upload supporting documents
- Review and validate
- Submit electronically
- Pay tax through eCDF
- Receive confirmation
Result: Return filed on time, tax paid, no penalties.