It has been discussed for quite some time now if and how non-taxable grants may affect the deductible proportion of input VAT. Proceedings before the Federal Fiscal Court have already shown that taxable persons need to participate at an early stage. If they do not, the amount of input VAT may be estimated and grants may be considered negatively. However, taxable persons are in the position to avoid such unpleasant surprises.

The law on amendment of the German Fiscal Code to match the Customs Code of the European Union and the amendment of further tax provisions (ZollkodexAnpG) dated 30 December 2014 also serves to amend the German VAT Act. In addition to minor changes, the Federal Ministry of Finance is authorized to extend the scope of the reverse charge mechanism by statutory instrument within the scope of the Quick Reaction Mechanism. The law also restricts the reverse charge mechanism as regards metals. The German legislature has amended the recent extension which came into effect on 1 October 2014 (so-called Croatia Act).

Since 1 January 2015, the right to voluntary disclosure has been substantially tightened by extending the period of adjustment up to 10 years as well as by increasing penalties in accordance with sec. 398a of the German General Fiscal Code. There is relief regarding VAT as the previous legal situation is partially set back to resemble the situation prior to the coming into force of the Illegal Earnings Combat Act. It is now once again possible to make several corrections regarding monthly VAT returns. However, this does not apply to annual VAT returns.