VAT/UTAP Office
The Value Added Tax (VAT) Program is a wonderful way to save 7-19% on purchases made on the local economy. There are two types of forms: one for purchases under 2,500€ and one for purchases over 2,500€.
The Utility Tax Avoidance Program (UTAP) is for eligible DoD personnel who reside in housing on the economy. UTAP legally allows you to avoid paying German tax on gas and electricity.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Tax Office
The VAT (Value Added Tax) Office is a wonderful way to save 7-19% on purchases made on the local economy. There are two types of forms: one for purchases under 2,500€ and one for purchases over 2,500€.
VAT Forms are $10 each. Each form is valid for 2 years.
TIP: Return VAT forms as you use them. That way you will always be able to get new ones!
Please bring the following documents to purchase a VAT form: *This document is fillable and must be signed by Active Duty Member or Sponsor.
Copy of Orders
We ask that you send your email to:
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Frequently Asked Questions
In Germany the amount paid for merchandise includes 19 % value added tax (VAT). VAT forms are a way to save this 19% on purchases made on the local economy for any item authorized under AE Reg 215-6 (e.g. car repairs, heating oil, clothing, furniture, household goods, pet services, etc.). There are two types of forms: one for purchases under 2,500€ and one for purchases over 2,500€.
VAT forms can be used on all purchases made on the local German economy authorized under AE Reg 215-6 that include the 19% VAT tax. Common items include car repairs, heating oil, clothing, furniture, household goods, pet services, etc. For a more detailed explanation, please read the Regulations.
NF-1 VAT Forms (goods under 2500 €) are good for 2 years from the date of purchase. NF-2 VAT Forms (goods over 2500 €) are only good for 90 days from the date of purchase.
VAT Forms are $10 each. Each form is valid for 2 years.
Yes, however, you will need to come into our office to apply for it first. For more information and details on how to obtain and use an NF-2 VAT form, please contact the VAT/UTAP office directly BEFORE placing any orders, signing any documentation, or giving any down payments. This could disqualify you from obtaining an NF-2.
Your spouse may use your VAT Forms IF they are listed as an authorized family member on the form. To do this, you as the Sponsor must list them on Form 5 when you sign up to give them permission to use your VAT forms and you must also show proof of Command Sponsorship/SOFA status.
To sign up for the VAT program, you will need to bring Form 5 completed (front & back) by the sponsor along with a copy of active orders or a logistical support letter to the VAT/UTAP Office.
There are many ways to commit a violation, however the most popular are:
1. Backdating – You must have a VAT form already issued to you BEFORE placing any orders or starting any services. For example, you cannot start a car repair one day and pick up your VAT form the next day. This would be considered a violation and you would receive a strike on your account.
2.Using Expired VAT Forms – The expiration date is listed on the top right section of each VAT form, which is 2 years from the date of purchase. Using an expired VAT form is another way to receive a strike on your account.
3.Splitting an Invoice – You are not authorized to spend more than 2500 € at one business in the same day. The rule is: one VAT Form per business, per day. Spending more than 2500 € at one place in the same day by using multiple NF-1 VAT forms is another way to obtain a strike.
If you commit a violation, you will be barred in the system from using or receiving new VAT forms until you go back to the vendor, pay back the taxes and bring our office a receipt along with the entire VAT form back from the vendor. The VAT program is a privilege program, and you will be barred from using VAT forms if you receive 3 strikes.
UTAP
Tax Avoidance Program
The Utility Tax Avoidance Program (UTAP) is for eligible DoD personnel who reside in housing on the economy. UTAP legally allows you to avoid paying German tax on gas and electricity.
Please bring the following documents to enroll in the program:
pdf Form 4- UTAP Termination
*Complete this form while out-processing.Copy of Orders
Copy of Rental Agreement Signed by the Housing Office
We ask that you send your email to:
UTAP
Tax Avoidance Program
To sign up for the UTAP program, SPONSOR will need:
- $99 Fee (cash, credit or debit)
- Completed Forms 1, 2 & 3
- Your Banking Info/20-digit IBAN
- Orders/Logistical Support Letter
- Housing Contract/ Rental Agreement (must be in SPONSOR’S name)
- Meter Registration Form (must be in SPONSOR’S name)
- Picture(s) of your meter(s)
If it has been more than 6 weeks since you signed up for UTAP and you still have not received your Welcome Letter or seen any payments pull from your bank account, please contact the UTAP office for assistance.
In order to keep your payments accurate and to avoid having a large annual bill, we recommend submitting meter readings to the UTAP office 90 days after you move in and every 3-4 months after that. German companies do flat-rate billing, and if you are under-paying every month for an entire year it could result in a large sum due at the end of your annual billing cycle.
When submitting meter readings, be sure to include the sponsor’s name, the house address, and the date the reading was taken.
When you sign an application for the UTAP program, you are signing an official contract. The application is a written contract with the utility company and governs policies and regulations set forth by the German Tax Office. As a member of the UTAP program, YOU are responsible for all utility bills incurred in your name. You are responsible for checking your bank account each month to verify that your payments are being pulled. If there is an issue with the payment either not being pulled or something looks unusual in your bank statement, please contact the UTAP office as soon as possible, so we can investigate it for you. Please note that some issues cannot be resolved if you wait too long to tell us.
- Take a photo of all your meters when you do the final walkthrough with your landlord.
- The sponsor (or individual with a POA) will need to visit our office within a minimum of 3-5 business days before their final out-processing date and bring:
- Photo of your final meter reading(s)
- Form 4 completely filled out (front & back)
- Copy of your orders
- Once we receive the above items, we will send your information to your utility company to get your estimated final bill and forward to you.
- IF YOU OWE: You will need to make the payment at your bank and bring us a copy of the receipt before being signed off vOP.
- IF YOU ARE RECEIVING A REFUND: You will receive the deposit within the next 10-14 business days and we will automatically sign you off on VOP.
Unfortunately, UTAP does not transfer homes with you so you will be required to pay another $99 sign-up fee to re-enroll. We are not automatically notified if you move; you need to let us know yourself.
To terminate your old house, please bring in a photo of your final meter reading(s) and Form 4 to our office completely filled out. Once you terminate the account for the previous home, then you can sign up for an account for the new home. To sign up for the new house, you will need to bring your new Meter Registration Form to our office along with another $99 fee, completed Forms 1, 2, and 3, Orders/Logistical Support Letter, and your new Housing Contract.
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Contact
VAT/UTAP Office
Opening Hours
- Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri0830-1700*
- Wednesday0830-1300
- Family DaysClosed
- Weekends & US HolidaysClosed
*1630 last VAT/UTAP sign up.
Tel: 06565-61-7801
DSN: 452-7801
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