Tax regulation mechanisms II (Value-added tax reduction)
Updated: 07.02.2019
Author: Helena Vidalic
In France, the purchase of commodities is subject to a reduced VAT rate if they are related to investments in the improvement, the transformation, the fittings, the conservation or certain equipment of buildings constructed more than two years prior (Code Général des Impôts, art. 278-0 bis, 1). Thus, the purchase of such commodities by private individuals is indirectly promoted.
The reduced VAT rate applies to services, equipment and delivery (BOI-TVA-LIQ-30-20-90-20-20140929). In order for the equipment to be eligible, it shall be delivered and installed by the same company (either directly by this company or by a sub-contractor), and the equipment and the installation works shall be listed on the same invoice (BOI-TVA-LIQ-30-20-90-20-20140929).
Eligible technologies
The following renewable energy technologies are eligible: boilers, heat pumps, fireplace inserts, wood-burning stoves, solar water heaters (BOI-TVA-LIQ-30-20-90-20-20140929).
Biomass | The supply and installation of boilers, heat pumps, fireplace inserts and wood-burning stoves in individual housing units as well as in buildings is eligible (BOI-TVA-LIQ-30-20-90-20-20140929). |
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Solar thermal energy | The supply and installation of solar water heaters in individual housing units as well as in buildings is eligible (BOI-TVA-LIQ-30-20-90-20-20140929). |
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Amount
- On the French mainland, the reduced VAT rate is 5.5% (Art. 278-0 bis, Code Général des Impôts).
- In Corsica, the overseas departments and regions (DOM-ROM) of Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion, the VAT amounts to 2.10% (Art. 296, Code general des Impôts)
Addressees
The reduced VAT rate applies to investments made by the owner of a building, a co-owner syndicate (syndicat de copropriétaires), a tenant or his representative (Code Général des Impôts, arts. 278-0 bis, 3). This means that every natural person or legal entity may be granted a VAT reduction as long as all obligatory prerequisites are met. Legal entities involved in business activities are not eligible for the reduced VAT rate, as they have to pay input-VAT, which may be deduced from the VAT they charge. Thus, the VAT is a pass-through item.
Procedure
Process flow | - Confirmation of entitlement. The client ordering deliveries and services subject to the reduced VAT rate shall confirm in writing that the building in question was completed more than two years ago (Code Général des Impôts, arts. 278-0 bis, 3).
- Plant delivery and installation. Having received this confirmation, the company assigned shall carry out the services related to the delivery and installation of the renewable energy plant. In order for the reduced VAT rate to be applicable to both the services and the cost of materials, the materials shall be purchased and installed by the same company or its sub-contractor (BOI-TVA-LIQ-30-20-90-20-20140929).
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Distribution of costs
State | The reduced VAT rate for renewable energy plants leads to a lower state revenue, which is compensated for by other revenue. |
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