Current regulation
To make it easier for companies, the Swedish Tax Agency has the option of granting deferral with payment of taxes and fees. Deferral may be granted if the applicant is able to demonstrate that payment problems are attributable to the effects of the corona virus. The period of deferral can vary and is normally set to two months but can in special cases amount to a maximum of four months. The main purpose of the rules on deferment is that companies that have been affected by temporary payment problems will be given a short amount of time to raise money to pay the tax or the fee. In order for the Swedish Tax Agency to grant a deferral, it is necessary for the applicant to show that there are exceptional reasons.
Proposal for legislative amendments
On March 16, 2020, the government submitted a proposal from the Law Council on legislative amendments ("Measures related to the corona virus"), which proposes temporary and extended deferral opportunities similar to those introduced during the financial crisis of 2008-2009. The proposal means that deferral can be granted after application with payment of deducted preliminary tax and employer contributions, as well as VAT, for a maximum of three months each during the period January – September 2020. Due to the changes, the deferral can last for a maximum of one year compared to the current four months. The legislative amendments are proposed to enter into force on 7 April 2020.
The application for deferment with payment of taxes and fees is made through the Swedish Tax Agency and the form that is completed in connection with the application can be found on the Swedish Tax Agency's website with the designation ”SKV 4305”.
