Hundreds of thousands of Norwegians are likely to spend at least some of the Easter holidays preparing their tax returns. Fully 2.8 million are in line for refunds likely to total nearly NOK 34 billion.
Norway’s highly automated and simplified tax system means that the vast majority of employees can just glance over all the numbers already filled out in advance by the tax authorities (Skatteetaten). Banks, employers, charitable and professional organizations and many others automatically report income and deductions to Skatteetaten, meaning many can simply click “OK” on what the authorities present and filing is done.
Sole proprietors and those with investments abroad still have to file a few extra forms, but even that process has been simplified in recent years and it’s all automated. Anti-money laundering measures have also boosted reporting cooperation among countries, so Skatteetaten already is likely to be informed about overseas bank accounts or property, for example.
The filing deadline for most Norwegians is April 30, and May 31 for sole proprietors.
newsinenglish.no staff
