Analysis of Judgment No. 9723 of 2024: Proof of Objectively Non-Existent Transactions

The judgment no. 9723 of April 10, 2024, by the Court of Cassation represents an important reference point for tax law, particularly regarding the proof of objectively non-existent transactions in terms of VAT. In this ruling, the judge clearly established the roles and responsibilities between the tax authorities and the taxpayer, offering a regulatory framework in a complex context.

The Regulatory Context

The central issue of the ruling concerns the burden of proof related to the existence of objectively non-existent transactions. The Court reiterated that this burden lies with the tax authorities. They can fulfill this task through simple presumptions, such as the absence of an adequate organizational structure. This means that if the tax authorities fail to demonstrate the non-existence of the transaction, the taxpayer should be able to deduct costs and reclaim VAT.

  • Absence of an adequate organizational structure
  • Sufficient presumptive elements
  • Counter-evidence from the taxpayer
Objectively non-existent transactions - Proof of non-existence - Inferential process - Presumptive elements - Sufficiency - Counter-evidence from the taxpayer - Content. In terms of VAT, the burden of proof regarding the presence of objectively non-existent transactions lies with the tax authorities and can be fulfilled through simple presumptions, such as the lack of an adequate organizational structure (premises, means, personnel, utilities), while it is up to the taxpayer, for the purpose of VAT deduction and the deduction of related costs, to prove the actual existence of the contested transactions, as this burden cannot be considered fulfilled by merely presenting the invoice or by virtue of the formal regularity of accounting records or the payment methods used, as these are typically utilized precisely to make a fictitious transaction appear real.

Implications for Taxpayers

A crucial aspect of the ruling concerns the obligation of the taxpayer to prove the actual existence of the contested transactions. In particular, it is not sufficient to present invoices or regular accounting documentation to demonstrate the reality of the transactions. This clarification is of fundamental importance for taxpayers, as it highlights the need for more robust and detailed documentation.

Conclusions

Judgment no. 9723 of 2024 provides a clear delineation of roles and responsibilities in the context of objectively non-existent transactions. It offers important guidance for both the tax authorities and taxpayers, establishing a principle of fairness and clarity in VAT matters. The ability to prove the existence of contested transactions thus becomes a key element for tax planning and managing risks related to tax assessments.

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