Tax Returns in Norway: Info for Foreigners (2024)

The Norwegian tax system can seem complex and daunting, especially to foreigners who may not be familiar with the local language or financial landscape.

This article aims to explain the tax return process in Norway, offering comprehensive guidance on everything from essential terms to the steps for filing your tax return. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that you fulfill your tax obligations correctly and efficiently.

Key Terms and Concepts

Navigating the tax system requires a basic understanding of essential terms and concepts. Even though these are usually available in Norwegian, we’ve translated them into English to facilitate your comprehension.

Skattekort (Tax Card)

The tax card contains information on your income, deductions, and the tax rate applicable to you. Employers use this card to withhold the correct amount of tax from your salary. If you don’t have a tax card or fail to present it, your employer is obliged to withhold 50% of your salary as tax, a situation best avoided.

Skattemelding (Tax Return)

Also known as the selvangivelse, the tax return is a declaration of your income, assets, and deductions for the past calendar year. In Norway, tax returns are generally pre-filled, but it’s your responsibility to ensure the information is accurate and complete.

Progressive Tax vs. Flat Tax

Norwegian income tax is progressive, meaning the rate increases with your income. However, there’s also a “flat tax” component known as the “basic tax,” which is a fixed percentage charged on all income.

Tax Residency Status

Determining your tax residency status is the first critical step in understanding your tax obligations in Norway. Your tax liability largely hinges on whether you are considered a tax resident or a non-resident.

Tax Resident

If you stay in Norway for more than 183 days during a 12-month period or more than 270 days during a 36-month period, you are generally considered a tax resident. As a tax resident, you are obliged to pay tax on your worldwide income, which includes not just earnings in Norway but also any income from abroad.

Non-Resident

Non-residents are taxed only on income earned within Norway. This includes employment income, rental income from Norwegian properties, and any business activities conducted in Norway.

Documents Required for Establishing Tax Residency

To determine your tax residency status, you will generally need to provide the following documents:

• Passport or valid ID
• Residence permit or visa details
• Proof of address in Norway, such as a utility bill or a lease agreement
• Proof of income, which can be a job contract or pay slips

The Norwegian Tax Calendar

Adhering to deadlines is a crucial aspect of fulfilling your tax obligations in Norway. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties, additional interest, or even legal consequences. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of key dates in the Norwegian tax calendar.

Important Dates for Filing and Receiving Tax Returns

• April 30: The deadline for submitting your tax return. If you are a wage earner or a pensioner, the form is usually pre-filled, but it’s your responsibility to check and, if necessary, correct the information.
• June 15: This is the deadline for receiving your tax settlement notice, also known as a tax assessment. The notice will indicate whether you will receive a refund or owe additional taxes.
• August 20: If you’re due a tax refund, you can usually expect to receive it by this date.

Late-Filing Penalties

Failing to file your tax return by April 30 will result in a late-filing penalty. This penalty accrues monthly and can become substantial over time. Moreover, continued failure to file your tax return can result in more severe legal consequences, such as a forced tax assessment.

Income Types and Tax Rates

Understanding the types of income and the corresponding tax rates is essential for accurate tax planning and filing in Norway. Tax rates can vary significantly depending on the nature of the income. Below are the primary income types and their associated tax rates.

Salary Income

Income from employment is subject to progressive taxation, which means that the rate increases with the amount of income. The rates range from approximately 23% to as high as 39% for higher-income brackets.

Business Income

If you are self-employed or run a business, the profits generated are subject to taxation. Similar to salary income, business income is also subject to progressive rates.

Investment Income

Income from investments, including dividends and interest, is generally taxed at a flat rate of around 22%. However, there are specific rules for capital gains and losses, so it’s essential to understand the nuances to calculate your tax accurately.

Capital Gains

Gains from the sale of assets like property or stocks are also subject to tax. The rate for capital gains tax is typically around 22%, although exceptions and specific regulations apply, particularly for real estate.

How to Obtain a Skattekort (Tax Card)

The Skattekort, or tax card, is a foundational element in the Norwegian tax system. This card informs your employer how much tax to withhold from your salary.

If you’re self-employed, it serves as a guide for your quarterly tax payments. Obtaining this card is one of the first steps you should take upon commencing work in Norway.

Procedure to Apply for a Tax Card

1. Visit the Tax Office: You need to visit the Norwegian Tax Administration office to apply for your Skattekort. Bring along all necessary identification and financial documents.
2. Fill Out the Form: You will be provided with a form that you must complete. The form asks for details like your income, deductions, and any assets or liabilities you may have.
3. Documentation: Submit the required documents, such as your passport, employment contract, and proof of residency.
4. Processing: Once you’ve submitted all the required information and documents, your application will be processed. This usually takes about 1–2 weeks.
5. Receiving Your Tax Card: You will receive your tax card by mail once it has been processed. Alternatively, you can also access it digitally through the Altinn portal.

What to Do if You Lose Your Tax Card

If you lose your tax card, you should immediately report the loss to the Norwegian Tax Administration. A new card will be issued, usually within a week. While waiting, you may face higher withholding rates on your salary, which will be adjusted once you provide the new tax card.

Preparing the Skattemelding (Tax Return)

Once you have established your tax residency status and obtained your Skattekort, the next step is preparing your Skattemelding, or tax return. Filing your tax return accurately is crucial for determining whether you owe additional taxes or are eligible for a refund. Below are the key aspects you need to consider when preparing your Skattemelding.

Collecting Necessary Documents

Before you sit down to complete your tax return, gather all required documents to avoid unnecessary interruptions. Essential documents typically include:

• Wage statements from your employer
• Bank statements showing interest earned or paid
• Documentation related to any deductible expenses, such as educational costs or charitable donations
• Details of any investment income, including dividends and capital gains

Steps to Fill Out the Form

1. Access the Form: The Skattemelding form can be accessed through the Altinn portal, Norway’s digital platform for public services.
2. Verify Pre-filled Information: Most of the details, particularly related to your income and tax payments, will be pre-filled. However, you must verify that this information is accurate and complete.
3. Make Necessary Adjustments: If you find discrepancies or missing data, such as additional income or deductible expenses, you should correct these manually.
4. Review: Before submitting, review the entire form carefully to ensure all information is accurate. Inaccuracies can lead to penalties and may delay your tax assessment.

Importance of Accuracy and Compliance

The responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of your Skattemelding lies solely with you. Even though the form is often pre-filled with data from various sources, these details can be incomplete or outdated.

Filing incorrect information can result in penalties, and in severe cases, legal repercussions. Therefore, thorough verification and correct data entry are non-negotiable steps in the tax return process.

Filing Methods

After you have prepared your Skattemelding, the next logical step is to file it. In Norway, there are primarily two methods to submit your tax return: online through Altinn and paper-based filing. Here’s what you need to know about each.

Method	Pros	Cons
Online Filing (Altinn)	Convenient, Secure, Immediate Confirmation	Requires internet, Can be complex for beginners
Paper-based Filing	No internet required, Easier for some people	Slower processing, Risk of postal delays

Online Filing Through Altinn

Altinn is the Norwegian government’s digital platform for various administrative tasks, including tax filing. Here’s how it works:

1. Log In: Use your MinID, BankID, or another approved method to log into Altinn.
2. Locate the Tax Section: Once logged in, navigate to the tax section and find your pre-filled Skattemelding form.
3. Review and Edit: Ensure that all the pre-filled information is correct and complete any missing fields.
4. Submit: After thorough verification, submit your Skattemelding.

Paper-based Filing

Though increasingly rare due to the convenience of online methods, paper-based filing is still an option.

1. Request the Form: You can request a paper version of the Skattemelding form from your local tax office.
2. Complete the Form: Fill out the form manually, making sure to follow all the guidelines and include all required documentation.
3. Mail or Hand Deliver: The completed form, along with any attachments, can be mailed to the tax office or hand delivered.

Deductions and Credits

One of the key aspects of the Norwegian tax system is the range of deductions and credits available, which can significantly affect your overall tax liability. It’s essential to understand these elements to optimize your tax return and ensure that you’re not paying more than you’re legally obligated to. Here are some of the common deductions and credits that may apply to you.

Personal Deductions

Minstefradrag (Basic Allowance): This is a general deduction available to everyone, meant to cover certain living expenses. The amount varies based on your income and type of employment.

Standard Deduction for Foreigners: If you are a foreign citizen residing temporarily in Norway, you may be eligible for a standard deduction of 10% from your gross income, up to a certain limit.

Employment-Related Deductions

Travel Expenses: Costs related to commuting between your home and workplace may be deductible.

Union Fees: Membership fees paid to labor unions or professional organizations are also usually deductible.

Investment-Related Deductions

Interest Paid: Interest on loans related to investments can be deductible, though conditions apply.

Losses: Investment losses may be offset against investment gains to reduce the capital gains tax.

Tax Credits

Parental Tax Credit: If you have children below a certain age, you might be eligible for a tax credit to offset childcare costs.

Green Investments: Norway offers various tax credits for investments in green technology or sustainable initiatives. These credits aim to incentivize environmentally friendly practices.

Double Taxation Treaties

Norway has a network of Double Taxation Treaties (DTTs) with various countries to prevent double taxation and to foster economic cooperation. These treaties aim to eliminate situations where the same income is taxed both in Norway and in the country of origin. If you are a foreigner in Norway who also has tax obligations in another country, understanding the implications of these treaties is vital.

Applicability

Double Taxation Treaties generally apply to various types of income:

• Employment income
• Business profits
• Capital gains
• Dividends, interest, and royalties

How to Claim Benefits

1. Check Treaty Existence: Verify if there is a Double Taxation Treaty between Norway and your home country. This information can usually be found on the Norwegian Tax Administration’s website or through your home country’s tax authority.
2. Identify the Provisions: Examine the treaty to understand which provisions apply to your specific type of income.
3. Document Collection: Collect all required forms and documents that substantiate your claim for relief under the treaty.
4. File the Claim: Indicate your eligibility and claim for treaty benefits in your Skattemelding. Attach all required documentation to validate your claim.

Common Scenarios

Tax Credits: One of the common methods to eliminate double taxation is through tax credits where the tax paid in one country is credited against the tax liability in the other country.

Exemption Method: In some cases, the income may be exempted from taxation in one of the countries.

After You File

Once you have successfully submitted your Skattemelding, you might think that your tax obligations for the year are complete. However, there are still some important steps to follow and timelines to be aware of.

Await Tax Assessment Notice

The Norwegian Tax Administration will review your Skattemelding and issue a tax assessment notice, usually a few months after the filing deadline. This notice will indicate whether you owe additional taxes or are entitled to a refund.

Paying Additional Taxes

If the tax assessment reveals that you owe additional taxes, you will be provided with payment instructions, including deadlines. Failing to pay by the specified deadline may result in penalties and interest charges.

Receiving Refunds

If the tax assessment shows that you have paid more taxes than required, you will receive a refund. The refund process is generally straightforward and is directly deposited into your nominated bank account.

Right to Appeal

If you disagree with the tax assessment, you have the right to appeal. The appeal must be lodged within a specified timeframe, usually within three weeks from the date you received the assessment notice.

Keep Documentation

It’s advisable to keep all tax-related documents, including your Skattemelding and supporting documentation, for a minimum of five years. This is important in case you are selected for a tax audit or if discrepancies arise in future tax assessments.

After you’ve filed your Skattemelding, it’s crucial to remain attentive to any correspondence from the Norwegian Tax Administration and to act promptly on any instructions or assessments. Being vigilant during the post-filing period ensures that you meet all your tax obligations and avoid any legal complications.

Resources and Help

Navigating the complexities of the Norwegian tax system can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local language and regulations. However, there are various resources and avenues for assistance available to you.

Official Websites

Norwegian Tax Administration: The most comprehensive and authoritative resource for tax-related information. The website offers guides, forms, and a host of other resources, often available in multiple languages.

Altinn: This digital service provides access to a variety of governmental forms, including your Skattemelding. Altinn also offers guides and FAQs to help you navigate the tax filing process.

Tax Advisors and Accountants

Hiring a tax advisor or accountant who is well-versed in Norwegian tax law can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation. This option is particularly useful if you have multiple income sources, own property, or have other complex tax-related issues.

Community Organizations

There are numerous community organizations and online forums where expatriates share advice and tips on dealing with Norwegian taxes. While these can be helpful for general guidance, they should not replace professional advice for more complex tax issues.

Customer Service Centers

The Norwegian Tax Administration has customer service centers where you can receive in-person assistance. However, be aware that English-speaking staff may be limited.

Online Guides and Tools

Various websites and platforms offer free guides and online calculators to help you estimate your tax liability. While these tools can offer a useful starting point, they are not a substitute for professional advice.

Legal Aid

For complex tax issues that may have legal implications, legal aid services are available. Some firms offer free initial consultations and can guide you on how to proceed with any disputes or challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)