Processing times for returns and applications
Processing time refers to the time that starts when a return or an application arrives at the Tax Administration. The processing time mostly depends on whether we need to ask you for more information regarding your return or application.
View the processing status in MyTax
You can follow the processing status of your return or request, if you have filed one of the following:
- application for advance ruling
- request for written guidance on VAT
- request for refund of car tax based on disability
- application for right to refund of car tax based on disability
- claim for adjustment (except for inheritance tax in Finland)
- application for a special permit for deducting losses
- application for transfer tax refund
In MyTax, go to the Communication tab, select Status of returns and requests and then View the processing status.
The processing status of your filing is shown as one of the following: Received, Being processed, Waiting for further information, Finished. If we have cancelled your return or request as groundless, the status will be Groundless. In advance rulings, the status may also be Cancelled.
Estimated processing time
The estimated processing time is a current forecast of the time it will take in average to process the return or application.
Value added taxation
Estimated processing time
- VAT return: 1 week
- VAT return, cases that require further clarification: 12 weeks
- Written guidance: 9 weeks
The processing service for VAT returns requiring further clarification is currently busy. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Car taxation
Estimated processing time
- Car tax return: 1–2 weeks. If the taxable value of the vehicle must be assessed manually, the processing of the matter may take longer than usual by some weeks.
- Request for refund of car tax based on disability: 6–8 weeks
- Request for refund of car tax: 1–3 weeks. If the taxable value of the vehicle must be assessed manually, the processing of the matter may take longer than usual by some weeks.
- Request for determining the place of permanent residence or Request an extension to the period of use: 1–3 weeks
- Declaration of tax-exempt use of a vehicle (other specific use): 1–2 weeks
- Request for becoming a Registered filer of car tax: 4–8 weeks
Advance ruling
The processing service for advance ruling is currently busy. Estimated processing time is 8–11 weeks. You can also use MyTax to check the processing time of an application you have sent.
Application matters
Estimated processing time
- Application for special permit for deducting losses: 4 weeks
- Application for refund of transfer tax: individuals 6–8 months, corporate entities 12–18 months
- Transfer tax, Request for a statement for registration of title and other legal confirmation: individuals and corporate entities 1 month
- Request for correction of use of payment or refund: 1–2 months
- Request for relief: 2–4 months
- Request for non-collection of late-payment interest: 7–10 months
Gift taxation
Estimated processing time
- Gift tax decision: 2–8 months – in some cases you may receive a decision in a few days or weeks
- Advance ruling: 8 weeks
Refund of taxes withheld at source, Imposing of tax at source, Refund of taxes withheld (individuals)
Estimated processing time
- 6–12 months
Request for payment arrangement
Estimated processing time
- 1 week
Claims for adjustment
Estimated processing time
- Income taxation, individuals: in 80% of the cases, less than 10 months
- Income taxation, corporate taxpayers: in 90% of the cases, less than 10 months
- Real estate taxation: in 90% of the cases, less than 12 months
- Inheritance and gift taxation: in 80% of the cases, less than 6 months
- Value added tax: in 75% of the cases, less than 12 months
- Employer contributions: in 90% of the cases, less than 12 months
- Registration: in 80% of the cases, less than 2 months
- Excise duties: in 90% of the cases, less than 10 months
- Transfer tax: in 90% of the cases, less than 10 months
- Tax at source: in 60% of the cases, less than 10 months
- Car taxation: in 90% of the cases, less than 8 months
- Late-filing penalties: in 90% of the cases, less than 10 months
Inheritance taxation
Estimated processing time
- Decision on inheritance tax: 6–12 months
- Advance ruling: 8 weeks
Registration
If your company already has a Business ID, you can use MyTax to enter the company in the Tax Administration’s registers or remove it from the registers.
You can set up a company and receive a Business ID in MyTax if it is not necessary to have a registration in the Trade Register. If you establish a limited-liability company or a similar incorporated entity, you must request registration in the Trade Register. The application must be submitted via the Business Information System (BIS/YTJ).
If you submit a registration notification on ytj.fi, it will first be processed at the Finnish Patent and Registration Office. After this, the Tax Administration receives the notification.
Estimated processing time
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Registrations and processing of changes in MyTax: 3 weeks
- The estimated processing time includes the processing time of the Finnish Patent and Registration Office
Income taxation, individuals
Estimated processing time
- Tax cards: 1–3 days in MyTax, 1–2 weeks on paper form
- Changing prepayments: 1–3 days in MyTax, 1–2 weeks on paper form
Income taxation, business owners and the self-employed, general and limited partnerships
Estimated processing time
- Tax cards: 1–3 days in MyTax, 1–2 weeks on paper form
- Changing prepayments: 1–3 days in MyTax, 1–2 weeks on paper form
- Advance ruling: 6 weeks
Income taxation, corporate entities
Estimated processing time
- Prepayment request: 1–2 days in MyTax