Credit and Supplier Control
What is a Tax Certificate? Checking Tax and VAT
A tax certificate documents registered tax and VAT statuses. See when it's used and what a purchaser should check.
2 min read · Translated from Norwegian. Read the original
A tax certificate documents a business's registered tax and VAT (merverdiavgift) statuses at the time of issue. It is used, among other things, in supplier control and public procurement.
What Does the Certificate Show?
The content and format follow applicable public regulations. The certificate can show whether the business has overdue and unpaid claims related to tax or VAT. It is a snapshot, not a guarantee of future solvency or full compliance.
Who Can Obtain It?
The business itself or a person with the correct role/authority can usually order the certificate through a public digital solution. In a tender process, the supplier may be asked to provide documentation according to the requirements in the tender documents.
How to Evaluate the Certificate
Check the organisation number (organisasjonsnummer), issue date, and any amounts or remarks. Review it alongside financial statements, bankruptcy status, credit information, and the contract size. An old certificate cannot document the current situation.
Tax Certificate in Proffi
Proffi should allow the supplier to securely upload or share a certificate, display its validity/issue date, and verify that the organisation number matches. The service should not retrieve confidential tax information without a legal basis and necessary authorisation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a tax certificate the same as a tax return?
- No. The tax return (skattemelding) reports the tax base, while the certificate documents the registered status.
- How long is the certificate valid?
- Requirements for age can vary. Follow the tender documents or the recipient's documentation requirements.