Luanda:The General Tax Administration (AGT) of Angola briefed the Diplomatic Corps accredited in the country about new procedures for Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds during a meeting held in Luanda. This initiative aims to modernize and simplify the refund process for diplomatic missions.
According to Angola Press News Agency, AGT's Head of the Refund and Reimbursement Department, Hélia Estevão, disclosed that out of 84 diplomatic missions accredited in Angola, only 26 consistently utilize the VAT refund registration service. The new digital modernization will allow the process to be completed with a single click, reducing paperwork and human intervention.
During the meeting, Zenilda Fragoso, an AGT senior official, emphasized that the initiative seeks to ensure the effective exercise of rights, privileges, and immunities as outlined in the Vienna Conventions and relevant international agreements. Applications for refunds must be submitted through the official portal within one year of the invoice issuance date.
The exemption regime for VAT refunds primarily covers personal-use items and expenses justified under international agreements and existing Angolan legislation. Cláudio Pataca, Director of State Protocol, stressed the importance of strengthening dialogue with the diplomatic corps and international organizations to address tax procedure concerns.
Pataca noted that the dialogue platform aims to improve understanding of existing procedures, identify potential difficulties, and find joint solutions in line with Angolan law and international commitments. The meeting also reiterated the Ministry of External Relations' commitment to facilitating communication between national authorities and the diplomatic and consular community in Angola.
