Prompt implementation of the right to deduct input tax in light of EU regulations

In a situation where the taxpayer [resp. person taxable] holds an invoice prior to submittal of the return/statement for the settlement period in which the tax obligation occurred on the part of the contracting party, the term laid down in Article 178 (a) of Directive 112 has been met. Whilst the holding of an invoice is the only formal requirement, the notion of ‘holding’ ought to be interpreted in a manner compliant with its colloquial understanding. In turn, ‘holding’ is not equal in meaning to ‘receiving’/‘receipt’. In the event that an economic event has occurred and the taxpayer is capable of giving evidence for it, as he holds the invoice at the moment the tax settlement is made in the return/ statement, there are no grounds that would be legitimate under the EU laws for arguing that the taxpayer must shift his vested right to have the input tax deducted to the subsequent month, being the months in which he receives the invoice. The rule of prompt implementation of the right to deduct input tax should be taken into account. If the national regulations provide for shifting the above-specified moment through formulating any additional conditions are contrary to Directive 112. It is therefore apparent that Article 86, clause 10 (b), item 1 of the Polish Value-Added-Tax Act of 11th March 2004 is not in agreement with Article 178 (s) of Directive 112 as the former sets forth a condition that is not provided in the said EU regulation–namely, the right to have the output tax reduced by the input tax only as part of the settlement for the month in which the taxpayer receives the invoice.