There is an error in the tax return. What should you do?

The deadline for filing tax returns in the Czech Republic is approaching, ending at the beginning of May. But what should you do if errors are discovered in your tax return?

Taxpayers are required to submit income declarations for both individuals and legal entities. The deadline for submission depends not only on the filing method but also on whether the taxpayer is undergoing an audit, whether they have a pre-filled tax form, or if the declaration was prepared and submitted by a consultant.

Tax Return Filing Deadlines

The deadlines for filing tax returns are regulated by the Tax Code. If the tax return is for a tax period of at least 12 months, it must be filed within three months from the end of the tax period. Generally, these tax returns include those for corporate and individual income tax.

Taxpayers filing a tax return on paper must do so no later than three months after the end of the tax year. In 2025, for example, the return must be filed by April 1. However, only a limited number of taxpayers are eligible to file on paper. Typically, these are individuals who are not entrepreneurs.

The tax return filing deadline may be extended. Taxpayers can file a return within four months after the end of the tax year, unless it was filed within three months after the end of the tax year and submitted electronically. If taxpayers file their tax return electronically, the deadline is extended by one month, meaning the return must be filed by May 2, 2025.

The filing deadline may also be extended up to six months after the end of the tax year if the taxpayer is legally required to have their accounts audited or if the tax return was prepared by an adviser and not filed within three months of the end of the tax year. For 2025, the deadline will be set for July 1, 2025. In this case, an adviser may refer to not only a tax consultant but also a lawyer.

Tax Payment Deadline

Income tax, calculated based on the submitted tax return, must be paid for the previous calendar year by the due date. The tax payment deadline depends on when and how the tax return was filed. Payment can be made in cash, by postal order, or directly at the tax office.

If the tax return is submitted within the standard deadline – three months after the end of the tax year – the tax must also be paid by this date, i.e., by April 1, 2025. This applies regardless of whether the return is filed in paper or electronic form.

If the return is submitted within the extended deadline – four months after the end of the tax year, i.e., by May 2, 2025 – the tax must also be paid by this date. However, the return must have been submitted after April 1.

If the return is filed by an adviser, the tax must be paid within six months of the end of the tax year, i.e., by July 1, 2025. However, in this case, the return must be submitted more than three months after the end of the tax year.

How to File a Tax Return

There are two ways to file a tax return: on paper or electronically.

Taxpayers can submit a tax return in person at the tax office or by mail. Income tax returns must be filed with the tax office that has jurisdiction over the taxpayer. For individuals, this is determined by their permanent place of residence, while for legal entities, it is based on their registered legal address. However, filing a tax return electronically is the most convenient option, as it eliminates the need to visit a tax office.

According to information published on the tax administration’s website, a tax return may be submitted in the form of a data message (in accordance with Section 71 of the Tax Code). It must be signed in a manner that legally equates it to a handwritten signature, verifying the identity of the person submitting the declaration. This can be done by logging into the taxpayer’s data box, using a secure identity verification system, or accessing the tax information box.

However, if the taxpayer (or their representative) has access to a legally mandated data box or if their tax report must be certified by an auditor, electronic filing is mandatory.

There Is an Error in the Return, and the Filing Deadline Has Not Yet Passed

Sometimes, a filed tax return contains an error. If the return is submitted within the established deadline, it is considered a regular return. The first return filed after the deadline is also classified as a regular return.

If you discover an error in a filed return but the deadline for submitting a regular return has not yet passed, you must submit a corrected return. This corrected return, if filed before the original deadline, fully replaces the initial version.

In this case, you simply need to correct the error, submit the amended return, and, if the assessed tax has not yet been paid, pay the newly calculated amount.

Discovery of an Error in the Tax Return After the Deadline

If an error is discovered – or pointed out by the tax authorities – after the deadline for filing a regular tax return, it must be corrected through a supplementary tax return. Unlike a corrected return, a supplementary tax return does not replace the originally filed return but instead amends it.

It is important to note that errors can only be corrected within three years from the deadline for filing the regular tax return. The Tax Code also defines the obligations and options for submitting a supplementary tax return.

Taxpayers are required to file a supplementary tax return if the actual tax liability is higher than originally declared. In such cases, the taxpayer must submit the return by the end of the month following the month in which the error was discovered. This deadline also applies to the payment of any additional tax owed.

However, if the actual tax liability is lower than originally declared, the taxpayer has the right – but not the obligation – to file a supplementary tax return. If the taxpayer chooses to do so and an overpayment is identified, they must also submit a claim for a tax refund.

For personal tax consultation, contact 360WEDO specialists. Simply submit the form on our website, and we will get in touch to answer all your questions about taxes, business, and accounting in the Czech Republic.

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