As an individual or business owner in Albania, one of your yearly responsibilities is declaring your profits from the previous year. This is done through the DIVA form, which you (or your economist) have to complete to compliant with the Albanian tax system.
But what exactly is DIVA, and how does it work? Here’s a breakdown in simple terms.
What is DIVA?
DIVA stands for Deklarimi i të Ardhurave dhe Vlerës së Aktiveve, which means “Declaration of Income and Value of Assets.” It’s the annual form used to declare your business’s financial results, mainly your income, expenses, and profit from the previous year.
Think of it as your business’s (and not only) yearly report card that you submit to the Albanian Tax Authority (Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Tatimeve – DPT).
Who Needs to Submit the DIVA Form?
According to the law in Albania, you must submit the DIVA declaration if any of the following conditions apply:
Your gross income from salary was 1,200,000 ALL or more during the year.
You received undeclared income of 50,000 ALL or more during the year. This includes any income that wasn’t taxed or officially reported, for example, money transferred to your bank account that wasn’t part of your salary or declared earnings.
You had two jobs at the same time during the year, in this case, it doesn’t matter how much you earned. Even if your income was under the limit in point 1, you are still required to submit the DIVA.
This applies to:
- Companies
- Self-employed individuals
- Professionals and freelancers
- Any legal entity earning over the threshold
Even if your income is below the threshold, it’s always good to check whether other obligations might apply to your activity.
When Is the Deadline?
The deadline to submit your DIVA form is March 31st. That means by March 31, 2025, you must declare your profits for the year 2024.
Missing this deadline can result in penalties, so make sure to file on time, if you haven’t already!
What Information Goes Into the DIVA Form?
The form includes details such as:
- Total income your business earned last year
- All business-related expenses
- Net profit (income minus expenses)
- Any other relevant financial data, like assets and liabilities
This helps the tax authority calculate your tax obligations accurately.
How Do You File It?
You can submit the DIVA form online through the e-filing system of the Albanian Tax Authority (https://www.tatime.gov.al/). You’ll need to log in using your business’s credentials and follow the steps to fill out the form.
Many business owners and individuals choose to work with an accountant to make sure everything is filled out correctly. I suggest doing the same. It’s important to be accurate when it comes to declaring profits, and a professional can help you avoid mistakes that could lead to penalties or delay
Final Tip
Keep track of your profits throughout the year. For example, for the next year, I suggest using a simple spreadsheet or accounting software where you record your monthly income and expenses. This way, you already have everything organized, no last-minute stress, no missing numbers.
We’ve created a simple spreadsheet for you:
