Free courses to help you start your business and master taxes in Norway

The Norwegian Tax Administration is offering free courses to help individuals start their own businesses and navigate the country’s tax system. The courses, which are available in both English and Norwegian, cover the basics of running a business legally and efficiently, including the use of official state portals, basic accounting and bookkeeping rules, and tax returns.

The courses are designed for new entrepreneurs, particularly international residents in Norway who may find the bureaucracy overwhelming. Many international residents view starting their own business as a way to secure an income, build something of their own, or have a Plan B if finding a job in their field proves difficult.

The Norwegian Tax Administration’s courses focus on the two most common business structures in Norway: the Sole Proprietorship (Enkeltpersonforetak or ENK) and the Limited Liability Company (Aksjeselskap or AS). The courses are available throughout the year, with in-person classes taking place in major cities like Oslo and live webinars available for those who prefer to learn from home or live in rural areas.

The webinars, which typically last three and a half hours, allow participants to submit questions via chat, although moderators may not be able to answer every question due to the high volume of queries. In such cases, officials advise contacting the Norwegian Tax Administration directly through their standard inquiry channels.

The courses cover a range of topics, including how to use official state portals such as skatteetaten.no and altinn.no, basic accounting and bookkeeping rules, advance tax, and annual tax returns. Participants will also learn about business deductions and how Value Added Tax (VAT) works.

Registration for the courses is free, but spots are limited, so it is recommended to register as early as possible to secure a place. The Norwegian Tax Administration also offers pre-recorded resources, including explanatory videos and recorded webinars, for those who cannot attend the scheduled courses.

Upcoming courses include physical English-language courses in Oslo in October, as well as Norwegian-language options in August, September, and October. Webinar options are also available, with English sessions scheduled for September and October, and Norwegian webinars running throughout August, September, and October.

Key terms and definitions used in the courses include:

* Kurs for næringsdrivende: courses for business owners
* Kurstilbud: course offerings
* Enkeltpersonforetak (ENK): Sole proprietorship
* Aksjeselskap (AS): Limited liability company
* Forskuddsskatt: advance tax
* Merverdiavgift (MVA): Value Added Tax (VAT)
* Skattemelding: tax return

Overall, the Norwegian Tax Administration’s free courses provide a valuable resource for individuals looking to start their own businesses in Norway and navigate the country’s tax system.

Article and image source: thelocal.no