Support funding is subject to the de minimis rule

The EU's de minimis rule applies to public funds for companies, which are considered to be of minor importance. According to this rule, public funds granted to companies gratuitously may total a maximum of EUR 200,000 over any three tax years. This period begins upon the initial granting of de minimis funding. All de minimis funding granted to the company is added up.

Funding under the de minimis rule includes, in addition to grants and interest subsidies, other funding such as loan guarantees, accelerated depreciations, capital investments and real estate leases below the general market price. The company may also receive public funds not subject to the de minimis threshold.

Under the de minimis rule, the concept of "company" is not tied to any particular corporate form. What is essential is that the operations involve a financial risk. Private persons can also be considered companies, for example when they act as self-employed persons.

The beneficiary of the funding has the obligation to report to the granting authority any other de minimis funding received over the two preceding and the current tax year. The beneficiary of the funding is also held liable for ensuring that the total sum of de minimis funding granted by various authorities does not exceed the permitted threshold.

Support funding granted by the Foundation for Finnish Inventions is subject to the de minimis rule. Part of the funding granted by ministries and bodies under their supervisory authority, ELY centres, Finnvera, Tekes, municipalities and regional councils also enters into the scope of the de minimis rule.