EU VAT - Sell to the EU the Simple Way

Q: Can a UK business reclaim EU VAT?

Maybe! If you’re registered for VAT or one of the One Stop Shop schemes, you can reclaim any output VAT on your VAT return. If you’re not registered, you still might be able to get a refund – it's a bit more complicated.

Wherever your goods or customers are in the EU, we’re here to make the VAT simple.

The EU single market is home to around 450 million people. Making them your customers has never been easier with the EU-wide One Stop Shop VAT schemes.

To join the European Union, countries have to use Value Added Tax (VAT). VAT is a kind of consumption tax. It’s charged at the point of sale, at every step in a product’s life cycle. If you want to do business in the EU, you’ll encounter VAT as either a customer or a seller.

Three Steps to Selling in the EU

1. Find out where you’ll have to pay VAT

Where VAT is due depends on where your goods are at the point of sale, the value of the goods and the channel through which the sale was made. Take our 30 second quiz to find out what kind of registration you mind need.

2. Review your Prices

In Europe we include VAT in the listed price. Each EU Member State sets their own VAT rates, so as part of localising your store, you’ll need to change your prices to reflect your customer’s location. Download a list of all the UK & EU VAT rates (there’s more than one rate per country) to make sure you’re getting the numbers right.

3. Apply for an EORI number

If you’re importing goods into the UK or EU, you’ll need an EORI number. It identifies you as the importer, and you’ll need it to fill in customs declarations.

Tribexa is a VAT compliance platform that empowers you to handle all of your VAT needs in just a few clicks. Built with our years of VAT and ecommerce expertise, tribexa is designed to make VAT compliance a walk in the park for online sellers.

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2021 EU Ecommerce VAT Package

In 2021 the EU introduced several schemes to simplify VAT for ecommerce sellers. It removed the distance selling thresholds and introduced the One Stop Shop schemes.

Union One Stop Shop

For businesses based in the EU, selling goods into other EU countries. With One Stop Shop (OSS), you register once and file one return to report VAT from all over the EU in the country you’re established in.

Non-Union One Stop Shop

Wherever you’re based, if you’re selling services to the EU, you’ll want to register for Non-Union One Stop Shop (Non-Union OSS). In the EU services includes digital goods like eBooks and downloadables.

Import One Stop Shop

Importing lost cost goods (≤EUR150) into the EU? Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) lets you report eligible sales from all over the EU on a single monthly return.

What EU VAT Registration do I need?

There are a variety of situations which may trigger a VAT obligation. Generally, non-EU businesses will need to register when trading with the EU. A common reason to VAT register is if you a holding stock within an EU country. For example, if you’re a Amazon FBA seller, you’ll need to register in each country where you are storing goods.

Find out if you need to register for VAT in the EU in less than a minute with our quiz.

Find Out If You Need VAT

The EU VAT Guide for Ecommerce Brands

In 2021 the EU introduced several schemes to simplify VAT for ecommerce sellers. It removed the distance selling thresholds and introduced the One Stop Shop schemes.

Download the Guide

EU VAT FAQ

Do I charge VAT to EU Customers?

It depends on who you’re selling to and where your business is based. For B2B sales, you don’t have to charge VAT if your customer has a valid EU VAT number. B2C sales generally have VAT applied to them unless your product is zero-rated. If you’re selling through a marketplace like Amazon or eBay, you might not have to charge your customer VAT – the platform will likely do that for you.

Can a UK business reclaim EU VAT?

Maybe! If you’re registered for VAT, in most cases you can reclaim any input VAT on your VAT return. If you’re not registered, you still might be able to get a refund – it's a bit more complicated.

Do I pay VAT on Imports?

Yes, import VAT is usually charged when goods enter a country. If you're importing into the EU or UK, import VAT is payable at customs unless you use a VAT deferment scheme or special arrangements like IOSS. If you’re VAT registered, you might be able to reclaim import VAT on your VAT return.

How do I get an EU VAT number ?

To get a VAT number in the EU, you must register for VAT in an EU country where you do business. Find out more about EU VAT numbers, including whether you need one and how to check a VAT number from our EU VAT numbers guide..

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We love VAT, so you don’t have to!

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We love VAT, so you don’t have to!

Customer Reviews

Monika Milcarz, GB

We are using the SimplyVAT service for our EU VAT returns

We are using the Simply Vat service for ages. They never let us down. Very reliable and responsible company with great customer managers. Highly recommended.

We are using the SimplyVAT service for ages. They never let us down. Very reliable and responsible company with great customer managers. Highly recommended.

Vincent, Switzerland

A very professional firm

A very professional firm that has taken the pain away from our monthly EU VAT filings. I can only vouch for their high level of service

A very professional firm that has taken the pain away from our monthly EU VAT filings. I can only vouch for their high level of service and quick response time to our various questions. What a difference from our previous provider (VatGlobal). Do not hesitate to use them.

James Hole, Portugal

Making life simpler

The world of EU VAT registration is fraught with complexity and unseen hurdles. SimplyVAT navigated all of this for us

The world of EU VAT registration is fraught with complexity and unseen hurdles. SimplyVAT navigated all of this for us efficiently and effectively, indluding extracting refunds!
Communication was excellent!

David, GB

"Simply VAT helped us do business"

Simply VAT helped us negotiate the EU VAT regulations and thus enabled us to transact business.Farha, our account manager, has been very good-

Simply VAT helped us negotiate the EU VAT regulations and thus enabled us to transact business.
Farha, our account manager, has been very good - quick to respond with the answers and the advice we needed.

Naja Hendriksen, GB

Brilliant support!

I love being creative and sharing my work with the world, but taxes does my head in, and EU VAT even more so! However, with the help from everyone at SimplyVAT -

I love being creative and sharing my work with the world, but taxes does my head in, and EU VAT even more so! However, with the help from everyone at SimplyVAT - from the initial client call, to signing up, to registering with the EU for VAT - I've had excellent support.

Especially the calls I have had with Tamara and Debbie have been priceless, they walked me through my VAT return step-by-step, using language I could understand (translating TAX-lingo whenever needed).

With their guidance and reassurance I feel confident my business will run smoothly, with all EU VAT requirements met. Can't recommend SimplyVAT enough

Michael

“Their tailored advice streamlined our VAT processes significantly.”

SimplyVAT provided exceptional service from day one. Their team took the time to understand our business needs and offered tailored advice

SimplyVAT provided exceptional service from day one. Their team took the time to understand our business needs and offered tailored advice that streamlined our VAT processes. Communication was always prompt, and their support made a complex task feel straightforward.

Emma

“SimplyVAT’s expertise helped us expand confidently into new markets.”

As a small business looking to expand internationally, we were overwhelmed by VAT regulations. SimplyVAT’s team guided us through every step

As a small business looking to expand internationally, we were overwhelmed by VAT regulations. SimplyVAT’s team guided us through every step with confidence and professionalism. Their expertise gave us the assurance to enter new markets without worrying about compliance issues.

Naja

“SimplyVAT translated complex EU VAT lingo into clear guidance.”

I love being creative and sharing my work with the world, but taxes does my head in, and EU VAT even more so! However, with the help from everyone at SimplyVAT

I love being creative and sharing my work with the world, but taxes does my head in, and EU VAT even more so! However, with the help from everyone at SimplyVAT - from the initial client call, to signing up, to registering with the EU for VAT - I've had excellent support. Especially the calls I have had with Tamara and Debbie have been priceless, they walked me through my VAT return step-by-step, using language I could understand (translating TAX-lingo whenever needed). With their guidance and reassurance I feel confident my business will run smoothly, with all EU VAT requirements met. Can't recommend SimplyVAT enough.

Ulla-Karin Ritchie’s Client ( SimplyVAT customer)

“Ulla-Karin Ritchie’s efficiency streamlined our European VAT payments.”

SimplyVAT is my preferred choice for handling VAT payments and registrations in Europe, thanks to the excellent service provided by their agents,

SimplyVAT is my preferred choice for handling VAT payments and registrations in Europe, thanks to the excellent service provided by their agents, particularly Ulla-Karin Ritchie, who is consistently efficient and professional.

Tom

“Abhay’s quick responses ensured our IOSS compliance met tight payment deadlines.”

We’ve been working with Simply VAT since end of 2023 supporting our IOSS compliance. We have found them very helpful and particularly Abhay

We’ve been working with Simply VAT since end of 2023 supporting our IOSS compliance. We have found them very helpful and particularly Abhay on the data side who has gone above and beyond to resolve issues and ensure we hit payment deadlines. Really important with a service like this that you can get hold of someone when there is an issue and Abhay has always been quick to respond when needed. They have also provided some very thorough consultancy advice via Paulina. A good company to work with.