Register for VAT in Germany

Germany is the largest economy in Europe and offers online sellers a great opportunity to establish themselves within the EU. However, when expanding into Germany, there are a few things to consider from a VAT compliance perspective.

I am selling from into Germany

Goods outside the EU at Point of Sale

For goods based outside the EU at point of sale and shipped in consignments valued below €150, you will be eligible to report these sales through the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) scheme. The IOSS scheme is aimed at simplifying VAT compliance and importation of low value goods. IOSS allows you to report all your EU sales on a single monthly VAT return and expedite customs processes. Unless selling through an online marketplace, in which case the marketplace will be responsible.

For goods above €150, you need to VAT register at the country of importation and charge VAT at the customer's local rate.

If you are selling digital goods or services, you will be able to report these sales through the non-Union OSS scheme. 

Goods within the EU at Point of Sale

If your goods are based within the EU at the Point of Sale, you will be eligible to register for the One Stop Shop (OSS) scheme in the country in which your stock is held. Through OSS you can report all your intra-EU distance sales in a single quarterly return. 

You will need to hold a local VAT registration in each of the countries you hold stock in

If you are selling digital goods or services, and are based in the EU, you will be able to report these sales through the OSS scheme. 

You should always be charging the local VAT rate applicable to where your customer is based. Unless you have not crossed the EU-wide Distance Selling Threshold of €10,000. This is inclusive of all intra-EU sales.

Why Online Sellers Choose Us

Ecommerce is in our DNA. We specialise in keeping ecommerce sellers VAT compliant so you can rest assured that your business is in safe hands. 

  • Native German Speakers

    When dealing with the German Tax Authorities, our multilingual VAT experts have got you covered from inquiries to audits.

  • German VAT Expertise

    Our experts have in-depth knowledge of German VAT laws & regulations so you can be sure your German operations are VAT compliant.

  • Ecosystem of Partners

    Through our partner network, we can ensure that your ecommerce business is given access to the best resources available when selling into Germany.

What Our Customers Say

 

“I have been with SimplyVAT.com for a couple of years now and am totally confident with their service. They know me and my business which I have expanded over the years and are always on hand to help. They even seem happy to hear from me!”

Online Seller, TrustPilot

Get Your Store Compliant Today

Fill out the form and one of our international VAT experts will be in touch to discuss your Shopify store’s compliance.

  • So we can best direct your query and determine your VAT obligations, please tell us a little more about your business operations. For example: where you currently hold stock, which countries you sell into, average consignment value.
  • Please provide us with as much information as you can regarding the products or services you sell.
  • Please select all that apply.

Not sure where to begin?

Schedule a call with one of our VAT experts today