VAT COMPLIANCE
Hassle-free
VAT management
Get started with VAT in the UK and Europe, or trust us to handle your existing VAT numbers. AVASK’s expert team will guide you through the entire VAT process, from registration to returns.
Make sure you remain tax compliant with AVASK, regardless of the countries your e-commerce business is trading in.
If your business sells goods to customers within the EU then there is a good chance you’ll need to register for VAT in at least one of those countries. But the rules that govern the assessment and collection of these taxes can be complex and time-consuming to understand – it makes perfect sense for your business to seek professional advice to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective way to ensure compliance on your VAT obligations.
Whether you are just starting out in the e-commerce world, or you’re a well-established player, our qualified team is on hand to provide you with friendly, no-nonsense advice and support aimed at building long-term relationships with your best interests always at heart.
How AVASK can help
We’re here to offer high-quality professional advice and solutions that help to remove the stress and uncertainty associated with the complexity of indirect taxation issues. This may include VAT, OSS/IOSS in Europe, Intrastat in Europe or EPR in Europe.
Register for VAT in the UK and EU
Register for VAT with AVASK and manage your global compliance challenges with ease.
Our experienced team helps you effortlessly navigate the VAT registration process, ensuring you quickly obtain your VAT number.
Navigate VAT regulations with confidence
Stay on the right side of tax regulations with AVASK.
We’re not just another service provider. AVASK boasts a team of tax compliance experts who know the ins and outs of VAT laws across different countries.
Accurate VAT filing for online sellers
Discover our stress-free VAT filing service where we promise timely and accurate submissions to avoid penalties from local tax authorities.
We alleviate the stress of the VAT process, providing peace of mind and allowing you to focus on growing your online business.
“Partnering with AVASK has significantly streamlined our VAT handling process, allowing us to redirect our focus towards the growth and development of our business.
The peace of mind that comes with knowing our EU VAT are in capable hands is immeasurable.”
– Gail Waterman
Why should you choose AVASK?
VAT experts to guide you
through every step
Tax expertise
We’re well-versed in VAT regulations, compliance, and customs. Whether you’re selling within the EU or expanding globally, we’ve got you covered.
Multilingual support
With over 25 languages under our belt, we speak your language and that of the countries where you want to register for VAT.
Bespoke VAT solutions
Every business is unique, and we treat it as such. You’ll have a dedicated point of contact throughout the registration journey.
Take advantage of an €899 billion market
VAT Numbers
Explore our
VAT Guides
Welcome to our VAT Guides – a treasure trove of essential information for e-commerce sellers. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just dipping your toes into the cross-border commerce, these guides are your compass to navigate the complexities of international taxation.
Frequently asked questions about VAT
What are VAT thresholds?
VAT thresholds vary from country to country and are set quite carefully in order to both incentivise small businesses to expand into new markets, whilst at the same time not overburden them with extra administrative costs.
How is VAT calculated?
VAT is calculated using the local rate for that country. For example, in the UK the rate is 20%, so if you had a sale of £10 excluding VAT, your gross sale price would, therefore, be £10 + £2 = £12
We recommend that you, therefore, mark your products up by at least 20% to cover the VAT element. This ensures that your customer is the one paying the VAT and you are effectively working as a tax collector on behalf of HMRC.
Saying this care must, of course, be taken when pricing your products so that you remain competitive within the marketplace.
How do I register for VAT?
Generally speaking, you’ll need these documents to get started:
- Articles of Organisation/ Articles of Incorporation/ Business Extract
- Director’s proof of address x2: such as electricity/water/phone bills or bank statements
- Valid passport
- AVASK application form
- Company bank statement (for Czech Republic)
Each country’s tax office will ask for different documents in addition to these, so be sure to have these core documents on hand for each application.
What's an EORI number, and why do we need one?
The EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number is an EU initiative that helps traders communicate with customs officials when they are importing and exporting goods.
It’s specific to your VAT number/your company, and is used when clearing your goods at customs in European countries.
When we register your business for VAT, we’ll also apply for an EORI number for your business. This comes at no extra cost.
Why do we need one?
Without an EORI number, your shipment will be held at customs until a valid number for your company can be provided. This will incur a day rate on the shipment held – and is therefore an issue you very much want to avoid!
Additionally, clearing a shipment with the incorrect EORI number will result in you being unable to claim the import VAT paid at customs that you’re entitled to reclaim.
What does AVASK's VAT and compliance service include?
The AVASK VAT filing and compliance service includes:
- Integration with your Amazon Seller Central account
- Preparing and submitting VAT returns as required by each tax authority
- Timely communications to ensure filing deadlines are met
- Dealing with correspondence and requests from tax authorities on your behalf
- A dedicated VAT account manager – across your portfolio
- Advice and support relating to provision of data for your business
- Consultations regarding your VAT accounts with your dedicated account manager
Intrastat declarations
We can also assist you with your Intrastat declarations, but this isn’t included in our standard service. Please contact a member of the AVASK team if you require support with your Intrastat declarations.
Why is my VAT registration taking so long?
Sometimes registrations do get delayed for seemingly no reason at all. Once AVASK sends your paperwork to the tax authorities, we don’t have any control over when they issue your VAT number(s).
But if the tax office has any additional questions, we aim to follow up and get you answers. Speak to your account manager to help get that resolved.
Can I use my VAT number for other marketplaces in other countries?
Yes – just make sure you include your sales from the other marketplaces. Do this through the client portal – this means when we do the calculation, we can capture every taxable transaction you’ve made in that country.
Let’s say you’re based in Greece and selling into Germany. Your VAT number is tied to your company, not marketplace so the local tax authority (in this case, Germany) expects you declare every sale that you made there.
Do I need different VAT numbers for different platforms?
No, you can use the same VAT number no matter which platform you sell through.
I’m an EU-UK seller without VAT numbers – do I need a UK VAT number now?
If you’re sending all your goods from the EU to the UK, Amazon is collecting and remitting the VAT due on all the sales. If you’re not storing in the UK, you won’t need a UK VAT number.
My business is incorporated in the United States. Do I require fiscal representation in countries like Canada, Germany, or others where we operate? Also, what's the monthly fee for VAT filing in these countries?
Yes, U.S. companies often require fiscal representation in countries where they are VAT-registered, such as Canada and Germany. The need for fiscal representation depends on the specific regulations of each country. The monthly fee for VAT filing varies by country and the number of filings required.
Speak to your account manager to get an accurate quote based on your operational needs.
Can we pay our AVASK fees annually?
Owing to popular demand you can soon pay monthly, quarterly or yearly. We’re still getting our systems ready to support this – look out for when we let you know these options are ready for you to choose.
Which currency do you charge your fees in?
We charge in Euros, not pounds sterling.
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