Case Study: How a Greek Entrepreneur Expanded to Amazon Germany with the Help of hellotax

Discover how a Greek Amazon seller expanded into Germany, solved VAT and EORI challenges, and grew with the support of hellotax’s VAT compliance tools. Expanding into Germany with Amazon FBA Germany VAT obligations can be overwhelming for new sellers. This case study shows how hellotax simplified the process.

 

The Challenge

Nikos, the owner of a newly established Greek sole proprietorship, had ambitious plans: he wanted to start selling on Amazon FBA in Germany.

However, he quickly ran into several obstacles:

• VAT registration in Germany was mandatory because its products would be stored locally in Amazon’s German warehouses, triggering Amazon FBA Germany VAT obligations.

• He needed to understand how the EU One Stop Shop (OSS) scheme applied to his cross-border sales.

• Importing goods from China required a valid EORI number — but his old German EORI was no longer valid since his business entity had changed.

• He was also concerned about issuing invoices, filing VAT returns, and keeping his Greek accountant in the loop.

👉 The complexity of dealing with multiple tax systems while trying to focus on sales was overwhelming.

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The Solution with hellotax

Nikos turned to hellotax, a specialized VAT compliance service provider for Amazon and e-commerce sellers in Europe. Here’s how hellotax solved his challenges step by step:

1. German VAT Registration

• hellotax guided him through the entire registration process, including preparing and translating the necessary company documents.

• A dedicated account manager in German ensured smooth communication with the tax authorities.

2. Ongoing VAT Filings & OSS

• Once the German VAT number was issued, Nikos’s Amazon account was connected to the hellotax VAT software.

• All sales, returns, and credit notes were imported automatically.

• The system generated both German VAT returns and OSS reports for cross-border EU sales.

3. EORI Number

• hellotax advised Nikos to apply for a new EORI number in Greece, valid across the EU, so he could import goods from China without delays.

4. Data Integration & Transparency

• Nikos could manually upload additional costs (e.g., import VAT, PPC costs, warehouse fees) so that all relevant VAT inputs and outputs were correctly considered.

• His Greek accountant received sample reports from hellotax, ensuring the bookkeeping stayed aligned on both sides.

5. Invoicing Options

• hellotax explained how Nikos could use either Amazon’s free invoicing tool or external providers like Easybill.

• This gave him flexibility in correcting invoices or adjusting layouts, while hellotax focused on VAT compliance.

 

The Outcome

With hellotax, Nikos achieved:

• ✅ Compliance secured: German VAT ID and EORI number obtained within the expected timeframe.

• ✅ Peace of mind: Monthly VAT returns and OSS filings were prepared automatically and filed on time.

• ✅ Transparency: Full visibility of what was due and when, with clear payment instructions.

• ✅ Growth focus: Instead of drowning in tax complexity, Nikos could now scale his Amazon sales across Germany and beyond.

With his Amazon FBA Germany VAT compliance secured, he could scale his sales without worrying about penalties.

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Key Takeaways for Online Sellers

If you’re an e-commerce seller planning to expand into Germany or other EU markets, remember:

• Local VAT registration is mandatory whenever you store goods in another EU country.

• The OSS scheme simplifies EU-wide sales reporting — but you still need local VAT numbers where you hold stock.

• A valid EORI number is essential for importing goods from outside the EU.

• Partnering with experts like hellotax saves time, ensures compliance, and lets you focus on selling.

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Conclusion

Nikos’s story illustrates a common challenge for cross-border Amazon FBA sellers. With the right partner — such as hellotax — complex VAT and customs hurdles can be turned into a streamlined process, enabling entrepreneurs to grow confidently across Europe.

For any seller considering expansion, understanding Amazon FBA Germany VAT requirements is crucial. Beyond registration, sellers must manage OSS, EORI, and ongoing filings. Partnering with experts like hellotax not only saves time but also ensures long-term compliance as EU tax rules continue to evolve.

👉 Ready to expand your business in Europe? Book a free consultation with our VAT experts today.

Looking to deepen your understanding of VAT in Germany? Explore more in-depth guides and articles available on our blog.