One-Stop-Shop return: This is what the EU-wide VAT report is all about

In addition to tax returns, VAT returns and co. there is a new report since July 2021 that has to regularly be submitted by online retailers: The One-Stop-Shop return. Here you can find out what distinguishes the OSS return from the other reports and how you can submit one.

What is the One-Stop-Shop return?

The One-Stop-Shop return is a tax report that must be submitted once a quarter as soon as a seller has signed-up for the One-Stop-Shop. The OSS was introduced in July 2021 and has changed a lot for online retailers in the EU. You can find out more about this new scheme on our One-Stop-Shop Blog Post.

The One-Stop-Shop procedure applies throughout the European Union. Therefore, the OSS return is often referred to as an EU-wide VAT return. Even so, there are some differences between regular VAT returns and One-Stop-Shop returns.

What is the difference between an OSS return and a VAT return?

Just like when filing normal VAT returns, sellers must first register for the One-Stop-Shop in order to submit One-Stop-Shop returns. However, in contrast to normal VAT, this is done on a voluntary basis.

Furthermore, One-Stop-Shop returns only contain the data for cross-border transactions, as the One-Stop-Shop applies EU-wide. For example, only deliveries from Germany to France or from Poland to Spain find their way into OSS returns.

For deliveries to customers who are based in the country of origin or in the country of storage, regular country-specific VAT advance returns must still be submitted. On our blog you will find some One-Stop-Shop examples that show which transactions have to be reported, how and where.

How is a One-Stop-Shop return submitted?

The submission of OSS returns, or One-Stop-Shop reports, as the EU-wide VAT filings are also called, differs from that of the regular VAT returns.

First, you must create a One-Stop-Shop report. To do this, all transactions must be sorted according to the country of origin and destination of the deliveries and then according to VAT rates.

Then you have to find the correct One-Stop-Shop report form. These forms, like the rest of the One-Stop-Shop organization, differ from country to country. In Germany, for example, the form can be found in the BOP portal of the Federal Central Tax Office. You can find out how to submit a One-Stop-Shop report on our blog.

Alternatively, you can commission hellotax to compile and submit your One-Stop-Shop reports. We also take care of your OSS registration. Contact us today and find out more!