{"id":60468,"date":"2018-10-19T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-10-19T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.hellotax.com\/blog\/taxation\/vat-rate\/germany\/"},"modified":"2022-01-06T10:19:29","modified_gmt":"2022-01-06T09:19:29","slug":"vat-rates-in-germany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/vat-rates-in-germany\/","title":{"rendered":"VAT rates in Germany in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>VAT rates in Germany in 2026: Standard, Reduced &amp; 0% Rules for Online Sellers<br data-start=\"77\" data-end=\"80\" \/>VAT rates in Germany mainly follow three levels\u201419%, 7% and 0%. Learn how these German VAT rates work in 2026, which products they apply to, and what online sellers must do.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" class=\"wp-image-64971\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/vat-germany-1024x536.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/vat-germany-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/vat-germany-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/vat-germany-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/vat-germany.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"258\" \/>\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"288\">How VAT works in Germany<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"290\" data-end=\"520\">VAT in Germany is a <strong data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"329\">consumption tax<\/strong> applied to most goods and services sold in the country. If you sell products to German customers or store goods in Germany (e.g. via Amazon FBA), you will almost always deal with German VAT.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"522\" data-end=\"631\">Like other EU countries, Germany follows the common EU VAT framework but sets its own <strong data-start=\"608\" data-end=\"630\">national VAT rates<\/strong>:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"633\" data-end=\"743\">\r\n<li data-start=\"633\" data-end=\"658\">\r\n<p data-start=\"635\" data-end=\"658\">A <strong data-start=\"637\" data-end=\"658\">standard VAT rate<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"659\" data-end=\"683\">\r\n<p data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"683\">A <strong data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"683\">reduced VAT rate<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"743\">\r\n<p data-start=\"686\" data-end=\"743\">A <strong data-start=\"688\" data-end=\"703\">0% VAT rate<\/strong> for specific, narrowly defined supplies<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"875\">Understanding the <strong data-start=\"763\" data-end=\"795\">current VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> is essential before you price products, calculate margins, or file VAT returns.<\/p>\r\n<hr data-start=\"877\" data-end=\"880\" \/>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"922\">Current VAT rates in Germany in 2026<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"924\" data-end=\"986\">As of <strong data-start=\"930\" data-end=\"946\">January 2026<\/strong>, the main <strong data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"981\">VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> are:<\/p>\r\n<h4 data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1019\">1. Standard VAT rate \u2013 19%<\/h4>\r\n<p data-start=\"1021\" data-end=\"1115\">The <strong data-start=\"1025\" data-end=\"1064\">standard VAT rate in Germany is 19%<\/strong>. It applies to most goods and services, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1255\">\r\n<li data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1153\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1119\" data-end=\"1153\">Electronics, clothing, furniture<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1208\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1156\" data-end=\"1208\">Most services (consulting, digital services, etc.)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1209\" data-end=\"1255\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1211\" data-end=\"1255\">Many types of non-essential consumer goods<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"1257\" data-end=\"1384\">If a product or service is not explicitly listed for a reduced or 0% rate, you should assume the <strong data-start=\"1354\" data-end=\"1375\">19% standard rate<\/strong> applies.<\/p>\r\n<h4 data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1415\">2. Reduced VAT rate \u2013 7%<\/h4>\r\n<p data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1586\">The <strong data-start=\"1421\" data-end=\"1458\">reduced VAT rate in Germany is 7%<\/strong>. It is designed for specific categories such as essential or culturally important goods and services. Typical examples include:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"2001\">\r\n<li data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1645\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1590\" data-end=\"1645\">Most <strong data-start=\"1595\" data-end=\"1612\">food products<\/strong> (for consumption off-premises)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1646\" data-end=\"1716\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1716\"><strong data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1683\">Books, newspapers and magazines<\/strong>, including many e-publications<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1717\" data-end=\"1789\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1719\" data-end=\"1789\"><strong data-start=\"1719\" data-end=\"1745\">Local public transport<\/strong> (e.g. buses, trams, some regional trains)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1856\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1856\"><strong data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1824\">Admission to cultural events<\/strong> (theatres, concerts, museums)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"1924\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1859\" data-end=\"1924\"><strong data-start=\"1859\" data-end=\"1882\">Hotel accommodation<\/strong> and some other tourism-related services<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"1925\" data-end=\"2001\">\r\n<p data-start=\"1927\" data-end=\"2001\">Certain <strong data-start=\"1935\" data-end=\"1960\">agricultural products<\/strong> and other items listed in \u00a712 (2) UStG<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"2003\" data-end=\"2264\">From <strong data-start=\"2008\" data-end=\"2026\">1 January 2026<\/strong>, the <strong data-start=\"2032\" data-end=\"2055\">7% reduced VAT rate<\/strong> also permanently applies to <strong data-start=\"2084\" data-end=\"2116\">restaurant and catering food<\/strong>, while <strong data-start=\"2124\" data-end=\"2154\">drinks remain taxed at 19%<\/strong>. This makes the German gastronomy rules simpler again after years of temporary COVID measures and extensions.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"2266\" data-end=\"2435\">If you sell food, books or tickets into Germany, you should always check whether the <strong data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2373\">7% German VAT rate<\/strong> applies or whether your products fall under the standard 19%.<\/p>\r\n<h4 data-start=\"2437\" data-end=\"2467\">3. 0% VAT rate in Germany<\/h4>\r\n<p data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2603\">The <strong data-start=\"2473\" data-end=\"2499\">0% VAT rate in Germany<\/strong> applies only to a <strong data-start=\"2518\" data-end=\"2545\">limited set of supplies<\/strong>. For online sellers, two areas are particularly relevant:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"2605\" data-end=\"3238\">\r\n<li data-start=\"2605\" data-end=\"2940\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2607\" data-end=\"2649\"><strong data-start=\"2607\" data-end=\"2647\">Exports and intra-Community supplies<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2940\">\r\n<li data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2817\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2654\" data-end=\"2817\">Goods shipped from Germany to customers or businesses outside the EU can be <strong data-start=\"2730\" data-end=\"2744\">zero-rated<\/strong>, provided the legal conditions and documentation requirements are met.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2820\" data-end=\"2940\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2822\" data-end=\"2940\">B2B supplies to VAT-registered customers in other EU Member States can also be zero-rated as intra-Community supplies.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"2942\" data-end=\"3238\">\r\n<p data-start=\"2944\" data-end=\"3006\"><strong data-start=\"2944\" data-end=\"3004\">Photovoltaic systems (PV) and certain related components<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"3009\" data-end=\"3238\">\r\n<li data-start=\"3009\" data-end=\"3238\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3011\" data-end=\"3238\">Since <strong data-start=\"3017\" data-end=\"3035\">1 January 2023<\/strong>, many supplies and installations of <strong data-start=\"3072\" data-end=\"3119\">photovoltaic systems and associated storage<\/strong> installed on or near residential and public buildings qualify for a <strong data-start=\"3188\" data-end=\"3203\">0% VAT rate<\/strong>, if specific conditions are met.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"3240\" data-end=\"3442\">For most everyday B2C online sales within Germany, you will use <strong data-start=\"3304\" data-end=\"3317\">19% or 7%<\/strong>, but it is important to know when <strong data-start=\"3352\" data-end=\"3362\">0% VAT<\/strong> applies, especially if you sell PV-related products or ship goods cross-border.<\/p>\r\n<hr data-start=\"3444\" data-end=\"3447\" \/>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"3449\" data-end=\"3503\">German VAT rates for online sellers and Amazon FBA<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3574\">For marketplace and webshop sellers, <strong data-start=\"3542\" data-end=\"3566\">VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> affect:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"3576\" data-end=\"3743\">\r\n<li data-start=\"3576\" data-end=\"3618\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3578\" data-end=\"3618\">Your <strong data-start=\"3583\" data-end=\"3600\">retail prices<\/strong> (gross vs. net)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"3619\" data-end=\"3655\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3621\" data-end=\"3655\">Your <strong data-start=\"3626\" data-end=\"3643\">profit margin<\/strong> after VAT<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"3743\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3658\" data-end=\"3743\">How you <strong data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3689\">configure tax rules<\/strong> in Amazon, Shopify, WooCommerce and other platforms<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3762\">Typical examples:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"4042\">\r\n<li data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"3821\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3766\" data-end=\"3821\">A printed book sold on Amazon.de \u2192 usually <strong data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"3819\">7% VAT<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"3822\" data-end=\"3857\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3824\" data-end=\"3857\">A laptop or phone \u2192 <strong data-start=\"3844\" data-end=\"3855\">19% VAT<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"3858\" data-end=\"3926\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3860\" data-end=\"3926\">Packaged food shipped from a German warehouse \u2192 often <strong data-start=\"3914\" data-end=\"3924\">7% VAT<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"3927\" data-end=\"4042\">\r\n<p data-start=\"3929\" data-end=\"4042\">Photovoltaic panels installed on a residential property under the new rules \u2192 <strong data-start=\"4007\" data-end=\"4017\">0% VAT<\/strong>, if conditions are met<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"4044\" data-end=\"4240\">If you store stock in German warehouses (e.g. Amazon FBA Pan-EU or CEE), you must apply the <strong data-start=\"4136\" data-end=\"4163\">correct German VAT rate<\/strong> for domestic German sales, regardless of where your business is established.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"4044\" data-end=\"4240\"><div class=\"cta-shortcode cta-shortcode-normal \"><div class=\"cta-image\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Samer.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"cta-content\"><h3 class=\"font600\">Book a free consultation<\/h3><p>Our VAT experts are happy to help you. Book a free consultation today!<\/p>\n<div class=\"button-container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\" class=\"button button-secondary uppercase\">Free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\r\n<hr data-start=\"4242\" data-end=\"4245\" \/>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"4247\" data-end=\"4302\">How to calculate VAT using the VAT rates in Germany<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"4304\" data-end=\"4432\">Once you know which <strong data-start=\"4324\" data-end=\"4343\">German VAT rate<\/strong> applies (19%, 7%, or in rare cases 0%), you can calculate net, VAT and gross as follows.<\/p>\r\n<h4 data-start=\"4434\" data-end=\"4469\">From gross price to VAT amount<\/h4>\r\n<p data-start=\"4471\" data-end=\"4492\"><strong data-start=\"4471\" data-end=\"4492\">19% VAT included:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"4494\" data-end=\"4540\">\r\n<li data-start=\"4494\" data-end=\"4540\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4496\" data-end=\"4540\">Included VAT = <strong data-start=\"4511\" data-end=\"4540\">gross price \/ 1.19 \u00d7 0.19<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"4542\" data-end=\"4562\"><strong data-start=\"4542\" data-end=\"4562\">7% VAT included:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"4564\" data-end=\"4610\">\r\n<li data-start=\"4564\" data-end=\"4610\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4566\" data-end=\"4610\">Included VAT = <strong data-start=\"4581\" data-end=\"4610\">gross price \/ 1.07 \u00d7 0.07<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h4 data-start=\"4612\" data-end=\"4646\">From gross price to net price<\/h4>\r\n<p data-start=\"4648\" data-end=\"4660\"><strong data-start=\"4648\" data-end=\"4660\">19% VAT:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"4662\" data-end=\"4698\">\r\n<li data-start=\"4662\" data-end=\"4698\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4664\" data-end=\"4698\">Net price = <strong data-start=\"4676\" data-end=\"4698\">gross price \/ 1.19<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"4700\" data-end=\"4711\"><strong data-start=\"4700\" data-end=\"4711\">7% VAT:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"4713\" data-end=\"4749\">\r\n<li data-start=\"4713\" data-end=\"4749\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4715\" data-end=\"4749\">Net price = <strong data-start=\"4727\" data-end=\"4749\">gross price \/ 1.07<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h4 data-start=\"4751\" data-end=\"4785\">From net price to gross price<\/h4>\r\n<p data-start=\"4787\" data-end=\"4799\"><strong data-start=\"4787\" data-end=\"4799\">19% VAT:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"4801\" data-end=\"4837\">\r\n<li data-start=\"4801\" data-end=\"4837\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4803\" data-end=\"4837\">Gross price = <strong data-start=\"4817\" data-end=\"4837\">net price \u00d7 1.19<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"4839\" data-end=\"4850\"><strong data-start=\"4839\" data-end=\"4850\">7% VAT:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"4852\" data-end=\"4888\">\r\n<li data-start=\"4852\" data-end=\"4888\">\r\n<p data-start=\"4854\" data-end=\"4888\">Gross price = <strong data-start=\"4868\" data-end=\"4888\">net price \u00d7 1.07<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"4890\" data-end=\"5145\">In practice, most online sellers use <strong data-start=\"4927\" data-end=\"4952\">VAT calculation tools<\/strong> or their ecommerce platform\u2019s tax engine to apply <strong data-start=\"5003\" data-end=\"5027\">VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> automatically. However, understanding these formulas helps you double-check invoices, Amazon reports and VAT returns.<\/p>\r\n<hr data-start=\"5147\" data-end=\"5150\" \/>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"5152\" data-end=\"5215\">Filing VAT returns and using the German VAT rates correctly<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"5217\" data-end=\"5351\">Knowing the <strong data-start=\"5229\" data-end=\"5253\">VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> is only half the job\u2014you also need to report them correctly to the German tax office (Finanzamt).<\/p>\r\n<h4 data-start=\"5353\" data-end=\"5374\">Filing frequency<\/h4>\r\n<p data-start=\"5376\" data-end=\"5417\">As a rule of thumb (still valid in 2026):<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"5419\" data-end=\"5724\">\r\n<li data-start=\"5419\" data-end=\"5504\">\r\n<p data-start=\"5421\" data-end=\"5504\"><strong data-start=\"5421\" data-end=\"5444\">Monthly VAT returns<\/strong> if your previous year\u2019s VAT liability exceeded <strong data-start=\"5492\" data-end=\"5502\">\u20ac7,500<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"5505\" data-end=\"5602\">\r\n<p data-start=\"5507\" data-end=\"5602\"><strong data-start=\"5507\" data-end=\"5532\">Quarterly VAT returns<\/strong> if your previous year\u2019s liability was between <strong data-start=\"5579\" data-end=\"5600\">\u20ac1,000 and \u20ac7,500<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"5603\" data-end=\"5724\">\r\n<p data-start=\"5605\" data-end=\"5724\"><strong data-start=\"5605\" data-end=\"5631\">Annual VAT return only<\/strong> if your liability was below <strong data-start=\"5660\" data-end=\"5670\">\u20ac1,000<\/strong> and the Finanzamt exempted you from advance returns<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"5726\" data-end=\"5911\">Your local tax office decides your <strong data-start=\"5761\" data-end=\"5778\">filing period<\/strong>. You cannot change it yourself; if your VAT liability changes, the Finanzamt will notify you when your filing frequency is adjusted.<\/p>\r\n<h4 data-start=\"5913\" data-end=\"5927\">Deadlines<\/h4>\r\n<ul data-start=\"5929\" data-end=\"6302\">\r\n<li data-start=\"5929\" data-end=\"6062\">\r\n<p data-start=\"5931\" data-end=\"6062\"><strong data-start=\"5931\" data-end=\"5954\">Advance VAT returns<\/strong> (monthly or quarterly) are generally due by the <strong data-start=\"6003\" data-end=\"6015\">10th day<\/strong> of the month following the reporting period.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"6063\" data-end=\"6160\">\r\n<p data-start=\"6065\" data-end=\"6160\">If the 10th falls on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline moves to the next working day.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"6161\" data-end=\"6302\">\r\n<p data-start=\"6163\" data-end=\"6302\">The <strong data-start=\"6167\" data-end=\"6188\">annual VAT return<\/strong> is usually due by <strong data-start=\"6207\" data-end=\"6218\">31 July<\/strong> of the following year (later if you use a tax advisor and benefit from extensions).<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"6304\" data-end=\"6523\">When you file, you must <strong data-start=\"6328\" data-end=\"6364\">separate sales at 19%, 7% and 0%<\/strong>, as well as exempt transactions. This is why applying the correct <strong data-start=\"6431\" data-end=\"6455\">VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> in your accounting and in your marketplace reports is so important.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"6304\" data-end=\"6523\">The German Federal Tax Office provides more detail on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bzst.de\/EN\/Businesses\/VAT\/vat_node.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"929\" data-end=\"957\">how VAT works in Germany<\/strong><\/a> and current legislation.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"6304\" data-end=\"6523\"><div class=\"cta-shortcode cta-shortcode-normal \"><div class=\"cta-image\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Samer.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"cta-content\"><h3 class=\"font600\">Book a free consultation<\/h3><p>Our VAT experts are happy to help you. Book a free consultation today!<\/p>\n<div class=\"button-container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\" class=\"button button-secondary uppercase\">Free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\r\n<hr data-start=\"6525\" data-end=\"6528\" \/>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"6530\" data-end=\"6580\">Distance selling, OSS and VAT rates in Germany<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"6582\" data-end=\"6712\">Since July 2021, the EU has applied an <strong data-start=\"6621\" data-end=\"6670\">EU-wide distance selling threshold of \u20ac10,000<\/strong> for cross-border B2C sales within the EU:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"6714\" data-end=\"6987\">\r\n<li data-start=\"6714\" data-end=\"6821\">\r\n<p data-start=\"6716\" data-end=\"6821\">Below \u20ac10,000 EU-wide, EU-based micro-sellers can tax B2C cross-border sales in their <strong data-start=\"6802\" data-end=\"6818\">home country<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"6822\" data-end=\"6987\">\r\n<p data-start=\"6824\" data-end=\"6987\">Above \u20ac10,000, cross-border B2C sales must be taxed at the <strong data-start=\"6883\" data-end=\"6914\">customer\u2019s country VAT rate<\/strong> (e.g. German 19% or 7%), usually via the <strong data-start=\"6956\" data-end=\"6979\">OSS (One-Stop Shop)<\/strong> scheme.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"6989\" data-end=\"7295\">From <strong data-start=\"6994\" data-end=\"7012\">1 January 2025<\/strong>, the EU also introduced a <strong data-start=\"7039\" data-end=\"7065\">new SME special scheme<\/strong> that can allow small EU-established businesses to apply a VAT exemption across multiple Member States, if strict turnover limits are respected. For most larger online sellers and FBA users, however, the practical reality remains:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"7297\" data-end=\"7545\">\r\n<li data-start=\"7297\" data-end=\"7408\">\r\n<p data-start=\"7299\" data-end=\"7408\">If you <strong data-start=\"7306\" data-end=\"7332\">store goods in Germany<\/strong>, you generally need <strong data-start=\"7353\" data-end=\"7379\">local VAT registration<\/strong>, regardless of thresholds.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"7409\" data-end=\"7545\">\r\n<p data-start=\"7411\" data-end=\"7545\">You must apply the correct <strong data-start=\"7438\" data-end=\"7462\">VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> to all domestic sales from German stock, even if you also use OSS for other flows.<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Understanding <strong data-start=\"14\" data-end=\"38\">VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> is only the first step \u2013 you also need to know when your sales or stock trigger an obligation to register. If you\u2019re unsure whether storing goods, using Amazon FBA, or passing the EU-wide \u20ac10,000 distance-selling threshold means you must get a German VAT number, check <a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/vat-registration-in-germany\">our guide on <strong data-start=\"330\" data-end=\"361\">VAT registration in Germany<\/strong><\/a>. It walks you through who needs to register, which documents are required, how the process works in practice, and how hellotax can handle the registration and ongoing compliance for you.<\/p>\r\n<hr data-start=\"7547\" data-end=\"7550\" \/>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"7552\" data-end=\"7609\">New digital rules and \u201cVAT in the Digital Age\u201d (ViDA)<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"7611\" data-end=\"7729\">Between <strong data-start=\"7619\" data-end=\"7636\">2025 and 2028<\/strong>, the EU is rolling out the <strong data-start=\"7664\" data-end=\"7699\">\u201cVAT in the Digital Age\u201d (ViDA)<\/strong> package. This will introduce:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"7731\" data-end=\"7885\">\r\n<li data-start=\"7731\" data-end=\"7790\">\r\n<p data-start=\"7733\" data-end=\"7790\">More <strong data-start=\"7738\" data-end=\"7759\">digital reporting<\/strong> and e-invoicing requirements<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"7791\" data-end=\"7824\">\r\n<p data-start=\"7793\" data-end=\"7824\">Additional <strong data-start=\"7804\" data-end=\"7822\">platform rules<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"7825\" data-end=\"7885\">\r\n<p data-start=\"7827\" data-end=\"7885\">Closer cross-border data sharing between tax authorities<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"7887\" data-end=\"8165\">These changes do not directly alter the <strong data-start=\"7927\" data-end=\"7960\">headline VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> (19%, 7%, 0%), but they will gradually affect <strong data-start=\"8007\" data-end=\"8014\">how<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"8019\" data-end=\"8027\">when<\/strong> you report transactions at these rates. Making sure your systems can clearly separate sales at each rate will become even more important.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"7887\" data-end=\"8165\">If you sell on Amazon, VAT rates in Germany are only one part of the story. You also need to know when FBA storage, Pan-EU programmes and German filing rules create additional obligations. For a practical, Amazon-specific overview, see <a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/amazon-vat-germany\">our dedicated guide on <strong data-start=\"259\" data-end=\"284\">Amazon VAT in Germany<\/strong><\/a>, which explains registrations, FBA warehouse triggers and how hellotax can automate your German Amazon VAT compliance.<\/p>\r\n<hr data-start=\"8167\" data-end=\"8170\" \/>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"8172\" data-end=\"8223\">How hellotax can help with VAT rates in Germany<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"8225\" data-end=\"8303\">Working with the correct <strong data-start=\"8250\" data-end=\"8274\">VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> becomes tricky once you add:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"8305\" data-end=\"8474\">\r\n<li data-start=\"8305\" data-end=\"8364\">\r\n<p data-start=\"8307\" data-end=\"8364\">Several product categories (standard and reduced rates)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"8365\" data-end=\"8420\">\r\n<p data-start=\"8367\" data-end=\"8420\">Multiple marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Shopify, etc.)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"8421\" data-end=\"8474\">\r\n<p data-start=\"8423\" data-end=\"8474\">Cross-border sales, OSS, and local German returns<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"8476\" data-end=\"8509\">hellotax helps online sellers by:<\/p>\r\n<ul data-start=\"8511\" data-end=\"8808\">\r\n<li data-start=\"8511\" data-end=\"8585\">\r\n<p data-start=\"8513\" data-end=\"8585\"><strong data-start=\"8513\" data-end=\"8539\">Classifying your sales<\/strong> according to German VAT rules (19%, 7%, 0%)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"8586\" data-end=\"8650\">\r\n<p data-start=\"8588\" data-end=\"8650\"><strong data-start=\"8588\" data-end=\"8614\">Automating VAT returns<\/strong> in Germany and other EU countries<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"8651\" data-end=\"8725\">\r\n<p data-start=\"8653\" data-end=\"8725\">Monitoring <strong data-start=\"8664\" data-end=\"8697\">deadlines and VAT liabilities<\/strong> so you don\u2019t miss filings<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<li data-start=\"8726\" data-end=\"8808\">\r\n<p data-start=\"8728\" data-end=\"8808\">Supporting <strong data-start=\"8739\" data-end=\"8770\">VAT registration in Germany<\/strong>, OSS and other schemes where needed<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"8810\" data-end=\"8904\">With the right setup, <strong data-start=\"8832\" data-end=\"8852\">German VAT rates<\/strong> become just a background setting\u2014not a daily worry.<\/p>\r\n<hr data-start=\"8906\" data-end=\"8909\" \/>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"8911\" data-end=\"8965\">Need help applying VAT rates in Germany correctly?<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"8967\" data-end=\"9191\"><strong data-start=\"8967\" data-end=\"9039\">Struggling to decide when to use 19%, 7% or 0% on your German sales?<\/strong><br data-start=\"9039\" data-end=\"9042\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/\">hellotax<\/a> can review your product catalog, marketplaces and warehouse footprint and show you exactly which <strong data-start=\"9148\" data-end=\"9172\">VAT rates in Germany<\/strong> apply in practice.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"9193\" data-end=\"9339\">\ud83d\udc49<a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\"> <strong data-start=\"9196\" data-end=\"9224\">Book a free consultation<\/strong><\/a> with our VAT specialists and make sure your pricing, invoices and VAT returns are fully aligned with German rules.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"9193\" data-end=\"9339\"><div class=\"cta-shortcode cta-shortcode-normal \"><div class=\"cta-image\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Samer.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"cta-content\"><h3 class=\"font600\">Book a free consultation<\/h3><p>Our VAT experts are happy to help you. Book a free consultation today!<\/p>\n<div class=\"button-container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/contact-us?button=blog\" class=\"button button-secondary uppercase\">Free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>VAT rates in Germany in 2026: Standard, Reduced &amp; 0% Rules for Online SellersVAT rates in Germany mainly follow three levels\u201419%, 7% and 0%. Learn how these German VAT rates work in 2026, which products they apply to, and what online sellers must do. How VAT works in Germany VAT in Germany is a consumption [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":64971,"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"yes","_lmt_disable":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5584],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-60468","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-vat-registration","8":"entry"},"acf":[],"modified_by":"Brenda Varela","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60468","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60468"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60468\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64971"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60468"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60468"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hellotax.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}