What is VAT compliance?

VAT compliance means correctly charging VAT on your sales, reclaiming VAT on your purchases, filing periodic VAT returns, and keeping records that satisfy your tax authority. In the EU, each member state sets its own rate, threshold, and filing rules, and many now mandate electronic invoicing (e-Invoicing).

When do I need to register for VAT?

You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover exceeds the threshold in your country. In the EU, thresholds range from €0 (some countries) to €85,000 (UK). Once registered, you charge VAT on sales, file returns (monthly or quarterly), and remit the difference between output VAT and input VAT.

VAT Compliance: The Complete Guide for Small Businesses

VAT compliance is the set of rules a business follows to charge, collect, report, and remit Value Added Tax. In the EU and UK, it is mandatory once you cross a registration threshold, and the rules differ by country — rates, deadlines, e-invoicing formats, and reverse-charge mechanisms all vary. This page aggregates every VAT resource we have, from country guides to glossary terms to return-preparation checklists.

Country compliance guides

Guides & walkthroughs

How-ToHow to Categorize Expenses

Costs & tools

Common mistakes

Key terms

Frequently asked questions

What is VAT compliance?: VAT compliance means correctly charging VAT on your sales, reclaiming VAT on your purchases, filing periodic VAT returns, and keeping records that satisfy your tax authority. In the EU, each member state sets its own rate, threshold, and filing rules, and many now mandate electronic invoicing (e-Invoicing).
When do I need to register for VAT?: You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover exceeds the threshold in your country. In the EU, thresholds range from €0 (some countries) to €85,000 (UK). Once registered, you charge VAT on sales, file returns (monthly or quarterly), and remit the difference between output VAT and input VAT.