VAT declarations abroad
VAT registration is just the beginning. The real challenge is managing deadlines, local forms, payments, adjustments, and additional reports in each country. Taxenlight handles current VAT settlements so your company can sell without having to manage each foreign calendar separately.
When does a company need ongoing VAT services?
Foreign VAT returns are mandatory when a company has a VAT number in another country and must report local transactions. This most commonly applies to e-commerce, warehousing, importing, B2B/B2C sales, and companies that, after VAT registration, do not wish to manage foreign deadlines themselves.
You have an active VAT number abroad
Once a VAT number has been assigned, there is usually an obligation to submit a declaration even if there were few transactions in a given period.
You sell locally or from stock
Warehousing, FBA, 3PL, import or local sales in the country of registration require correct reporting on the local VAT return.
You have multiple data sources
Marketplace, store, B2B invoices, import documents and returns must be combined into one coherent VAT report.
Not all sales abroad fall under OSS.
First, we determine whether transactions can be settled via VAT OSS or whether local VAT returns are required. This is important because warehousing, importing, FBA, and local sales typically require settlement in a specific country.
VAT OSS
It works for B2C sales to consumers in the EU when you ship the goods from your home country and do not store them locally in the recipient country.
Check OSS VAT returnsLocal VAT returns
They are needed for a local VAT number, warehousing, import, sales from a foreign warehouse and transactions that are not covered by OSS.
Check VAT registration abroadWhat exactly do we take over when settling VAT abroad?
We act as an external VAT compliance department: we organize data, prepare declarations, ensure deadlines are met, and provide clear information about tax amounts payable.
VAT report and data check
We analyze sales, purchases, returns, adjustments, shipping documents, imports, and marketplace reports.
Local declarations
We prepare and submit local VAT returns according to the frequency applicable in a given country.
VAT payments
We provide the tax amount, office account, payment title and deadline so that the transfer is made without delay.
Additional reports
We handle summary information, annual reports, Intrastat and local attachments, if required by law.
Corrections and clarifications
We assist with corrections to previous periods, office requests, and discrepancies in transaction data.
Fixed calendar of duties
We monitor the declaration rhythm in each country so that deadlines do not depend on manual checking of multiple portals.
Handling VAT declarations abroad in practice
The declaration cycle, payment deadlines, and additional reporting requirements vary by country. The table below provides an approximate scope of services and helps you quickly identify which countries most frequently require ongoing deadline monitoring.
| Country | VAT declarations | Payment and declaration deadline | Additional reports | Guides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AustriaAT  | monthly, quarterly, annual | 15th day of the month following the billing period | ZM, Intrastat, annual declaration | |
BelgiumBE  | monthly, quarterly | 20th day of the month following the billing period | EC Sales List, Listing Clients, Intrastat | |
BulgariaBG  | monthly | 14th day of the month after the period | VIES, Intrastat | |
CroatiaHR  | monthly, quarterly | 20th day of the month after the period | summary information, Intrastat | |
CyprusCY  | monthly, quarterly | 10th day of the month after the period | VIES, Intrastat by thresholds | |
Czech RepublicCZ  | monthly, quarterly | 25th day of the month after the period | VAT and Intrastat control reports | |
DenmarkDK  | monthly, quarterly, half-yearly | depending on the settlement rhythm | Intrastat by thresholds | |
EstoniaEE  | monthly | 20th day of the month after the period | EU reports, Intrastat | |
FinlandFI  | monthly, quarterly, annual | 12th day of the month after the period | Intrastat by thresholds | |
FranceFR  | monthly, possibly quarterly | most often the 19th day of the month after the period | CA3, DES, EMEBI, e-reporting | |
GreeceEL  | quarterly, possibly monthly | 30th day of the month after the period | summary information, Intrastat | |
SpainES  | quarterly, possibly monthly and annual | 20th day of the month after the period | local reports, Intrastat | |
NetherlandsNL  | quarterly, possibly monthly | the last business day of the second month after the period | ICP, Intrastat by request/thresholds | |
IrelandIE  | two-month-old | 19th day of the month after the period | VIES, Intrastat by thresholds | |
LithuaniaLT  | monthly | 25th business day of the month following the period | i.SAF, Intrastat | |
LuxembourgLU  | monthly, quarterly, annual | 15th day of the second month after the period | annual declaration, Intrastat | |
LatviaLV  | monthly | 20th day of the month after the period | EU reports, Intrastat | |
MaltaMT  | depending on the decisions of the authorities | 52nd day after the billing period | recapitulating statements | |
GermanyDE  | monthly, quarterly, annual | 10th day of the month after the period | UStVA, ZM, Intrastat, annual declaration | |
NorwayNO  | two-month-old | 10th day of the second month after the period | reporting outside the EU | |
PolandPL  | monthly, quarterly | 25th day of the month after the period | JPK_V7, summary information | |
PortugalPT  | monthly, quarterly, annual | depending on the settlement rhythm | SAF-T, Intrastat | |
RomaniaRO  | monthly | 25th day of the month after the period | local reports, Intrastat | |
SlovakiaSK  | monthly | 25th day of the month after the period | VAT control list, Intrastat | |
SloveniaSI  | monthly | the last working day of the month after the period | EU reports, Intrastat | |
SwitzerlandCH  | quarterly | 60th day after the billing period | settlements outside the EU | |
SwedenSE  | monthly, quarterly, annual | depending on the settlement rhythm | EC Sales List, Intrastat | |
HungaryHU  | monthly, quarterly, annual | depending on the settlement rhythm | local reports, Intrastat | |
Great BritainGB  | quarterly | 7th day of the second month after the period | MTD VAT, settlements outside the EU | |
ItalyIT  | monthly, possibly quarterly | most often the 16th day of the month after the period | Intrastat, local reports |
From VAT report to confirmation of declaration submission
Repeatability is key. We establish a rhythm, data sources, and contacts, then conduct monthly or quarterly billing according to a single, structured process.
Free VAT analysis
We check countries, active VAT numbers, previous declarations, transaction types and potential risks.
Determining the VAT report
We determine what data is needed: invoices, marketplace reports, imports, IDT/IWNT, returns and corrections.
Transaction verification
We check VAT rates, taxation countries, contractor VAT number, delivery documents and data consistency.
Submitting a declaration
We prepare the declaration and submit it on the local portal or through the appropriate channel of communication with the office.
Amount to be paid
We provide the due date, account number, transfer title and VAT amount to be paid in a given country.
Archive and the next period
We store confirmations, monitor subsequent deadlines, and respond when the office asks additional questions.
What documents are needed to submit a VAT return abroad?
At the beginning of our collaboration, we determine which reports and documents are needed for your model. Marketplace billing differs from B2B sales, imports, or fulfillment center warehousing.
- Sales report from a store or marketplace system.
- B2B invoices for sales and purchases.
- Delivery documents, e.g. CMR or shipping confirmations.
- Import documents and customs clearance.
- Warehouse, FBA, 3PL or fulfillment reports.
- Information about returns, adjustments and canceled orders.
First we organize the data, then the declarations.
A well-prepared VAT report reduces the risk of errors in rates, EU transactions, imports, and payable amounts. Therefore, we don't rely solely on the final total from the sales system.
VAT declarations abroad under the supervision of the VAT compliance team
We combine experience in foreign VAT returns with expertise in e-commerce, marketplaces, imports, and logistics. This allows us to look beyond just the form itself and across the entire transaction process.
Adrian AndrzejewskiCEO Taxenlight
Do you have a VAT number abroad and want to sort out your settlements?
Tell us which countries have your VAT number, which sales systems you use, and what declarations you've already filed. We'll see how we can take over ongoing management without interrupting sales.
VAT declarations abroad – frequently asked questions
Who has to submit VAT returns abroad?
Any company with an active VAT number abroad that performs activities requiring reporting in a given country. This includes warehousing, imports, local sales, intra-Community supplies, intra-Community acquisitions, and B2B/B2C transactions subject to local VAT.
Are VAT declarations and OSS VAT declarations the same?
No. VAT OSS is used to settle selected B2C sales within the EU in a single procedure. The local VAT return reports transactions in the country where the company has a VAT number, such as sales from a warehouse, imports, or local purchases and sales.
What documents are needed to submit a VAT return abroad?
The most frequently needed information includes sales reports, B2B invoices, purchase invoices, delivery documents, import documents, warehouse reports, marketplace reports, and information about corrections and returns.
Can I use OSS and submit local VAT returns at the same time?
Yes. This is a common solution when a company stores goods in one country but sells to consumers in multiple EU countries. Some transactions may be settled locally, while others may be settled via OSS.
By when must VAT be paid abroad?
Payment deadlines vary for each country. They often coincide with the tax return filing deadline, but international transfers may take longer to process, so it's worth having the amount and payment details ready in advance.
What are the penalties for failing to submit a VAT return on time?
Sanctions depend on local regulations and may include fines, late payment interest, administrative summonses, VAT refund suspensions, or additional audits. It's safest to adhere to deadlines in each country separately.
What VAT rates should be applied to sales abroad?
VAT rates vary by country and product or service type. For the most up-to-date list, see our guide: EU VAT rates 2026.
How to get a VAT refund abroad?
If a company is registered for VAT in a given country, the refund may be based on a local VAT return. If a VAT number is not available, a VAT REF procedure is possible in some situations.
Don't have a VAT number abroad yet?
If you are just starting to sell, store or import in another country, first check if you need a local VAT registration.