VAT exemption thresholds in Europe 

Countries around the world have been introducing various fiscal measures to counteract the economic distress caused by COVID-19. One measure—among many others—has been to make changes to Value-Added Taxes (VAT), such as delaying payments, speeding up refunds, or reducing rates. These measures can provide great relief for many businesses and in some cases for consumers as well.

However, it is important to keep in mind that—mainly to reduce compliance and administrative costs—most countries have VAT exemption thresholds: If a business is below a certain annual revenue threshold, it is not required to participate in the VAT system. This means that such small businesses—unlike businesses above that threshold—do not collect VAT on their outputs sold to customers but also cannot receive a refund for VAT they paid on business inputs.

Due to such VAT exemption thresholds, many small businesses will not be able to benefit from the VAT changes that are being introduced to provide relief during this crisis. For example, VAT payment extensions and interest-free late payments—such as discussed or implemented in Austria, Estonia, and the Netherlands—won’t provide relief for businesses that are below the threshold.

The following map looks at VAT exemption thresholds in European OECD countries.

The United Kingdom has the highest VAT exemption threshold, at €96,840 (US $108,412). Switzerland and France follow, at €89,900 ($100,643) and €82,800 ($92,695). Spain and Turkey are the only two countries that do not have a threshold, meaning that all businesses are in the VAT system.

An overview of VAT relief and other fiscal measures that countries around the world have implemented during the coronavirus outbreak can be found here.

Source: TAX FOUNDATION

Find the the full VAT Exemption Thresholds, as of January here

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