How do I apply for a VAT identification number?
January 16, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Oliver Götzinger
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am Gertrud Kuhn, the owner of a small online shop for handmade jewelry. In the last few months, I have started selling my products beyond the borders of Germany. Now I am faced with the question of how to apply for a VAT identification number.
So far, I have only sold within Germany and accordingly paid German VAT. Since I now also have customers in other EU countries, I would like to apply for a VAT identification number in order to correctly invoice intra-community deliveries.
My concern is that I have no experience with applying for a VAT identification number and I am unsure of the steps I need to take. I want to ensure that I do everything correctly and in a timely manner to avoid any issues with the tax office.
Could you please explain in detail how I can apply for a VAT identification number? What documents are required and what forms need to be completed? Are there any deadlines I need to be aware of? And what benefits will the VAT identification number bring to my business?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Kind regards,
Gertrud Kuhn
Dear Mrs. Kuhn,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the application for a VAT identification number. I can understand that you may feel unsure, as it is important to complete all steps correctly and in a timely manner to avoid any issues with the tax office. I would be happy to explain to you in detail how to apply for a VAT identification number.
First of all, it is important to know that the VAT identification number (VAT ID) is a unique identification of companies within the European Union engaging in cross-border transactions. It serves to prove VAT exemption for intra-community deliveries and allows for invoicing without VAT.
To apply for a VAT identification number, you need to contact your local tax office. Usually, you can submit the application informally via email or by post. There is also the option to submit the application online through the Elster portal of the Federal Central Tax Office.
For the application, you will need various documents, including your ID card or passport, a business license or extract from the commercial register, and possibly other proofs of your company. The tax office may also request additional documents to verify your information.
There are no fixed deadlines for applying for a VAT identification number, but it is advisable to do so in time before engaging in cross-border transactions. The processing time may vary depending on the tax office, so it is important to allow enough time.
The benefits of a VAT identification number include being able to correctly invoice intra-community deliveries without your customers having to pay German VAT. This can give you a competitive advantage and facilitate transactions with customers from other EU countries.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Oliver Götzinger
