Are there any special regulations for the sale of used goods regarding value added tax?
June 21, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Günther Hering
Dear tax advisor,
My name is Lina Heuser and I operate an online shop where I sell used goods such as clothing, electronics, and furniture. Lately, I have been delving deeper into the topic of value-added tax and am wondering if there are specific regulations that apply to the sale of used goods.
Currently, I calculate the value-added tax on my sales according to the general regulations that apply to the sale of goods. However, I am wondering if there might be exceptions or special regulations for used goods that I have not considered before.
I am concerned that I may be calculating incorrectly and could face tax consequences as a result. I also want to ensure that I am transparent and correct in my dealings with my customers.
Therefore, my question is: Are there specific regulations for the sale of used goods in relation to value-added tax? Should I adjust my approach to calculating value-added tax, and if so, what steps should I take?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Lina Heuser
Dear Ms. Heuser,
Thank you for your question regarding value added tax (VAT) in relation to the sale of used goods in your online shop. It is very good that you are delving deeper into this topic in order to avoid potential tax consequences and to act transparently and correctly towards your customers.
In general, the same VAT regulations apply to the sale of used goods as for the sale of new goods. This means that VAT must also be calculated on the sale of used clothing, electronics, and furniture.
However, when it comes to used goods, it is important to note that the sale price already includes the VAT that was paid when the goods were originally purchased. This means that as a seller, you must consider the difference between the sale price and the original purchase price as an increase in value and calculate VAT on this difference.
It is important to pay close attention to the correct determination of the increase in value when calculating VAT on used goods. It may be helpful to document all relevant information such as the original purchase price, the condition of the goods, and any repairs or refurbishments.
To ensure that you calculate VAT correctly, I recommend that you consult with an experienced tax advisor. A tax advisor can provide you with personalized advice on your online shop and specific circumstances, and recommend concrete steps to adjust your approach to calculating VAT on used goods.
I hope that this detailed response has been helpful to you, and I am available to assist you further if you have any additional questions.
Kind regards,
Günther Hering
