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Small business VAT ID

January 13, 2017 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Grit Weidauer

Hello,
since Nov. 2016 I have been a small business owner according to §19 Abs.1 UStG and I sell self-made goods on eBay. The annual turnover is also below 17500 Eur.
Since I do not have a VAT ID, eBay requests 15% Luxembourg VAT and 19% is also required in Germany! (Obstacle small business owner eBay)
I read on several websites that I can also apply for a VAT ID as a small business owner!
So I did that online at the Federal Central Tax Office and received a message that there is no approval from the tax office yet! So I went directly to the tax office and explained everything!
They said they first have to set the VAT signal and in a few days I could request the VAT ID!
After a few days, I received a letter from the tax office with the words "the tax number that was communicated to you.... now also applies to: VAT"! ?????
Did I do something wrong ?? Do I now have to declare VAT on my invoices ?? I did not want that! I do not want to give up my small business regulation according to §19 !!!

Ps .: I have not yet requested a VAT ID from the Federal Central Tax Office!

Grit Weidauer

Dear inquirer,

You have done everything correctly. Do not worry.

The 19 UStG still applies, as long as you meet the mentioned requirements.

In the annual sales tax return, simply indicate the corresponding sales as a small business owner on page 1.

Best regards,

Grit Weidauer
Tax advisor