Purpose: In this article, we want to explain to you which countries you can request a VAT shifted invoice.
Who can request a shifted invoice?
A VAT-exempt invoice can be sent to you if your company is registered outside the Netherlands, Germany, France, or the United Kingdom, and has a valid VAT number.
We will make sure that you get a VAT-free invoice and mention on your invoice that the VAT has been shifted with your VAT number.
Which countries can receive an invoice without VAT?
The shift applies to the following countries:
- Austria
- Spain
- Belgium
Which countries cannot receive an invoice without VAT?
Shifting cannot be applied for the following countries:
- Germany
- Netherlands
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
How to request a VAT-free invoice?
If you want to receive VAT-free invoices, you need to add a VAT number that has been validated by VIES in your Sendcloud panel by going to Settings > Addresses > Invoice. For us to shift the VAT, you need a VAT number that's been verified by VIES. When your number isn't verified, we can't submit it to the tax authorities and VAT will still be calculated on the invoices.
If you have introduced a valid VAT number, you won't have to make any further changes.
How to cancel reversed VAT
To stop receiving VAT-free invoices and have VAT charges applied instead, you need to remove the VAT number from your Sendcloud account. To do this, create a ticket by navigating to Support > New Ticket > Invoicing > VAT/COC Number Change. Our support team will process your request, and you’ll receive a confirmation once it’s completed. After the VAT number has been removed, VAT will automatically be applied to all future invoices.
What happens if you don't have a valid VAT number?
If you don’t have a valid VAT number or do not provide one, the VAT charged depends on your country. For customers in Austria, VAT at 19% will be applied. For customers in Italy, VAT at 22% will be applied. For customers in all other countries, including the Netherlands, Dutch VAT at 21% will be applied.
However, if your business is eligible, you may be able to reclaim this VAT, by following the instructions provided on the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration website: Reclaim Dutch VAT for EU businesses.
For businesses outside the EU, please visit the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration website or consult a tax advisor to learn more about reclaiming VAT based on your specific circumstances.
Important note for Italian customers
All Italian users are billed through Sendcloud SRL.
Because of this change:
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Italian VAT at 22% will always be applied to invoices.
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The reverse charge mechanism (VAT-free invoice) is no longer available for Italy.
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This decision was made to comply with Italian tax law, since Sendcloud now has a permanent presence in Italy.
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If your business is VAT-registered in Italy, you may still reclaim the VAT through your VAT return with the Agenzia Entrate. Please consult your accountant or the Agenzia Entrate portal for more information.
Related articles
→ How do I change my invoice address and VAT number?
→ Why did my invoice include VAT even though I should not be paying it?