Tax Law · European Union
Navigating International VAT With a Specialist at Your Side
Selling goods or services across borders triggers VAT obligations that change from one country to the next — different rates, different registration thresholds, different filing rules. We match you, free of charge, with a tax lawyer who handles cross-border VAT every day, from registration and the reverse charge through returns, Intrastat and refunds.
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Who this is for
Cross-border trade brings VAT duties you may not have signed up for
International VAT is the value added tax that applies when goods or services move across national borders — whether you are an online retailer shipping into several EU countries, a software or consulting business selling to customers abroad, or a company importing stock into a warehouse for distribution. Each country sets its own rates, registration thresholds and reporting rules, and the moment your sales in a country cross its threshold you can become liable to register and charge VAT there. The rules on distance selling, the reverse charge, place-of-supply and VAT recovery are technical and change often, and a mistake can mean underpaid tax, penalties or a refund left unclaimed. We match you with a tax lawyer who works with cross-border VAT in your relevant countries every day.
Why cross-border sellers get stuck
VAT problems rarely start with the tax itself.
They start with a threshold you did not know you had crossed.
Every country runs its own VAT registration, filing and refund rules — and a small oversight can trigger penalties or leave money on the table.
Unseen registration thresholds
Most countries require a non-resident seller to register for VAT once their sales there pass a set threshold, which varies by country and by the type of goods. Cross it without noticing and you can owe VAT you never charged.
Reverse charge confusion
The reverse charge shifts the duty to account for VAT from the supplier to the buyer, but only in specific cross-border situations. Applying it wrongly — or missing it — commonly leads to incorrect invoices and later corrections.
Refunds left unclaimed
VAT you paid in another country can often be recovered through a refund procedure, but the claim windows and documentary rules are strict. Miss the deadline or file the wrong evidence and the money stays with the tax office.
What you get
A VAT lawyer who handles your cross-border obligations end to end
We only match you with tax lawyers who deal with international VAT registration, filing and recovery on a regular basis.
Registration & thresholds
Your lawyer assesses which countries you must register in, confirms the exact thresholds that apply to your goods or services, and handles the registration process so you do not register late or in the wrong place.
Returns & the reverse charge
Get help filing correct VAT returns and applying the reverse charge and place-of-supply rules properly, so your invoices and reports stand up to review in every country where you trade.
VAT recovery & refunds
If you have paid VAT in another country, your lawyer identifies what you can reclaim and files the refund claims within the strict windows, with the right documentary evidence behind each one.
Inspections & disputes
If a tax office questions your cross-border VAT position, your lawyer responds to enquiries, corrects errors and represents you through any inspection or dispute so the matter is resolved cleanly.
Coverage
International VAT lawyers across Europe
VAT rules are set nationally, not by the EU as a whole, so the right lawyer is one who works with the tax offices of the specific countries where you sell or buy. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
International VAT — common questions
When do I need to register for VAT in another country?
Registration is typically triggered once your sales in a country pass a set threshold, which varies by country and by whether you sell goods or services. Some situations, such as holding stock there, can create an obligation sooner. A lawyer can confirm your exact position for each relevant country.
What is the reverse charge and when does it apply?
The reverse charge shifts the duty to account for VAT from the supplier to the customer. It usually applies in certain business-to-business cross-border transactions, so the buyer reports the VAT instead of the seller charging it. The precise conditions vary by country and transaction type.
Can I reclaim VAT I paid in another EU country?
In many cases yes, through a refund procedure for non-established businesses, provided you claim within strict windows and supply the right invoices and evidence. Some costs are excluded, and the rules differ for EU and non-EU businesses. A lawyer can confirm what you can recover.
What is the difference between VAT and customs duties?
VAT is a tax on consumption charged on supplies of goods and services, while customs duties are import charges on goods entering a country. Imported goods can attract both, and each is administered under different rules and rates. A lawyer can clarify how they interact for your shipments.
What happens if I underpaid or failed to register for VAT?
Tax authorities may seek the unpaid VAT plus interest and, in some cases, penalties. Promptly disclosing and correcting the position is usually treated more favourably than waiting to be discovered. A lawyer can help you regularise the matter and negotiate the outcome.
How does distance selling affect my VAT obligations?
Distance selling rules determine which country’s VAT applies when you sell to consumers across borders, and typically trigger registration once your sales there exceed a threshold. Several EU-wide simplifications now reduce how many registrations you need. A lawyer can explain the current rules that affect you.
Free case review
Don’t let a foreign tax office catch you off guard
Tell us where and what you sell, and we’ll connect you with a tax lawyer who handles international VAT in those countries every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.