VAT registration with Comply
What is Comply?
Comply is our fully managed VAT compliance solution, built to take pressure off your teams. It handles every aspect of VAT filing, giving you complete oversight and control across all your global obligations.
With Comply, you stay ahead of local requirements – no matter how complex or fast-changing. It simplifies VAT compliance by managing:
- VAT registrations
- VAT de-registrations
- Intrastat and EC sales listings
One platform. Zero guesswork. Total confidence.
VAT consultancy
Expert guidance, wherever you operate.
Our VAT consultants provide clear, practical advice tailored to your business. We review your activities where VAT registration or fiscal representation is required – and help you act quickly and compliantly.
No stress. No delays. Just the certainty you need to move forward.
When does a business need to register for VAT?
The answer depends on where, and how, you operate.
VAT registration rules vary by country, and thresholds can differ for goods and services. If your business carries out taxable activities in a country, you must meet its VAT obligations. This includes registration, regular VAT returns and any required statistical filings.
If you’re a non-established or “foreign” business, local thresholds don’t apply. In many EU countries, you may need to register from your very first sale.
Selling cross-border to consumers in Europe? You may also need to register under distance selling rules, which have their own thresholds.
Wherever your operate, we’ll help you understand your obligations – and meet them with confidence.
What activities can trigger VAT obligations abroad?
- Importing goods into the country for sale or distribution
- Storing goods in a local warehouse for onward sale or distribution
- Buying and selling goods within the country
- Selling online (where turnover thresholds apply)
- Hosting or participating in events
- Providing digital services – such as telecomms, broadcasting or electronic services – to consumers.
VAT rules don’t wait. If you’re active in a market, you may have obligations from day one. We’ll help you understand where and when VAT registration is required – and the handle the process for you.
EU VAT registrations
Expanding across Europe? VAT registration is a must.
When you trade in EU countries, you need to register for VAT locally – and that means navigating different tax authorities, country-specific rules, rates and procedures. Without the right expertise and tools, it can quickly become a drain on time and resources.
That’s where Comply comes in.
Our end-to-end VAT compliance solution is built for complexity and designed to make it simple. Comply helps businesses manage VAT registrations across multiple countries, prepare and submit VAT returns, and stay ahead of every local requirement.
It even includes in-built payments technology, so you can handle filings and payments in one place.
One platform. Every EU VAT obligation. Covered.
VAT registrations for online and distance sellers
Selling online to EU consumers? You may need to register for VAT.
Distance sales happen when goods are delivered to private consumers (not VAT registered) in another EU country, and your business is responsible for delivery of the goods.
If your sales exceed the local threshold in any EU country where you’re not already VAT registered, you’ll need to register and comply with local VAT rules.
Fintua helps you stay compliant. We manage VAT registrations, ongoing compliance and reporting for your distance sales across the EU. We also support you with e-commerce VAT rules, including One Stop Shop (OSS) registration and reporting where relevant.
Sell with confidence, knowing VAT is under control.
Value Added Tax (VAT) for Amazon Sellers
Selling on Amazon? Holding stock abroad triggers VAT obligations. If you use Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA), your goods may be stored in multiple countries – and that can create VAT registration requirements wherever your stock is held.
As an approved Amazon VAT provider, Fintua helps sellers meet all their VAT registration and compliance obligations across Europe and beyond. We manage the paperwork and filings so you can focus on growing your business.
Fiscal representation – what is it and when is it required?
Fiscal representation is a local requirement for some businesses registering for VAT in the EU. It involves appointing a local tax representative who is jointly liable for your VAT compliance and it’s often mandatory if your business is not based in the EU.
You may need fiscal representation if:
- You’re a non-EU businesses registering in an EU Member State that requires it
- You’re an EU business registering in another Member State to access a beneficial VAT regime, such as the import VAT deferment scheme in the Netherlands
- You’re a UK business post-Brexit, registering in an EU country that requires fiscal representation from non-EU companies (some exceptions may apply under the Brexit agreement). In most cases, fiscal representation must be in place before submitting your first VAT return, though deadlines can vary by country.
Fintua can act as your fiscal representation where needed – ensuring you stay compliant, avoid penalties and meet every local requirement with confidence.
What happens if you don’t register for VAT?
Missing a VAT registration deadline can be costly.
If your business fails to register on time, you could face late registration penalties. The longer the delay, the higher the cost. Some countries may also apply interest charges or retroactive assessments, adding to the risk.
VAT compliance isn’t optional. It’s a legal obligation and every market your operate in has its own rules and enforcement approach.
Fintua helps you stay ahead of deadlines and avoid unneccessary penalties.
Brexit and VAT registrations
Brexit changed the VAT landscape for UK and EU businesses alike. If your company now needs new VAT registrations or fiscal representation as a result, you’ll likely face changes to how you manage VAT filings, payments and reporting across borders.
Understanding your new obligations is key to staying compliant. To learn more, check out our blog on VAT after Brexit.