Value added tax: what does that mean ?
Value added tax or sales tax: is there a difference?
The terms value added tax and sales taxrefer to the same tax, but are used differently. While one usually speaks of value added tax (VAT) for goods that consumers buy, one uses sales tax for businesses. In fact, however, it is the same tax in each case. So there is no difference between VAT and sales tax.
However, if an entrepreneur buys from another entrepreneur, it is called pre-tax. Here, too, the usual rates for sales tax are applied. Entrepreneurs may retain this input tax as part of the input tax deduction. For companies subject to VAT this means that they can have the VAT on goods and services they purchase in the course of their business activities refunded.
However, the input tax deduction only applies to companies subject to sales tax. Small businesses that are exempt from VAT cannot claim the input tax deduction.
What is the value added tax (VAT)? – Definition
In principle, the value-added tax is an additional source of revenue for the state. In this sense, it is a community tax that is used to finance the federal and state governments. Since the value-added tax is paid by the consumer, i.e. consumers, it is also called consumer tax.
However, companies gain nothing from VAT – except additional expense. This is because companies merely help the state to collect this tax. In this sense, value added tax is a transitory item for entrepreneurs, because it may not be retained. Instead, the VAT is passed on directly to the tax office.
Identification on invoice is mandatory
Since VAT must be paid on all goods and services, this must be indicated on the invoice. This is usually done by showing the net amount and the amount for VAT including the applicable VAT rate.
This is not only clear for entrepreneurs and customers. The correct invoice helps to avoid problems with the tax office. Because with the invoice, the entrepreneur can prove that the VAT was shown correctly and paid in the next move
How much is the value added tax?
In Germany, there are two different tax rates for VAT:
- Standard tax rate of 19 percent
- Reduced tax rate of 7 percent
The reduced tax rate applies to so-called everyday goods. These include, for example:
- Food (with the exception of luxury foods)
- Some beverages, such as milk
- Agricultural and forestry products and animal feeds
- Books and newspapers
- Tickets for museums, theaters, cinemas…
- Tickets for public transport and cabs
In contrast, the regular tax rate of 19 percent is due for all other products and services that do not count as everyday consumer goods.
Reduction of the VAT rate:
New regulations until 31.12.2020
Because of the corona pandemic, the government has decided to reduce VAT for 6 months:
- instead of 19 percent, 16 percent became due and
- instead of 7 percent, 5 percent value added tax became due
The changes will apply until the end of 2020, after which VAT rates will be raised back to the original level.
VAT – simple with easybill
Different rates for VAT, correct display on the invoice and then also a temporary VAT rate that is lower than normal – quite a lot of things to consider there.
Let us help you! Our invoicing software is up to date. Changes that are passed by the legislature are immediately taken up and observed by us.
This means that you do not have to worry about them any further. All invoices that you issue with easybill also contain a correct display of the value-added tax and the gross and net amounts.
This way, both customers and the tax office are satisfied.. What more could you want?
