Last Updated: 14th of January, 2020

As per October first every Amazon seller who sells products in Germany needs to indicate whether he or she is obligated to report VAT in Germany. If you’re obligated to report VAT you need to request a Tax Certificate from the German authorities. In this article we’ll explain how you can request this Tax Certificate. But, first things first, let’s first determine whether you’re obligated to report VAT in Germany. If not, you’re in luck, because then you don’t have to send several forms to the German tax authorities instead you only have to fill in a single form within your Amazon Seller Central account.

Do I need a German VAT number and Steuernummer (Tax ID)?

Fill in our “German VAT Wizard” and find out whether you need to register for a VAT/Steuernummer.

If you don’t have VAT obligations in Germany, than you’re in luck! If you’re an Amazon Seller don’t forget to acknowledge Amazon’s declaration confirming that you are not generating taxable sales in Germany.

Steps to get a German Tax Certificate

If you have VAT obligations in Germany you need to request a Tax Certificate. However, before you can request a Tax Certificate you need to apply for a so called Steuernummer. A Steuernummer is a Tax ID (note, this is not a VAT number). You need a Tax ID in your communication with the German tax office. Below we list the steps you need to follow to acquire a Steuernummer.

Step 1: Register and receive a Steuernummer and VAT number

Step 1.1 – You can register a Steuernnummer by filling in this questionnaire or fill it in using this wizzard. If your using the wizzard, make sure to save form (the wizzard has a save to xml option) when filling it in. The wizzard wil namely close after 45 minutes. The form and the wizzard are both in German, you can find unofficial translations and question descriptions here (article by Robinson) or here (article on allaboutberlin.com). Be aware, you need to answer the questions in German.

The first field you need to fill in asks you to fill in your tax office. Your tax office depends on the country in which your company is listed. See Table 1 in the Appendix to find your tax office.

In our experience it is not necessary to have a German address to receive a German VAT number, Steurnummer and Tax Certificate. Once issued, Tax Offices can send these documents abroad.

Step 1.3 – Print the form, write down the current date and sign it.

Step 1.4 – Send the form to your tax office. See the contact details in the table below. You can send the forms by e-mail.

Step 2: Request the Tax Certificate

Step 2.1 – Request your Tax Certificate using one of the following forms:
– English form
– German form (see page 3). If you’re requesting a Steuernummer, you don’t need to fill in the Steuernummer. Your Tax Office will fill in the Steuernummer once they issued one.

Step 2.2 – Print the form, write down the date, and sign it.

Step 3: Send the forms

Send the forms to your Tax Office (see the table below for details). You can send the signed forms by e-mail.

Step 4: Wait for your Steuernummer, VAT number and Tax Certificate

Expect to wait severals weeks before you receive your VAT number, Steuernummer and tax certificate. Note, you’re Tax Certificate is only valid for a certain period. Make sure to request a new Tax Certficate when yours is nearing expiration.

Step 5: Share it with Amazon

Once you receive your Tax Certificate you must upload this certificate on Amazon Seller Central. In Seller Central, go to: Settings (top right) -> VAT Information -> Add a VAT/GST Registration number -> As a country select Germany and you’ll find the dialog asking for your VAT Number, Steuernummer and Tax Certficate.

Step 6: Declare VAT in Germany

Once registered, don’t forget to declare and pay VAT.

Need help?

If you need help registering for a German VAT, call us at +31 20 244 3763. We help Amazon Sellers to receive a Tax Certificate. Our cost? 250 euro (excl. VAT).

Disclaimer

Please note that this information does not constitute any legal or tax advice and we recommend to contact your legal counsel or tax advisor in case of questions.

Additional information

Need more information?
– Amazon Help

Appendix

Table 1: Tax offices responsible for business registered in a certain country

Table 2: Contact information by tax office