VAT/GST Registration Guide

VAT/GST registration requirements by country

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Understand when and how to register for VAT/GST in key markets. Essential for startups selling internationally or to EU customers.

Do You Need VAT/GST Registration?
General Registration Process
Check threshold
Gather documents
Submit application
Wait for approval
Start charging VAT
Tip: For EU sales, consider the OSS (One-Stop Shop) scheme — register once in your home country and report VAT for all EU sales through a single return.
Country-by-Country Guide

Click a country to expand details.

🇬🇧
United Kingdom
VAT — Standard rate: 20%
Registration Threshold£90,000 (mandatory) — voluntary registration available below
Non-residentNo threshold — must register from first UK sale
Digital ServicesNo threshold for non-UK businesses selling digital services to UK consumers
Filing FrequencyQuarterly (MTD - Making Tax Digital)
Timeline30 days after exceeding threshold; registration takes 4-8 weeks
PortalHMRC Online Services
🇪🇺
European Union (OSS)
VAT — Rates: 17-27% depending on country
B2C Digital (OSS)€10,000 threshold for cross-border EU digital sales. Above this, charge destination-country VAT via OSS.
B2B SalesReverse charge applies — no VAT registration needed if customer provides valid VAT number.
Non-EU SellersMust register for OSS (non-Union scheme) in one EU country for B2C digital services — no threshold.
FilingQuarterly via OSS portal
VIES ValidationAlways verify customer VAT numbers via VIES before applying reverse charge.
Standard VAT Rates: DE 19% FR 20% NL 21% IE 23% ES 21% IT 22% SE 25% HU 27%
🇺🇸
United States
Sales Tax — Rates: 0-10.25% (state + local)
SystemNo federal VAT/GST. Sales tax is state-level with "economic nexus" rules.
Nexus ThresholdTypically $100K revenue or 200 transactions per state (varies).
SaaS TaxabilityVaries by state — some tax SaaS, some don't. Check each state.
ComplianceRegister in each state where you have nexus. Use automation tools (TaxJar, Avalara).
FilingMonthly, quarterly, or annually per state
US sales tax is extremely complex. Consider Avalara, TaxJar, or Stripe Tax for automated compliance.
🇨🇦
Canada
GST/HST — 5-15%
GST ThresholdCAD $30,000 over 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier limit)
Non-resident DigitalMust register if selling digital services to Canadian consumers (no threshold)
Provincial TaxesHST in some provinces, PST/QST in others
FilingQuarterly or annually
🇦🇺
Australia
GST — 10%
ThresholdAUD $75,000 annual turnover
Non-resident DigitalAUD $75,000 from Australian sales — must register
FilingMonthly or quarterly via BAS (Business Activity Statement)
PortalATO Business Portal / myGov
🇸🇬
Singapore
GST — 9%
ThresholdSGD $1 million annual turnover
Non-resident DigitalSGD $100,000 from Singapore B2C digital sales — must register under OVR
FilingQuarterly
VAT/Tax Automation Tools
ToolBest ForKey FeaturesPricing
Stripe TaxSaaS, digital productsAuto-detect customer location, calculate + collect, built into Stripe0.5% per transaction
AvalaraUS sales tax, enterpriseMulti-jurisdiction compliance, returns filing, exemption certificatesCustom pricing
TaxJarE-commerce, US-focusedNexus tracking, auto-filing, API integrationFrom $19/month
Paddle / FastSpringSaaS (Merchant of Record)Handle all VAT/sales tax as MoR — you receive net revenue5-8% of revenue
Taxamo / FonoaEU VAT, globalReal-time tax determination, invoicing complianceCustom pricing
Merchant of Record (MoR): Services like Paddle handle all tax compliance for you. They are the legal seller — you just build the product. Best for SaaS startups wanting zero tax admin.
Documents Typically Required
For Registration:
  • Certificate of incorporation
  • Proof of business address
  • Director ID / passport copy
  • Bank account details
  • Expected turnover estimate
  • Description of business activities
Ongoing Compliance:
  • VAT-compliant invoices (with VAT number, rate, amounts)
  • Digital records of all transactions
  • Evidence of customer location (for digital services)
  • Periodic VAT returns filed on time
  • Credit notes for refunds/cancellations
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