Knowledge Base: E-commerce Accounting and VAT Compliance

Comparison of Amazon VAT Services with VAT Compliance Services by amavat

Comparison of Amazon VAT Services with VAT Compliance Services by amavat®

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Date28 Jun 2024
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Managing tax obligations across various jurisdictions is a significant challenge for large-scale sellers. The complexity of tax regulations and the necessity of timely VAT returns can be particularly difficult for sellers using the Amazon platform. To address these needs, Amazon offers Amazon VAT Services, designed to simplify and automate VAT-related processes. At amavat®, we provide VAT Compliance services, aimed at assisting sellers in managing their tax obligations by ensuring comprehensive support and compliance with VAT regulations in different countries. In this article, we will compare both services to help sellers choose the best solution tailored to their needs.


Amazon VAT Services is an integrated tool on the Amazon platform that assists sellers with VAT registration, filing returns, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations in the various countries where they operate. For sellers using Amazon warehouses in Poland, managing VAT becomes particularly crucial, given the need to adhere to local tax laws. Amazon warehouses enable faster and more efficient logistics, which is essential for business growth, but they also necessitate precise management of tax obligations.


Overview of Amazon VAT Services functionality

Amazon VAT Services is an integrated tool created by Amazon designed to simplify and automate the management of VAT obligations for sellers operating on the Amazon platform. This service is particularly beneficial for sellers engaged in international trade who must comply with diverse tax regulations across multiple European countries. Amazon warehouses enable faster and more efficient logistics, which is crucial for business growth, but they also require precise management of tax obligations. With Amazon VAT Services, sellers can focus on growing their business while leaving tax matters in the hands of experts.

  • Automatic VAT Return Filing
  • One of the key features of Amazon VAT Services is the automatic filing of VAT returns. This tool monitors sellers’ sales and generates the appropriate tax reports, which are then submitted to the relevant tax authorities. This helps sellers avoid financial penalties for late or erroneous VAT returns.

  • Compliance with Tax Regulations in Various European Countries
  • Amazon VAT Services ensures compliance with tax regulations across different European countries. The system is regularly updated to reflect changes in tax laws, minimizing the risk of non-compliance and potential legal issues for sellers.

  • Full Integration with the Amazon Seller Account
  • As part of the Amazon ecosystem, VAT Services is fully integrated with the seller’s Amazon account. This integration allows sellers to easily manage all aspects of their business, including Amazon warehouse management, sales, and tax obligations, from a single central location.


Automation and personalization of services for Amazon sellers

Amazon VAT Services is designed to automate VAT management processes for sellers on the Amazon platform. The primary goal of the service is to simplify VAT registration, return filing, and ensure compliance with tax regulations. However, while automation can be a crucial factor for many sellers, it is worth noting that Amazon VAT Services may focus more on standard solutions rather than catering to the individual needs of clients.

A lack of individual advice and personalized services is a key characteristic of Amazon VAT Services. This service offers a standard tool that can be useful for many sellers, especially those looking for straightforward solutions. However, for companies conducting more complex e-commerce operations or requiring a more tailored approach to VAT management, the absence of individual advice can be a significant limitation.

For companies seeking more personalized support in tax compliance and optimization of tax strategies, amavat® offers a suitable solution. We provide a dedicated account manager, ensuring that each company has direct contact with a professional who addresses their specific tax needs and challenges. Additionally, we offer service in the local language, which is crucial for effective communication with tax authorities in European countries. Combined with the support of local advisors across Europe, amavat® delivers comprehensive and personalized tax services, which can be a significant asset for companies operating in international e-commerce markets.


Compliance with the VAT-OSS procedure

OSS (One Stop Shop) is a tax system in the European Union that allows companies to register and settle VAT for transactions across EU territories through a single registration, facilitating international sales for e-commerce businesses. Amazon VAT Services does not fully support OSS, which can be challenging for companies striving for compliance with EU tax regulations. The absence of this feature in Amazon VAT Services may require businesses to collect and submit tax returns independently in each country, leading to additional difficulties, time-consuming procedures, and potential complications in conducting international sales.

In contrast, amavat® specializes in comprehensive tax services, offering a wide range of support related to VAT OSS registration in Poland and Germany, as well as VAT return filing. We provide our clients with professional support at every stage of the process, from preparing the necessary registration documentation to comprehensive VAT settlement through a single, simplified VAT OSS return.

Our experienced specialists also oversee the ongoing status of tax settlements and regularly inform clients of their VAT amounts (VAT Payment notifications).

Clients of amavat® can be confident that their tax matters are in the best hands, thanks to the care of qualified specialists with extensive experience in international tax settlements. This ensures our clients not only full compliance with tax regulations but also comfort and peace of mind in conducting their international business operations.


Costs of Amazon VAT Services

Using Amazon VAT Services can incur significant costs for e-commerce companies, especially those operating on a larger scale or across multiple markets. While this service offers automation of VAT management processes, subscription fees and commissions can be a substantial burden on a company’s budget, particularly for smaller businesses just starting their international operations.

Amazon VAT Services operates in collaboration with various external providers, allowing businesses to tailor the service to their specific needs and preferences. This is crucial given the complexity of managing VAT processes in the international e-commerce market. However, it is important to note that once a provider is selected from Amazon’s list and the service has started, changes cannot be made.

The costs of VAT services depend on the number of countries in which a business wishes to register. VAT registration in one country costs 50 EUR. Monthly fees for VAT filings start at 33 EUR per country, with an additional 21 EUR per month for fiscal representation in each country.

Service configuration occurs on the seller’s account, simplifying the registration and data management process. However, not all available options are compatible with every provider. Therefore, a thorough analysis of offers and service conditions is crucial before deciding on a specific Amazon VAT Services provider.


Dedicated tax support through VAT Compliance Services by amavat®

At amavat®, we understand that visionary e-commerce companies require support as innovative as the accounting and tax tools that reflect the dynamic nature of the online market. That’s why we are committed to developing innovative solutions that not only meet industry needs but also anticipate future challenges.

Our offering includes comprehensive tools for effectively managing finances and taxes in the e-commerce environment. We operate across the entire European Union, providing services in every country, which is a significant distinction compared to Amazon VAT Services. Unlike Amazon, which primarily focuses on tax compliance in select countries, our services cover the entire EU, ensuring comprehensive support for our clients regardless of where they operate. This means that entrepreneurs using our tools can conduct their sales on Amazon and other e-commerce channels across Europe with confidence that their tax matters are fully compliant with local regulations.

Our clients have access to advanced automation and integration tools that streamline accounting and tax processes, allowing them to focus on business growth. Additionally, each client receives support from a dedicated account manager who provides professional advice and assistance in resolving any financial and tax-related issues.

For more information about our VAT Compliance services, please visit our website: VAT Services for e-commerce – amavat®.

At amavat®, we not only respond to the needs of modern e-commerce but also set new standards that contribute to the growth and success of our clients in the digital sales world. We guarantee a personalized approach and comprehensive support at every stage of our collaboration. With our innovative approach to tax management, our clients can focus on strategic business development, confident that their interests are in the best hands.

To learn more or inquire about our tailored offerings, we invite you to visit our dedicated website and use our contact form: Contact our VAT Specialists – amavat®.

Dominika Lech

Junior Marketing Specialist at getsix®, amavat®, HLB Polska. In the company since May 2023. Interested in Social Media, content marketing, and the e-commerce industry.

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This publication is non-binding information and serves for general information purposes. The information provided does not constitute legal, tax or management advice and does not replace individual advice. Despite careful processing, all information in this publication is provided without any guarantee for the accuracy, up-to-date nature or completeness of the information. The information in this publication is not suitable as the sole basis for action and cannot replace actual advice in individual cases. The liability of the authors or amavat® are excluded. We kindly ask you to contact us directly for a binding consultation if required. The content of this publication iis the intellectual property of amavat® or its partner companies and is protected by copyright. Users of this information may download, print and copy the contents of the publication exclusively for their own purposes.

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