Global VAT and TAX Compliance Services for E-Commerce Sellers

You may be a seven-figure seller in your local marketplace, but global cross-border expansion comes with new challenges.

Our ze VAT/GST and JCT global compliance solutions offer you smooth, efficient VAT registration and filings. We also provide ongoing audit and inquiry assistance using an integrated and tech-enabled approach – giving you more time to focus on your sales.

Vehicles flying over paper

Our Global VAT and Tax Services for E-Commerce Sellers

Zee VAT and Tax Registration
REGISTRATION
  • We assess and advise you to ensure you apply for the correct VAT registrations,
  • Our team manages registrations or takeovers for either VAT, JCT, or GST,
  • We manage and process EORI, ACP, and other applications.
  • Zee periodic filings
    PERIODIC FILINGS
  • Our tech-enabled solution automatically pulls sales reports with a seamless manual data upload functionality – using specialized integration with Amazon,
  • We will prepare and submit periodic filings using the Zee VAT App for you to approve filings.
  • Zee Audits and Enquiries
    AUDITS AND ENQUIRIES
  • Zee assists with unlimited inquiry support to interpret, assess, and draft responses to tax authorities,
  • We deal with audits from tax authorities when applicable.
  • What is VAT/GST/JCT?

    Value-Added Tax (VAT), and it is a consumption-based tax that is added to the selling price of products. Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) are the equivalents to VAT used in other parts of the world.

    As a non-resident seller in a foreign country, you may be required to register for VAT, GST, or JCT when you need to store goods or pass a certain threshold. You will also need to levy VAT on sales and report these transactions in periodic filings on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

    Read More: VAT For E-Commerce Sellers: A Complete Guide

    Global VAT Compliance Services for E-Commerce

    Zee’s international VAT compliance service is designed to make your global e-commerce expansion hassle-free. 

    As e-commerce grows in popularity, many countries have started to implement e-commerce VAT laws that are complex and far-reaching. You need to account for VAT, whether you are drop shipping, fulfilling your orders yourself, or taking the FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon) route.

    This is where zee comes in; our team of specialists is well-equipped to get your online business VAT compliant and ready for global success.

    zee’s VAT Service Offering

    VAT Registration

    Some countries require businesses to register for VAT in their territory before they may sell any of their products there. zee’s team of VAT experts will get you registered and ready for international success in no time.

    VAT Reclaim

    When you use zee’s IOR services, we pay VAT and duties on your behalf. If you are registered for VAT at the country of import, you may claim the import VAT back.

    Why Do You Need to Register?

    There are a number of reasons why you may need to register for VAT. Let’s explore some of the main ones here, for different parts of the world.

    Based in the EU

     

    • If you are based in an EU member state, you are required to have a VAT registration in that country.
    • If you are based in an EU member state and wish to enter another member state, you will need to register in the country you are entering.
    • You can also register for an OSS (One-Stop Shop) if you are making sales to customers in other member states or if you cross certain thresholds of sales in the other member states.
    • If you are storing goods in another member state, you might also require a VAT registration.

     

    Non-Residents in the EU

     

    • If you are not a resident of the EU (this includes UK residents), and you only drop-ship into the EU, you may not require a VAT registration and may apply for an IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop).
    • If you store goods in a warehouse in a member state, you will require a VAT registration regardless of the value of the goods stored.
    • You can also apply for an OSS registration if you would like to simplify reporting of goods moving between member states.
    • You will need an EU EORI number in order to import. This number can be obtained from any state within the EU.

    Based in the UK

     

    • If you are based in the UK, you will need a UK VAT registration number.
    • You do not need a GB EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification Number) since you are UK based.
    • If you are storing goods in the UK, you will need a UK VAT registration number.

     

    Non-Residents in the UK

     

    • You need a UK VAT number, which can be used to claim sales VAT back, as well as a GB EORI number to import into the UK.
    • If you store goods in a warehouse, you will require a UK VAT registration regardless of the value of the goods stored.
    • UK does not require an OSS registration since Brexit as such, you submit your VAT returns directly to the HMRC.

    Based in Australia

     

    • If you are based in Australia, you must have an ABN (Australian Business Number) and GST number.
    • Your ABN and GST number will be given to you at the same time when registering.

     

    Non-residents in Australia

     

    • You need an ABN and GST number if you have crossed the threshold.
    • If you store goods in a warehouse, you do not require a GST number unless you have crossed the threshold.

    Based in Canada



    • If you are based in Canada, you must have a BN (Business Number) and GST number.
    • Your BN and GST number will be given to you at the same time when registering.
    • Each province requires a unique sales tax number.


    Non-residents in Canada



    • You need a BN and GST number if you have crossed the threshold.
    • If you store goods in a warehouse, you do not require a GST number unless you have crossed the threshold.
    • If you store goods in a warehouse, you do not require a GST number unless you have crossed the threshold.

    Based in Japan



    • If you are based in Japan, you must have a JCT registration number.
    • You are required to have a JCT registration if you wish to charge consumption tax on your sales.


    Non-residents in Japan



    • You need a JCT registration number if you have crossed the threshold.
    • You are required to have an ACP (Attorney for Customs Procedure) number to import into Japan.
    • You will need either an Osaka or Tokyo port ACP, depending on where you are importing into.

     

    How ze Can Help Reclaim Your e-Commerce VAT?

    AMAZON
    Our integrated system with Amazon offers seamless data collection and filing preparation. You will need to provide additional sales data to non-Amazon customers.
    SHOPIFY
    Meanwhile, you can send us your sales and import data so that we can prepare your filings for your approval. You can send any additional data, including important documents as well.
    OTHER
    For sales facilitated through your own website or on other platforms, you can periodically send us your sales, import, and movement data. We will gladly review your data, prepare your filings and send them to you for approval. 

    Benefits of VAT and TAX Compliance

    With a VAT and TAX compliance service, you can:

    Global VAT Compliance at Your Fingertips

    Don’t worry about your VAT Input reclaim on warehouse shipments!

    You will receive guaranteed VAT reclaims using zee‘s integrated import compliance solution. Additionally, you can use our bespoke solution from the dedicated zee VAT App.

    No matter where you are or what time it is, you can use our app to:

    • View current and upcoming filings
    • Approve or reject filings
    • Upload and download all necessary data and supporting documents.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is VAT compliance?

    VAT compliance refers to businesses following the rules and regulations set by local governments regarding Value Added Tax (VAT). This includes registering for VAT, issuing VAT invoices, accurately calculating VAT, and submitting regular VAT returns to the tax authorities. If businesses don’t comply, they can incur fines, penalties and even legal action.

    What is the Purpose of VAT?

    The purpose of VAT is to generate revenue for the government by taxing the value added to goods and services at each stage of production and distribution. It’s paid by the end consumer, but collected and remitted by businesses at each stage of the supply chain. It’s also used as a tool for regulating the economy by incentivizing certain behaviors. For example, encouraging businesses to invest in capital goods rather than consumer goods.

    Who Needs to Pay VAT?

    As a business, whether you pay VAT depends on your annual turnover and the types of goods you sell. There are some legal exceptions, but VAT applies to most transactions.

    Who is Exempt from VAT?

    Whether you’re exempt depends on what you sell and what country you’re selling in. For example, the EU considers some goods and services – like education, medical treatment and fundraising by charities – to be essential. Therefore, it’s important to understand the specific VAT laws for your country and industry.

    Do My Customers Have to Pay VAT?

    In many countries, VAT is ultimately paid by the end consumer. However, whether customers have to pay VAT depends on the nature of your business and the country’s VAT laws and regulations. In some industries, your customers may be exempt from paying VAT, but you’ll need to consult local regulations to confirm this.

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