VAT Invoice Requirements for Europe: UK, Germany, France, Netherlands
Complete guide to VAT invoice requirements across European countries. Learn mandatory fields, VAT rates, and how to generate compliant invoices.
VAT Invoice Basics
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax applied in most European countries. If your business is VAT-registered, you must issue VAT-compliant invoices for all taxable supplies.
Mandatory Fields on a VAT Invoice
- Supplier name, address, and VAT number
- Customer name, address, and VAT number (for B2B)
- Sequential invoice number and date
- Description of goods or services
- Net amount, VAT rate, VAT amount, and gross total
- Currency used
VAT Rates by Country
UK: Standard 20%, Reduced 5%, Zero 0%. Germany: Standard 19%, Reduced 7%. France: Standard 20%, Reduced 5.5%. Netherlands: Standard 21%, Reduced 9%.
Reverse Charge Mechanism
For B2B cross-border services within the EU, the reverse charge mechanism applies — the buyer accounts for VAT instead of the seller. Your invoice should state "Reverse charge applies" and show 0% VAT.
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