France VAT number
Thinking about selling on Amazon FBA or Zalando in France? You’ll need a French VAT number for that.
Here, we’ll show you how to get one, why you need one in France and what’s next.
Want to start selling in new countries without stress? Let us get your VAT number sorted out. We’ll deal with the paperwork!
- Requested within 24 hours
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When do you need a French VAT number?
You need a French VAT number if:
- You import goods into France from outside the EU and then sell these goods within France and EU countries.
- You purchase goods in France, pay French VAT, and either (1) deliver these goods within France and EU countries or (2) export them to countries outside the EU.
- You purchase goods in France and subsequently sell them within France to private individuals.
- You sell goods online to private individuals in France and reach the distance selling threshold of €35,000.
- You transfer your own goods to France, which constitutes a fictitious intra-community delivery.
- You sell goods online via Amazon. If you sell goods in other EU countries through the Pan-European FBA program, you must register for VAT directly.
*Are you planning to sell via Amazon’s Pan-European program? Keep in mind that you will become VAT liable in 6 EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the Czech Republic). **FBA stands for Fulfilment by Amazon, and Amazon’s storage facilities are referred to as “fulfilment centers.”
On average 10-12 weeks
8-12 weeks
6-8 weeks
On average 4-6 weeks
2-4 weeks
Amazon FBA
What if I don't comply?
Since July 1, 2021, the threshold amounts for intra-EU distance sales per EU country have been abolished. In its place, a single threshold of €10,000,- has been established (applicable to all intra-EU distance sales of goods, along with the sale of digital services to consumers in the EU).
As soon as you exceed the threshold of €10,000, you charge the VAT rate of the EU country where your customer is located. Then you qualify for the One Stop Shop. You then make a VAT declaration to the Tax Authorities once a quarter. They then ensure that all VAT is distributed over the correct countries.
You can arrange your foreign VAT declaration in 2 ways:
- You make a local VAT declaration per EU country in which you have sold.
- You submit a One Stop Shop declaration to the Tax Authorities once a quarter. To do this, register your business for the ‘Union scheme‘ within the new system.
How does it work?
Get started in our software
Complete the VAT registration process. We dispatch it within 24 hours.
Leave the paperwork to us.
We will handle everything with the local authorities. We've got you covered.
Done, you have a VAT number!
Ready for a smooth international start.
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Amazon FBA: Applying for a French VAT Number
To use Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA), you will need a French VAT number. If you don’t do this, your Amazon account will be immediately blocked. Amazon.fr requires a VAT number for sales through Amazon FBA from the French distribution center.
Once you have that, you can register for Amazon FBA, and the products often reach the customer the very next day.
What do you receive when you apply for a French VAT number?
When applying for a French VAT number, you will receive two documents:
French VAT number.
For example: FR01010101010 (land code followed by 11 numbers).
If we apply for the French VAT number on your behalf, we will arrange these documents for you.
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Why Staxxer?
Simple, efficient, and always up-to-date: With Staxxer, you’re always one step ahead.
Connected to your sales channels.
All VAT flows in one place.
Always personal support.
We speak your language.
VAT compliant & worry-free.
Wherever you sell in Europe.
VAT filings in France
Staxxer simplifies and streamlines your financial tasks.
True story, navigating VAT intricacies can be quite the challenge.
Contemplate the variable VAT rates and the potential language barriers. Ordinarily, VAT returns must be submitted to the French tax authorities, and naturally, in French. Such a scenario is ripe for errors, which could attract penalties. It’s also a time-consuming venture to manage every little detail.
Wouldn’t it be more convenient if these processes were automated, sparing you the headache?
Buy a French VAT number now
You can apply for your VAT registration in just 4 minutes—quicker than deciding what to watch on Netflix!
Staxxer’s software makes it that simple.
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Want to explore your options? Talk to one of our consultants!
EPR and VAT consultant
Do you have a question?
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When should you get a French VAT number?
Get a French VAT number before you start selling anything taxable in France. It’s best to do this at the beginning of your fiscal year or just before your busiest selling season. This helps you meet VAT rules and avoid penalties.
What does a French VAT number look like?
A French VAT number starts with ‘FR’ and is followed by eleven numbers, like FR12345678901.
What's the difference between a numéro fiscal and a numéro de TVa?
A numéro fiscal is a tax ID for all tax matters in France. A numéro de TVA is for VAT and is used when you do business across the EU.
How can you check a French VAT number?
You can check a French VAT number online with the EU’s VIES system. It tells you if the number is valid and if it’s registered for EU trade.
What do you need to do to get a numéro de TVA?
To get a numéro de TVA, you need a numéro fiscal first. Then you go to the French tax website and apply for your VAT number. You’ll need to give them some business documents and ID.