If you’re selling on Amazon, bol.com, Etsy or your own webshop, you’ll need to deal with taxes. Whether it’s filing VAT returns, submitting OSS reports, or registering in other EU countries – it all comes with the job. But when are you actually considered an entrepreneur by the Dutch Tax Authority? And what does that mean for your tax obligations?
This article explains it – written for e-commerce sellers like you.
When does the Dutch Tax Authority see you as an entrepreneur?
You’re considered an entrepreneur for VAT if you independently sell products or services with the intention of making a profit. That applies even if you’re just selling occasionally through bol.com, or running a side hustle through Shopify.
It’s not just about how much money you make. The Tax Authority also looks at how you operate. Key signals include:
You’re making (or planning to make) a profit
You invest in your business (inventory, ads, tools)
You work with multiple clients or sell via various platforms
You run a webshop or have your own site
You set your own prices and make independent decisions
What does that mean for your taxes?
Once you’re seen as an entrepreneur, there are a few key tax obligations you’ll need to handle.
1. Filing VAT returns
Most e-commerce sellers must file VAT returns, often quarterly. You declare how much VAT you’ve charged customers, and how much VAT you’ve paid on business expenses. The difference is what you pay (or reclaim).
💡 Using Staxxer? Your VAT return is automatically filled out and filed on time. Just connect your Amazon, bol.com, or Shopify account.
2. OSS returns (for EU cross-border sales)
Selling to customers in other EU countries? You may need to file OSS (One Stop Shop) returns. OSS simplifies EU-wide VAT filing, so you don’t need to register in every country separately.
With Staxxer, your OSS return is automated from start to finish. Perfect if you sell across borders through Amazon or your own webshop.
3. Reclaiming VAT on business costs
Any VAT you pay on eligible business expenses (like tools, software, packaging or shipping) can often be reclaimed.
4. Foreign VAT registrations
If you use fulfillment networks like Amazon FBA in Germany or France, you may be required to register for VAT locally. Staxxer takes care of both the registration and the returns for you.
What are your options?
As an e-commerce seller, you can choose how to manage your taxes:
Do it yourself through the Tax Authority’s portal
Hire an accountant
Staxxer connects directly to your sales channels. Your transactions are imported automatically, your VAT or OSS return is prepared and submitted on time. No stress, no errors, no missed deadlines.
In short: automate your tax process and stay focused on growth
Whether you’re just starting out or shipping hundreds of orders a day, handling your taxes properly is key to growing your business. With Staxxer, you can automate the entire process and stay focused on what really matters – running your business.
Want to simplify VAT? Join Staxxer and automate your tax flow in minutes.
