VAT Exemption Thresholds in Europe

All countries covered in today’s map levy Value-Added Taxes (VAT). However, to reduce compliance and administrative costs, most countries have VAT exemption thresholds: If a business is below a certain annual revenue threshold, it is not required to participate in the VAT system. This means that small businesses—unlike businesses above that threshold—do not collect VAT on their outputs sold to customers but also cannot receive a refund for VAT paid on business inputs.

The following map looks at VAT exemption thresholds in European OECD countries.

The United Kingdom has the highest VAT exemption threshold, at €95,538 (US $109,123). Switzerland and France follow, at €93,414 ($106,698) and €85,800 ($98,001). Spain and Turkey are the only countries that do not have a threshold, meaning that all businesses are in the VAT system.

Countries around the world introduced various fiscal measures to counteract the economic distress caused by COVID-19. One measure—among many others—has been to make changes to VAT, such as delaying payments, speeding up refunds, or reducing rates. These measures can provide great relief for many businesses and in some cases for consumers as well.

However, it is important to keep in mind that due to the VAT exemption thresholds many small businesses have not benefited from the VAT changes introduced to provide relief during this crisis. For example, VAT payment extensions and interest-free late payments—such as implemented in various countries—have provided little direct relief for businesses that are below the threshold.