VAT - Place of Supply of Services

With different rates of value-added tax (VAT) applying throughout Europe, the place that a supply is made (and hence the VAT rate which is applicable) can be a very important matter.

The basic 'place of supply' rule is that in normal circumstances (and subject to some exceptions), the place of supply for a service is the place where the supplier 'belongs' – in other words, where they normally do business. However, this has caused considerable problems where the supply is one of services, not goods. Accordingly, the rules were changed on 1 January 2010, such that the basic rule for the place of supply of a service is now where the customer belongs if the customer is a business.

See revised guidance.

The new rules are complex and should be understood fully if they affect you.

 

How to work out your place of supply.

See also.

 

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.