VAT rates 2026
VAT rates in Germany
The standard VAT rate in Germany is 19%, with a reduced rate of 7% (since January 1, 2021).
Standard rate
19%
Reduced rate
7%
Germany VAT calculator
- Net
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- VAT
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- Gross
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Which rate applies?
The standard rate of 19% applies to most goods and services. The reduced rate (7%) applies only to goods and services listed in the VAT law of Germany, typically food, books, medicines, public transport or accommodation; the exact lists differ by country and change often, so check the tax authority's list for your products.
Standard rate history
| Since | Standard rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2021 | 19% |
| July 1, 2020 | 16% |
VAT in Germany at a glance
- Local name: Umsatzsteuer (USt), usually called Mehrwertsteuer (MwSt)
- Tax authority: The Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern, BZSt)
- VAT number: Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer (USt-IdNr.), DE + 9 digits. Format, check digit and common mistakes.
- Currency: EUR.
Selling to Germany from another country
B2B sales of goods and services between VAT-registered businesses in different EU countries are usually invoiced without VAT under the reverse charge. You must check that your customer's VAT number is valid, ideally when they place the order, and keep the result as proof. Check a Germany VAT number in the VAT number checker or on the USt-ID prüfen (German) page, or many at once with the bulk VAT validator.
Rates from the open-source ibericode/vat-rates data set, updated October 1, 2026. Always confirm rates with the national tax authority before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VAT rate in Germany?
When did the VAT rate in Germany last change?
How do I calculate VAT in Germany?
What does a Germany VAT number look like?
What is VAT called in Germany?
VAT rates in other countries
VAT validation API
Validate VAT numbers in your app
vatcheckapi checks the format and checksum of EU and UK VAT numbers and confirms the registration live (VIES for EU numbers), with company name and address where the country provides them.
/v2/check documentation VAT number API All documentation
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GET https://api.vatcheckapi.com/v2/check?vat_number=LU26375245
{
"country_code": "LU",
"vat_number": "26375245",
"format_valid": true,
"checksum_valid": true,
"registration_info": {
"is_registered": true,
"name": "AMAZON EUROPE CORE S.A R.L.",
"address": "38, AVENUE JOHN F. KENNEDY\nL-1855 LUXEMBOURG",
"address_parts": null,
"checked_at": "2026-10-16T09:12:44.000000Z"
},
"registration_info_history": []
}