If you sell to customers across Europe — or just want to know how much of a receipt is tax — here are the VAT rates that apply in 2026, and the right way to work backwards from a shelf price. Use the VAT calculator to check any of them instantly.
Standard rates at a glance
| Country | Standard rate | Common reduced rate |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 20% | 5% (energy) |
| Ireland | 23% | 13.5% / 9% |
| Germany | 19% | 7% (food, books) |
| France | 20% | 10% / 5.5% |
| Netherlands | 21% | 9% |
| Spain | 21% | 10% / 4% |
| Italy | 22% | 10% / 5% |
Adding VAT vs removing VAT
Adding: multiply the net price by (1 + rate). A €100 net item in Germany costs €119 gross.
Removing: divide the gross price by (1 + rate). A €119 receipt in Germany contains €100 net and €19 VAT. Common mistake: multiplying by the rate and subtracting — that gives the wrong answer (never €19).
Why rates differ
Each country sets its own VAT within EU rules that only require a standard rate of at least 15%. That's why a Spotify subscription costs slightly different amounts across the Eurozone — and why cross-border sellers register per country. We maintain a dedicated calculator for each: Ireland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain and Italy.
Freelancer tip
When invoicing, always show net, VAT rate and VAT amount separately — it's legally required in most of Europe and makes your own accounting painless. Our free invoice generator does exactly that.