E-Commerce & B2C Services in Greece
The EU VAT reform, which took effect from July 1, 2021, affects e-commerce firm owners that conduct cross-border transactions within the EU or import items from outside the EU. The new VAT plan called One-Stop-Shop (OSS) allows enterprises to register for VAT and file quarterly VAT returns in a single EU country. Another concept, the IOSS or the Import One-Stop-Shop, is created for imported items.
Read more about B2C services and E-Commerce in Greece in our comprehensive guide.
B2C Services in Greece
Article 2 of the Greek VAT code delineates the provision of services subject to Greek VAT, while Article 8 defines services as any transaction not constituting the supply of goods. This definition encompasses:
- The transfer or assignment of intangible assets.
- The commitment to abstain from an action, or the endorsement of an action or situation.
Taxable entities acting on their own behalf but for another party in a service supply are deemed to have both received and supplied those services.
VAT becomes chargeable at the earlier date of service performance. Specific provisions on the timing of supply are applicable to those opting for the cash accounting scheme and in the handling of vouchers for goods and services.
The provision of intangible assets, like trademarks, falls under the same regulatory framework as standard services.
Selling in Greece?
Digital Services in Greece
A digital product is any item or service that is stored, transported, and utilized in electronic format, accessible to consumers through email, internet download, or website login. To sell digital products in any EU member state, including Greece, registration with the One-Stop Shop (OSS) is required.
The OSS is a voluntary system enabling VAT accounting in a single EU country for businesses providing cross-border telecommunications, broadcasting, or digital services to consumers who are not VAT-registered.
Among the OSS services are:
- website hosting
- supply of software
- access to databases
- downloading apps or music
- online gaming
- distance teaching
- accommodation services carried out by non-established persons
- admission to cultural, artistic, sporting, scientific, educational, entertainment events, fairs & exhibitions
The OSS eliminates the need for you to register with tax authorities in each EU country where you sell. Instead, you can register for VAT, file VAT returns, and make payments in a single location under the OSS framework. You must apply the rules of the OSS scheme to all your clients in all the EU nations to which you provide services or products.
Currently, there are two schemes in operation under OSS:
- The union scheme, which is available to enterprises that have been formed in the EU or that have at least one branch in an EU country.
- The non-union scheme is intended for enterprises that have not been created in the EU and do not have any branches in the EU.
For more information on the OSS and IOSS view our dedicated page by Clicking Here
E-commerce distance sales in Greece
The EU VAT reform, effective from July 1, 2021, has implications for e-commerce businesses engaging in cross-border sales within the EU or importing goods from outside the EU. The reform introduces the One-Stop Shop (OSS) system, enabling businesses to handle VAT registration and quarterly VAT returns through a single EU member state. Additionally, the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) has been established for the importation of goods.
The OSS model expands on the previous Mini One-Stop Shop (MOSS) scheme for VAT on certain digital products, aiming to simplify tax compliance, reduce administrative burdens for businesses, and enhance tax collection efficiency. Through the OSS, businesses can manage VAT registration and filings in just one country, eliminating the need to navigate varying distance selling thresholds across different nations. Previously, the annual distance selling threshold for Greece was EUR 35,000, but now an EU-wide threshold of EUR 10,000 is applied.
The OSS is tailored for EU-based businesses selling goods to customers within the EU, while the IOSS caters to non-EU businesses selling goods valued up to EUR 150 to EU consumers, where standard VAT import rules are applicable.
Last Updated: 21/03/2024
Disclaimer
The information provided by Global VAT Compliance B.V. on this webpage is intended for general informational purposes only. Global VAT Compliance B.V. is not responsible for the accuracy of the information on these pages, and cannot be held liable for claims or losses deriving from the use of this information. If you wish to receive VAT related information please contact our experts at support@gvc.tax
