Germany is to make online marketplaces liable for any unpaid VAT by merchants on their platforms from 1 January 2019. The European Union estimates Germany's VAT GAP - the difference between VAT collections and forecasts - is €22 billion per annum
The new law will apply to German resident and non-resident e-retailers. To moderate any liabilities, the marketplaces may:
- Keep a record of the Sellers’ up-to-date German VAT registration certificate; or
- Have digital confirmation from the German federal tax authorities of the Sellers’accurate VAT compliance.
The largest online platforms in Germany include: Amazon; Otto; Zalando; Noteboosbilliger; Bonprix; MediaMarkt; Cyberport; Conrad; Tchibo; ad Alternate.
The draft law was agreed to by Federal finance ministers on 25 May 2018. It follows similar, joint and several UK VAT liability obligations on marketplaces introduced by the UK in 2018
