EASYTAX, VAT fiscal representative

VAT in Estonia

VAT Guide for EU countries within Europe in 2022

VAT in Estonia

Whether you’re a European or non-European company, establishing certain activities in Estonia may mean you need to register for VAT. You can use a fiscal representative or tax advisor to draw up your VAT, Intrastat and ESL returns with total peace of mind in Estonia.

If you deal with companies in Estonia, you may be able to claim a VAT refund. Estonian

Here you can find the specifics of VAT regulations in Estonia, which work alongside the harmonised framework of the EU as explained in our guide to intra-Community VAT obligations.

Basic information

EU membership
ISO codeEE
VAT introduced in Estonia1991
Nom de la TVA in EstoniaKäibemaks
VAT ID format in EstoniaEE999999999
Territories with special status in Estonian/a

VAT rates in Estonia

Standard VAT rate20 %
Reduced VAT rate (1)9 %
Reduced VAT rate (2)n/a
Super reduced VAT raten/a
VAT parking raten/a
Zero VAT rateno

Thresholds triggering VAT reporting obligations in Estonia

Intrastat threshold at introduction400 000 €
Intrastat threshold on dispatch270 000 €
Distance selling thresholdAs of 1st July 2021, the threshold is EUR 10,000 for all intra-Community distance sales.

Reporting frequency in Estonia

Intrastat returnmonthly depending on threshold
EC Sales List (ESL) returnoccasional/other
VAT returnsmonthly
Reporting currencyEUR

VAT-related penalties in Estonia

Failure to file a VAT returnA fine up to 32,000 euros if the offence is committed intentionally.
Late payment of VAT0.06% per day of delay of the unpaid VAT.
Failure to report ESL/DEBA fine up to 32,000 euros if the offence is committed intentionally.

Useful links on VAT in Estonia

Tax Administration in EstoniaTax authorities
Ministry of Finance in EstoniaMinistry of Finance
Check a VAT number in EstoniaCheck a VAT number
EU VAT GuideEU VAT Guide
Estonia has been a member of the European Union since 1st May 2004 and joined the Eurozone on 1st January 2011.

The Estonian economy is one of the most liberal in Northern Europe. It is based on the export of machine tools, electrical and electronic equipment, wood and textile products and services related to new information technologies.

The Estonian Value Added Tax legislation was introduced in 1991 and is governed by the VAT Act of 2004, which transferred EU directives into local law.

Les taux de TVA actuellement en vigueur in Estonia sont les suivants:

  • Standard VAT rate: 20 %
  • Reduced VAT rate (1): 9 %
  • Reduced VAT rate (2): n/a
  • Super reduced VAT rate: n/a
  • VAT parking rate: n/a
  • Zero VAT rate no

Certain transactions in Europe may require VAT registration and the filing of VAT returns in Estonia:

To check if your activities involve VAT obligations in Estonia, use our VAT simulator or contact us.

When do e-sellers need to register for a VAT number in Estonia?

In Estonia , as in other European Union countries, e-sellers must register for VAT:

  • when the overall threshold of EUR 10,000 for Intra-Community distance selling is exceeded and they have not opted to pay the VAT in Estonia via the One Stop Shop,
  • or when they hold a stock of goods in Estonia and must report the stock supply transactions.

What are the VAT obligations for e-traders in Estonia ?

In addition to VAT registration, e-traders must:

  • Apply the defined VAT ratesin Estonia: standard rate (20 %), reduced rates 1 and 2 (9 % and n/a).
  • Declare stock transfers between marketplaces‘ storage platforms, as well as the supply translactions for these stocks.
  • File periodic returns (VAT returns, intrastat, ESL), to ensure their VAT compliance in Estonia.

> Learn more about the VAT & e-commerce regulations and the VAT regime for logistics platforms in Europe.

Why identify yourself to VAT in Estonia?

You may need a VAT number in Estonia to fulfil your tax obligations in this country. Indeed, certain activities such as sales, purchases and subcontracting operations may require VAT identification. To check if your activities require VAT identification in Estonia, use our VAT simulator or contact us.

VAT Estonian is named Käibemaksand the VAT numbers in Estonia have the following structure: EE999999999.

How do I get a VAT number in Estonia?

The administrations in charge of in Estonia VAT are the following: Tax authorities, Ministry of Finance.

Registering for VATis a relatively simple formality compared to setting up a company, but in addition to obtaining a VAT number in Estoniayou’ll need to file periodic VAT returns to ensure your VAT compliance. Which is why we recommend foreign companies use a fiscal representative or tax advisor.

Companies with a VAT number in Estonia must complete and submit VAT returns in Estonia detailing all taxable income (sales) and expenses (costs), with the following periodicity: monthly.

Failure to comply with the deadlines imposed by the Estonian authorities for the deposit and payment of VAT will result in the payment of penalties . For this reason, it is recommended that foreign companies use the services of an agent or a tax representative.

These penalties are defined as follows in Estonia:

  • Penalties for failure to file a VAT return in Estonia: A fine up to 32,000 euros if the offence is committed intentionally.
  • Penalties for late payment of VAT in Estonia: 0.06% per day of delay of the unpaid VAT.

In addition to VAT returns, companies may be required to provide the Estonian authorities with Intrastat & EC Sales List returns:

  • Intrastat returns enable the Estonian authorities to compile foreign trade statistics.
    Companies must file these Intrastat returns as soon their turnover reaches the threshold.
    Intrastat threshold at introductio n in Estonia (400 000 € HT/an)
    – Intrastat threshold on dispatch in Estonia (270 000 € HT/an).
    Failure to comply with the deadlines imposed by the Estonian authorities for the filing of these Intrastat returns wil incur a penalty payment for the company.
  • The sales summary returns (EC Sales List or ESL) or purchases (EC Purchases List or EPL) in Estonia are for tax purposes.
    Failure to comply with the deadlines imposed by the Estonian authorities for the filing of these ESL returns wil incur a penalty payment for the company.

In principle, a non-resident company in Estonia can recover all or part of the VAT incurred on its expenses.

There are three different scenarios:

  • The company is established within the European Union or not, is already registered for VAT in Estonia, or is obliged to register for VAT in Estonia. In this case, it must apply for a VAT refund via the periodic VAT return filed in Estonia, according to a periodicity:monthly.
  • The company is established within the European Union, is not registered for VAT in Estonia and is not required to do so. In this case, a VAT refund should be requested via the electronic portal of the tax authorities in the country where the company is established.
  • The company is not established within the European Union and is not required to register for VAT in Estonia. In this case, they must use the services of a fiscal representative to carry out what is required by the Estonian authorities on their behalf.
    > Learn more about our VAT recovery services.


*This information is subject to change without notice.

OTHER GUIDES countries

Need help?

VAT simulator

VAT SIMULATOR

Do you need a VAT number and a fiscal representative? in Estonia.
Find out with just a few clicks.

Expert

Contact
an expert

Are you growing your business
and looking to ensure
your VAT compliance in Estoniaquickly and easily?

VAT news

in Estonia

Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news on VAT regulations in Europe directly in your mailbox.

We respect your personal data