What is the VAT Reverse Charge?
The reverse charge shifts the responsibility for the recording of a Value Added Tax (VAT) transaction from the seller to the buyer for that particular good or service. Instead of having the buyer pay a VAT to the seller and then have the seller pay the government, the buyer with a VAT identification number can pay the government directly. Thus, we will remove the VAT amount from the invoice of anyone with a VAT identification number.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for reverse charge, the following conditions must be met:
- EU VAT is included in the item price
- The buyer is a trade buyer and is located within the EU
- The item leaves the seller country (in other words, the trade buyer’s ship-to country is different from the item’s original location)
If you meet all three requirements, please email traderegistration@1stdibs.com to add your VAT identification number on file.
Once added, you can remove the VAT charge during checkout by selecting the box as shown below:
FAQS
Do the prices on 1stDibs include VAT or is that added during checkout?
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- At the moment, 1stDibs does not offer VAT-inclusive pricing for items being shipped to the UK. We recommend that you ask the seller whether they have included VAT in the price or if they will invoice you for VAT separately. In the latter case, we recommend that you ask the seller for a VAT invoice and forward it to your client partner so that this can be taken into account if you need a refund later.
I am a buyer in the UK, purchasing for a project in Europe or the US. How can I review item prices without VAT included?
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- VAT amounts are based on the shipping destination country. Before sending an offer or placing an order, please ensure that you have selected the correct shipping destination (region or country). This will ensure that you see the correct region-specific price.
Are antique pieces shipped to the UK duty free and does standard VAT apply to them?
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- Yes and no. Items shipped from the US to the UK are duty free, but do include a 5% VAT charge, as opposed to the standard VAT charge of 20%.