VAT Calculator Add or remove VAT, compare global rates, estimate refunds, and compute business liability — with 2025 coun...
VAT Calculator
Add or remove VAT, compare global rates, estimate refunds, and compute business liability — with 2025 country-specific rules.
Standard VAT
Country Compare
VAT Refund
Business VAT
$0.00
Net Amount
$0.00
VAT Amount
$0.00
Gross Amount
$0.00
Refund Estimate
VAT Breakdown
How VAT Works
VAT (Value-Added Tax)** = Consumption tax levied at each stage of production — borne by the end consumer.
Key Formulas**:
- Add VAT**: Gross = Net × (1 + Rate)
- Remove VAT**: Net = Gross ÷ (1 + Rate)
Example:
- €1,000 net in France (20% VAT) → €1,200 gross (€200 VAT)
- €1,200 gross in Germany (19% VAT) → €1,008.40 net (€191.60 VAT)
✅ Pro Tip**: In the EU, VAT is included in advertised prices — unlike U.S. sales tax.
VAT Refund Red Flags
⚠️ Avoid these common pitfalls:
- “Tax-Free” at checkout** — Still need airport validation to get refund
- Ineligible items**: Food, services, digital goods, local consumption
- Missed deadlines**: Export within 3 months (EU), claim within 4–12 months
- Non-EU residents only** — UK residents cannot claim EU VAT refunds (post-Brexit)
✅ Refund Checklist**:
- ≥ €50–€175 purchase per store (varies by country)
- Passport + non-EU residency proof
- Goods unopened, in carry-on or checked (for inspection)
- Validate forms *before* check-in at airport
2025 Global VAT Benchmarks
| Country | Standard Rate | Refund Min | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hungary | 27% | €50 | Highest in EU |
| Croatia | 25% | €200 | |
| Sweden | 25% | €200 | |
| UK | 20% | £30 | No refunds for EU residents |
| Switzerland | 8.1% | CHF 300 | Non-EU, separate system |
📉 Refund Reality**:
- 20% VAT − 12% Global Blue fee = **8% net refund**
- $1,500 purchase → $300 VAT → **$240 net refund**
- Direct (5% fee) → **$285 refund** (but harder to process)
How to Use This Calculator
➡️ Standard VAT
“€1,000 in Paris — how much is VAT?” or “$1,200 gross — what’s the net?”
➡️ Country Compare
See how $1,000 becomes $1,270 (Hungary) vs. $1,081 (Switzerland).
➡️ VAT Refund
Estimate net refund after service fees — for tourist shopping.
➡️ Business VAT
Compute net VAT liability: Output − Input = Due/Refund.
Note: Uses 2025 official rates from EU Commission, HMRC, and national tax authorities.