VAT purchase NL / sale in BE

Here is a summary from AI:

1. Is your calculation correct?

Yes, the calculation you use to determine your margin is correct:

• Purchase price (excl. VAT): €100.00

• Verkoopprijs (incl. VAT 21%): € 150.00

• Verkoopprijs (excl. VAT): € 150 / 1.21 = £123.97

• vAT payable to the state: £150 - £123.97 = £26.03

• Gross profit: £123.97

- €100.00 = €23.97 Your "profit" (margin) is indeed calculated on the amounts excluding vAT, because the vAT you receive from the Belgian private person does not belong to you, but must be transferred to the Belgian state.

2. What about the "vAT in + and in -" for IC purchases?

For purchases in the Netherlands (IC acquisitions), the following applies in your Belgian vAT declaration:

1. vAT due (+): You calculate 21% vAT on the €100 (i.e. €21) yourself and declare this as due to the Belgian state.

2. VAT deductible (-): Because you are subject to VAT, you can immediately deduct the same amount (€21) in the same return.

The result: On balance, you effectively pay £0 vAT out of your own pocket at the time of purchase. Therefore, your actual cost price for the margin calculation is indeed the full £100 stated on the invoice from the Dutch supplier.

In summary

For you as a webshop operator, vAT is a 'transparent' tax: you do not pay it on your purchases (due to the reverse charge mechanism) and you do not keep track of it on your sales (you pass it on). Your margin is always the difference between your net sales price and your net purchase price.