IOSS number - apply for OSS/IOSS number in Estonia

OSS/IOSS Number in Estonia

If you’re an e-commerce business selling goods to customers within the European Union (EU), understanding the OSS/IOSS number system is crucial. At Company for Business OÜ, we specialize in helping businesses navigate the complexities of IOSS number registration and compliance. We’ll explain what an IOSS number is, how it differs from OSS, and when you may need to apply for an IOSS number in Estonia.

What is an IOSS Number? How Does it Differ from OSS?

An IOSS id, or IOSS registration number, is a unique identifier assigned to businesses that sell goods to consumers within the EU. The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) simplifies the process of declaring and paying VAT for distance sales of imported goods with a value not exceeding €150.

On the other hand, the One-Stop Shop (OSS) system is used for intra-EU distance sales of goods and cross-border supplies of services to consumers within the EU. While both systems aim to simplify VAT compliance, the main difference is that IOSS deals with imported goods from non-EU countries, while OSS focuses on intra-EU transactions.

Assistance in registering an OSS/IOSS Number in Estonia

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When You May Need an IOSS Number

Determining whether you need to apply for an IOSS number is crucial for businesses engaged in e-commerce with EU consumers. Here are some key scenarios when you may need an IOSS id:

Selling goods to EU consumers from outside the EU

If your business is based outside the EU and you sell goods directly to consumers within the EU, you may need to get an IOSS number. This applies to goods with a value not exceeding €150 per shipment.

Offering low-value goods

The OSS/IOSS number system is specifically designed for low-value goods, meaning those with a value not exceeding €150 per shipment. If your products fall within this category, you may need to apply for an IOSS number.

Utilizing online marketplaces

If you sell goods through online marketplaces that facilitate sales to EU consumers, you may need an IOSS registration number. However, some marketplaces may handle the VAT collection and payment on your behalf. It’s essential to clarify this with the specific marketplace you use.

Shipping goods directly to EU consumers

To be eligible for IOSS, you must ship the goods directly to the consumer in the EU. If you use intermediaries or fulfillment centers within the EU, you may not need an IOSS number.

It’s important to note that even if you determine that you need an IOSS id, there are some restrictions to consider. For example, excise goods such as alcohol and tobacco products are excluded from IOSS. Additionally, if your goods exceed the €150 value threshold per shipment, you cannot use the OSS/IOSS number in the Estonia system.

At Company for Business OÜ, we understand that determining your IOSS eligibility can be complex. Our expert team can help you assess your specific situation and guide you through the process of obtaining an IOSS registration number. By ensuring compliance with EU regulations, you can avoid potential penalties and streamline your e-commerce operations.

If you’re unsure whether you need to apply for an IOSS number, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team at Company for Business OÜ. We’ll provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate the IOSS number registration process with ease.

Restrictions Associated with IOSS Shipments

It’s important to note that there are some restrictions associated with IOSS shipments:

The goods must have a value not exceeding €150 per shipment
The goods must be shipped directly to the consumer
Excise goods, such as alcohol and tobacco products, are excluded from IOSS

Understanding these restrictions is essential to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

How to Get an IOSS Number and How We Can Help

Obtaining an IOSS registration number is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to detail and compliance with EU regulations. At Company for Business OÜ, we understand the complexities involved and are here to guide you through every step of the way.

Determine eligibility

The first step in applying for an IOSS number is to determine whether your business is eligible. This involves assessing factors such as your business location, the value of goods sold, and the destination of your shipments. Our team can help you evaluate your eligibility and provide guidance on the best course of action.

Appoint an EU-based intermediary

If your business is located outside the EU, you’ll need to appoint an EU-based intermediary to handle your IOSS id registration and VAT compliance. This intermediary will act on your behalf in dealings with tax authorities and ensure that you meet all necessary obligations. Company for Business OÜ can serve as your intermediary, providing expert guidance and support throughout the process.

Choose an EU member state

Once you’ve determined that you need to get an IOSS number, you’ll need to choose an EU member state for your registration. Estonia is an attractive option for many businesses due to its business-friendly environment and efficient tax authorities.

Register for an IOSS number

With your eligibility confirmed and an intermediary appointed, the next step is to apply for an IOSS number with the chosen member state’s tax authorities. This involves submitting various documents and information, such as your business details, tax identification numbers, and contact information. Our team at Company for Business OÜ will assist you in gathering the necessary documentation and submitting your application, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

At Company for Business OÜ, we offer comprehensive assistance to help you navigate the process of obtaining an OSS/IOSS number in Estonia. Our services include:

Eligibility assessment and guidance
Intermediary services for non-EU businesses
Assistance with gathering and submitting registration documents
Ongoing support and compliance monitoring
Technical guidance for e-commerce platform and invoicing system updates

By partnering with us, you can have confidence that your IOSS number registration process will be handled efficiently and accurately. We stay up-to-date with the latest EU regulations and best practices, ensuring that your business remains compliant and avoids potential penalties.

Don’t let the complexity of IOSS id registration hold back your e-commerce growth. Contact Company for Business OÜ today to learn more about how we can help you get an IOSS number and streamline your VAT compliance processes. Our expert team is ready to provide the personalized support you need to succeed in the EU market.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IOSS number is special orders of electronic commerce and services.

The introduction of the special procedure for taxation of e-commerce and services will make it easier for entrepreneurs to fulfil their turnover tax obligations in another EU Member State. An entrepreneur who has chosen the special procedure may declare the turnover generated in another EU Member State and pay turnover tax to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board.

From 01.07.2021, the special procedure applies to the distance sale of goods within the Community, the distance sale of goods within the Community via Internet trading platforms, and to services whose turnover takes place in another EU Member State (special procedure OSS). Also from 01.07.2021, the special procedure applies to distance selling of goods imported from non-Community Member States and to distance selling of goods through online marketplaces (special procedure IOSS).

IOSS – the declaration is filed once a month for the previous month

OSS – the return is filed once a quarter for the previous quarter.

All tax liabilities are calculated on the basis of the submitted declaration and paid to the Estonian Tax Administration.

OSS (ONE STOP SHOP) is a special turnover tax treatment for services or goods that you sell to your customers through your website or through a marketplace (e.g. Amazon, Etsy) mainly to individual buyers. In this case, in the case of sales of goods, the goods are sold to the end customer an EU individual or a company without a European VAT number from a warehouse located in any of the EU countries.

In Estonia IOSS / OSS numbers are issued by the Tax and Customs Board.

The difference lies in how the goods reach the final buyer. If the goods are first delivered to a warehouse in the EU and then sent from there to the final buyer in the EU, then OSS applies. If the goods are not sent to a warehouse in the EU, but go, for example, from China directly to the final buyer in the EU, then IOSS applies.

If the seller does not use the OSS regime, he usually has the obligation to register and pay VAT in each EU country in which the goods or certain services are consumed; or in case of sales of goods imported by a non-EU resident from outside the EU in the amount of up to 150 Euros to final buyers in the EU (the obligation to pay VAT is incurred by the buyer, in the OSS regime this obligation can be assumed by the seller).