How high is the sales tax on truck sales in Germany?

The sales tax for truck sales is 19%. This must be shown if you sell a truck to a private person as an employee of a company. If you sell a truck as a private person, there is no value added tax. An input tax deduction is also possible if you, as a company, sell the truck to another company.

What does showing value added tax mean when selling trucks?

Exhibiting value added tax means identifying the sales tax on the invoice and paying it to the tax office. This is relevant when selling as a trader to a private person. However, this is not payable if the sale is made to another company. Input tax can be deducted here.

When you talk to the buyer, make sure you both have the same understanding of the price. With or without tax. However, if you sell the vehicle to another company, an input tax deduction is possible.

How high is the value added tax when selling abroad?

Especially when selling a company — trucks abroad, care should be taken. Our first tip: Leave it alone. The risk that you will end up with a not-so-reputable buyer is quite high in this industry. You run the risk that the sale will not be processed properly and that the tax authorities will want 19%. First of all: a sale to a private person within the EU is subject to sales tax just like a sale in Germany. If you want to sell tax-free to a foreign entrepreneur, you must provide a pile of documents as to who bought the car and that it was actually transferred to this company.

How do I prove that my truck was sold to a company?

In addition to the documents, a confirmation of arrival is required: The recipient must confirm that they have received the delivered item. This confirmation can also be sent by fax; it should be included on the invoice so that there is no need to repeat all details of the invoice. Legally speaking, the confirmation of arrival has been sufficient since July 2013. But: you only get them later or not. It could also be forged or signed by someone who was not authorized to do so. As before, the following information is therefore required so that you can be considered in good faith in the event of a problem: The VAT ID of both business partners must be on the invoice. If you don't have a number, you must apply for one. The number of the business partner must be verified by a qualified confirmation from the Federal Central Tax Office. Checks on other sites or on the customer's homepage are invalid. Print out the test result and keep it with the copy of the invoice! The invoice is without sales tax. The note “tax-free due to intra-community acquisition” must be included. (In the EU). It is advantageous to also note this in the recipient's local language or in English. When handing over the vehicle, the recipient must identify himself. Copies of all identity documents must be made. If a third party receives the car, you need a power of attorney from the recipient. In addition, a document is required that the signatory of the power of attorney is entitled to do so (excerpt from the recipient country's commercial register with the registration of Jose Santos or similar as managing director).

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