Simplified EU VAT with OSS
Sell across the EU with one VAT registration.
Expanding into EU markets?
Helvetios makes One Stop Shop (OSS) compliance simple—so you can grow across borders without dealing with 27 different tax authorities.
✅ Centralized VAT reporting for all B2C EU sales
✅ Avoid multiple VAT registrations
✅ Seamless setup & ongoing reporting
✅ Ideal for e-commerce & digital service providers
OSS is your key to cross-border growth—Helvetios ensures you use it right.
What is the One Stop Shop (OSS) Scheme?
The OSS scheme is an optional VAT simplification measure that allows businesses to declare and pay all eligible VAT due on their B2C cross-border sales of goods and services within the EU via a single quarterly electronic VAT return, filed in one EU Member State.
It covers:
- Distance sales of goods within the EU: Goods sold from one EU Member State to a consumer in another EU Member State.
- B2C supplies of services: Services supplied by an EU-established business to consumers in other EU Member States where the place of supply is the consumer’s country (e.g., digital services, telecommunications, broadcasting).
- B2C supplies of services by non-EU established businesses: Services supplied by a non-EU business to consumers in any EU Member State (via the Non-Union scheme).
This eliminates the need for multiple VAT registrations and declarations across various EU countries.
Who is the OSS Scheme For?
The OSS scheme is primarily beneficial for:
E-commerce Businesses: Online retailers selling goods directly to consumers located in other EU Member States.
Digital Service Providers: Companies offering digital content, SaaS, online courses, apps, or other electronically supplied services to EU consumers.
Telecommunications & Broadcasting Services: Providers of these services to private individuals across EU borders.
EU-Established Businesses: Selling eligible goods and services to consumers in other EU Member States (via the Union Scheme).
Non-EU Established Businesses: Supplying eligible services (but not goods) to consumers in the EU (via the Non-Union Scheme).
If your business engages in cross-border B2C sales within the EU, OSS is designed for you.
The Challenge of EU Cross-Border VAT (Without OSS)
Before OSS, expanding sales across the EU meant facing significant administrative hurdles:
- Multiple VAT Registrations: Registering for VAT in potentially dozens of EU Member States, each with its own procedures and requirements.
- Varied VAT Rates & Rules: Keeping track of different VAT rates, invoicing rules, and reporting specifics in each country.
- Different Filing Deadlines: Managing a multitude of varying quarterly, monthly, or annual filing deadlines.
- Language Barriers: Dealing with tax authorities and documentation in various languages.
- High Administrative Burden: A significant drain on internal resources, leading to increased costs and potential errors.
These complexities often deterred businesses from maximizing their potential in the vast EU single market.
The Benefits of Opting for the OSS Scheme
Single VAT Registration
Register for VAT in just one EU Member State (your Member State of Identification) for all eligible EU-wide B2C sales.
Single VAT Return
File one consolidated quarterly VAT return for all eligible sales made across the EU.
Single VAT Payment
Make one payment to the tax authorities of your Member State of Identification, who then distribute the VAT to the relevant Member States.
Reduced Administrative Burden
Significantly cut down on paperwork, time, and resources spent on compliance.
Cost Savings
Lower compliance costs by avoiding the need for multiple local VAT registrations and consultants.
Simplified Expansion
Easily expand your market reach across the entire EU without the fear of complex tax hurdles.
Enhanced Compliance
Reduces the risk of errors and non-compliance by centralizing your VAT reporting.
Helvetios's Expert OSS Compliance Services
Helvetios provides end-to-end support to ensure your business fully benefits from the OSS scheme, keeping you compliant and stress-free:
Eligibility Assessment: We analyze your business activities and sales channels to determine if OSS (Union or Non-Union scheme) is the most suitable and beneficial option for you.
OSS Registration: We handle the entire registration process with the relevant tax authorities in your chosen Member State of Identification, ensuring all documentation is correct.
Periodic OSS Return Preparation & Filing: We meticulously collect your sales data, apply the correct VAT rates for each Member State of consumption, prepare your quarterly OSS returns, and submit them accurately and on time.
VAT Payment Guidance: We provide clear instructions on how and when to make your single VAT payment to the tax authorities.
Record-Keeping & Audit Advice: We advise on the specific record-keeping requirements for OSS and help you prepare for potential tax audits.
Ongoing Advisory Support: Stay informed with expert advice on any changes to OSS regulations or your specific compliance needs as your business evolves.
Why Choose Helvetios for Your OSS Compliance?
Partnering with Helvetios for your OSS needs ensures accuracy, efficiency, and peace of mind:
- Deep EU VAT Expertise: Our team consists of specialists with extensive knowledge of EU VAT regulations, particularly for cross-border e-commerce and digital services.
- Accuracy & Compliance Guaranteed: We meticulously ensure all returns are prepared accurately, minimizing the risk of errors, penalties, or tax authority queries.
- Time & Cost Efficiency: Our streamlined processes and dedicated team save you invaluable time and reduce your internal compliance costs.
- Peace of Mind: Focus on growing your business, knowing your complex EU VAT obligations are handled by experts.
- Tailored Solutions: We understand that every business is unique. We provide personalized advice fitting your specific sales model and structure.
- Proactive Communication: We keep you informed at every step and proactively advise on any changes in VAT legislation that might affect your business.
- Global Reach, Local Expertise: Whether you’re an EU-based company or selling into the EU from outside, we have the expertise to support your OSS journey.
Let Helvetios transform your complex EU VAT obligations into a simple, single process.
Our Seamless OSS Compliance Process
Getting compliant with OSS through Helvetios is straightforward:
- Initial Consultation & Eligibility Check: We discuss your business model, sales volumes, and customer locations to confirm if OSS is the right fit and which scheme (Union/Non-Union) applies.
- Registration & Setup: We manage your OSS registration with the relevant tax authority in your chosen Member State of Identification.
- Data Provision: You provide us with your sales data (e.g., from your e-commerce platform) for the relevant quarter.
- Return Preparation & Filing: Our experts process the data, calculate VAT due for each EU country, prepare the consolidated OSS return, and file it on your behalf.
- Payment Guidance: We guide you on making the single, consolidated VAT payment to the tax authority.
- Confirmation & Record-Keeping: We provide confirmation of filing and advise on maintaining proper records for future reference.
Let Helvetios manage your One Stop Shop (OSS) obligations.
Learn More from Our Experts: Featured Articles
Ready-made companies available
Fast-track your business journey with a ready-made company.
FAQs about Audit Services
What is the difference between OSS and IOSS?
- OSS (One Stop Shop) covers distance sales of goods within the EU (where goods are already in the EU when sold) and B2C services supplied across EU borders.
- IOSS (Import One Stop Shop) covers distance sales of goods imported into the EU from a non-EU country, specifically for consignments with a value of up to €150.
- Both are simplification schemes, but they apply to different types of sales.
Who can use the OSS scheme?
Any business, whether established inside or outside the EU, that makes eligible B2C sales of goods or services to consumers in EU Member States where they are not established.
What types of sales does OSS cover?
- Distance sales of goods within the EU (goods shipped from one EU country to a consumer in another EU country).
- B2C supplies of services (e.g., digital services, telecommunications, broadcasting) by EU-established businesses to consumers in other EU countries.
- B2C supplies of services by non-EU established businesses to EU consumers.
Do I still need local VAT registrations if I use OSS?
For the sales covered by OSS, no, you do not need separate VAT registrations in each EU country of your customers. However, if you have other activities in an EU country (e.g., holding stock in a warehouse, local physical sales not covered by distance selling rules), you might still need a regular VAT registration there.
How often do I need to file OSS returns?
OSS returns are filed quarterly. Each return covers sales made during a calendar quarter (e.g., Q1: Jan-Mar, due by end of Apr).
What VAT rates should I apply using OSS?
You must apply the VAT rate of the EU Member State where your customer is located (the Member State of consumption).
What data do I need to provide for OSS returns?
You’ll need detailed records of all eligible B2C sales, including the Member State of consumption, the VAT rate applied, the amount of VAT due, and the type of goods/services supplied.
