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German VAT Calculator (19% & 7%)

Add German VAT to a net price or extract it from a gross price.

Your amount

7% applies to groceries, books, public transport – and since January 2026 again to restaurant food.

Result

Net (without VAT)€100.00
+ 19% VAT€19.00
Gross (with VAT)€119.00

German VAT in practice

Whether you write invoices as a freelancer in Germany, check a receipt or calculate prices for customers – VAT (Mehrwertsteuer/Umsatzsteuer) is everywhere. Germany applies a 19 % standard rate and a 7 % reduced rate for everyday essentials. This calculator works in both directions: net plus VAT for quotes and invoices, and gross minus VAT to find the tax share inside a final price. Remember the classic pitfall: to remove 19 % VAT you divide by 1.19 – you don't subtract 19 %.

FAQ: VAT in Germany

What are the VAT rates in Germany?
The standard rate is 19 %. A reduced rate of 7 % applies to most groceries, books and newspapers, public transport, hotel stays and – since 1 January 2026 – again to restaurant food (drinks remain at 19 %).
How do I extract VAT from a gross price?
Divide by 1.19 (standard rate) or 1.07 (reduced rate). Example: 119 € gross ÷ 1.19 = 100 € net; the included VAT is 19 €. A common mistake is subtracting 19 % from the gross amount – that gives a wrong, lower net value.
Is Mehrwertsteuer the same as Umsatzsteuer?
Yes – Umsatzsteuer is the legal term used in the German VAT act (UStG), Mehrwertsteuer the everyday name. Invoices may use either term; what matters is the correct rate and amount.
Can tourists get a VAT refund in Germany?
Visitors with residence outside the EU can reclaim VAT on goods they export in personal luggage, via the retailer's tax-free scheme with customs confirmation at departure. Within Germany or the EU, consumers cannot reclaim VAT.
Who is exempt from charging VAT?
Small businesses under §19 UStG: with a previous-year turnover of at most 25,000 € (and under 100,000 € in the current year) they may skip charging VAT – but then cannot deduct input VAT either.

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