German VAT (MwSt.) Guide & Calculator
Calculate German VAT with our simple calculator. In Germany, VAT is known as Mehrwertsteuer (MwSt.) or sometimes Umsatzsteuer (USt.). This tool allows you to find the gross or net price for any of the German VAT rates.
Current VAT Rates in Germany
Germany primarily uses two VAT rates:
- Standard Rate (19%): This is the default rate applied to most goods and services in Germany.
- Reduced Rate (7%): This lower rate applies to many everyday goods and services. This includes most foodstuffs, books and newspapers, public transport, and tickets to cultural events like museums and concerts.
Note: Germany temporarily reduced its VAT rates from July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have since returned to the standard 19% and 7% levels.
History of VAT in Germany
Germany was one of the first countries to adopt a VAT system, introducing it on January 1, 1968, with a standard rate of 10%. The rate has been adjusted several times to meet the country's fiscal needs and to align with EU directives. The current standard rate of 19% has been in place since 2007.
| Period | Standard Rate | Reduced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| From 01/01/2007 | 19% | 7% |
| From 01/01/1998 | 16% | 7% |
| From 01/01/1993 | 15% | 7% |
| From 01/07/1983 | 14% | 7% |
| From 01/07/1979 | 13% | 6.5% |
| From 01/01/1978 | 12% | 6% |
| From 01/01/1968 | 10% | 5% |