Guides for small businesses across the EU
The rules that are the same in every EU country, wherever you and your customers are.
Much of what an invoice must say comes from the EU VAT directive, and late payment rules come from an EU directive too. These guides cover what works the same way in every member state: VAT on sales to other EU countries, the One-Stop Shop, the right VAT rate for each customer, sales commissions and getting paid. For country rules, see our guides for France, Luxembourg, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands; for selling across the EU, see business software for SMEs selling across the EU.
How to choose business management software for an SME
The right business management software connects the work a small company already does. Use this checklist to compare customer follow-up, quotes, orders, invoicing, finance, access, migration and support.
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The EU One-Stop Shop (OSS): VAT on sales to private customers in other EU countries
You sell from France to private customers in other EU countries? Above €10,000 a year, you charge each customer the VAT of their own country, and declare it all in one quarterly return: the One-Stop Shop. Here is how it works, with a worked example.
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Automated VAT invoicing: what every invoice needs, and what to automate
Most invoicing mistakes are small: a wrong rate, a missing mention, a gap in the numbers. Here is what an EU invoice must contain and which steps are worth automating.
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EU reverse charge: how to invoice a business in another EU country
Selling to a business in another EU country? In most cases you invoice without VAT and the customer accounts for it. Here is when that applies, what the invoice must show and what to declare.
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How to calculate sales commission: formula, plans and examples
A good commission plan is simple enough for every sales rep to check their own figures. Here are the common plans, a worked example and the question many companies forget: when is a commission due?
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How to chase unpaid invoices: a reminder schedule and e-mail templates
Most late payments are not bad faith: the invoice got lost, or nobody followed it up. A fixed reminder schedule, polite e-mails and knowing your rights get you paid sooner.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
Which invoicing rules are the same in every EU country?
The EU VAT directive sets the core: the mandatory details of an invoice, the reverse charge between businesses in different EU countries and the One-Stop Shop for sales to private customers abroad. Each country then adds its own rates, deadlines and wording.
What are the EU rules on late payment between businesses?
Under the EU late payment directive, the default payment term between businesses is 30 days, and more than 60 days is only allowed if expressly agreed and not grossly unfair to the supplier. After the due date the supplier can claim interest and a fixed 40 € recovery compensation.
How do I choose business software for selling across the EU?
Look for VAT that follows the customer’s country, documents in your customers’ languages, EU hosting for GDPR, and one place for customers, quotes, invoices and payments. The guide on choosing business management software gives a checklist.
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