Value Added Tax – Free Calculate VAT

value added tax (VAT) is a consumption tax applied in over 170 countries worldwide. Whether you’re a freelancer invoicing clients in Europe, a small business owner in the UK, or an e-commerce seller shipping to Canada, understanding how to add or reverse-calculate VAT is essential. Use our free, real-time calculator to instantly determine net amounts, VAT charges, and total prices — with country-specific rates built in.
Leave blank to calculate from amount. Fill to reverse-calculate.

Results

Amount excluding VAT: —
VAT Amount: —
Total including VAT: —

Value Added Tax – What It Is, How It Works, and How to Calculate It Globally

Whether you’re a freelancer billing clients in the UK, an e-commerce seller shipping to Europe, or a small business owner in Canada — understanding value added tax is essential. Our free, no-signup calculator helps you instantly add or reverse-calculate VAT for over 20 countries, using real-time rates. No guesswork. Just accurate, lender-aligned math.

value added tax (VAT) is a consumption tax applied at each stage of production and distribution — ultimately paid by the end consumer. Unlike sales tax (which is only charged at the final point of sale), VAT is collected incrementally throughout the supply chain. While terminology varies — GST in Canada, HST in some provinces, TVA in France, MwSt in Germany — the principle remains the same: a percentage-based tax on goods and services.

Why This Guide Matters for Freelancers and Small Businesses

If you invoice internationally, file taxes as a sole proprietor, or run an online store, you may be required to register for VAT/GST in your country or the client’s country. Misunderstanding how to calculate it can lead to:

  • Overcharging or undercharging clients
  • Incorrect tax filings with CRA, HMRC, or local authorities
  • Penalties or audits due to miscalculated amounts

That’s why we built this guide — and our integrated value added tax calculator — to help you navigate these complexities with confidence.

How Our Value Added Tax Calculator Works

Our tool is designed for simplicity and accuracy. Enter your details below to instantly see your results:

Field-by-Field Breakdown

  1. Amount — The base amount before VAT (e.g., $100 for a service or product).
  2. Country (Auto VAT Rate) — Select your country to auto-fill the correct rate. We support:
    • United States (0% — no federal VAT, but state sales tax may apply)
    • United Kingdom (20%)
    • France (20%)
    • Germany (19%)
    • Canada (GST/HST: 5–15% depending on province)
    • Australia (10%)
  3. Currency — Choose USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, or others to match your transaction.
  4. Total Including VAT (optional) — If you know the final amount including tax, enter it here to reverse-calculate the pre-tax amount and VAT portion.
  5. Choose Option — Toggle between “Exclude VAT” (to calculate tax on a pre-tax amount) or “Add VAT” (to calculate total from a net amount).
  6. Calculate VAT Button — Click to generate your results instantly.

Understanding Your Results

After clicking “Calculate VAT”, you’ll see three key figures:

  • Amount excluding VAT — The original amount before tax was added.
  • VAT Amount — The tax portion calculated based on your selected country’s rate.
  • Total including VAT — The final amount your client pays, including tax.

These values update in real time — perfect for comparing scenarios or preparing invoices.

When to Use This Tool

This value added tax calculator is ideal for:

  • Freelancers invoicing international clients
  • E-commerce sellers calculating prices for EU/UK markets
  • Small businesses preparing quarterly tax returns
  • Accountants verifying client invoices
  • Anyone needing to reverse-calculate VAT from a total amount

For broader financial planning — like estimating your mortgage eligibility or loan payments — explore our Loan Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is value added tax (VAT)?

VAT is a consumption tax levied on goods and services at each stage of production and distribution. The end consumer bears the final cost. Rates vary by country — for example, 20% in the UK, 19% in Germany, and 5–15% in Canada (GST/HST).

Do I need to charge VAT if I’m self-employed?

It depends on your country and income. In the UK, you must register for VAT if your turnover exceeds £85,000. In Canada, you must register if your gross revenue exceeds $30,000. Always consult your local tax authority or accountant.

Can I use this calculator for US sales tax?

Yes — while the US doesn’t have a federal VAT, many states impose sales tax. Select “United States (0%)” and manually enter your state’s rate if needed. For detailed US calculations, consider using a dedicated sales tax tool.

Is my data saved or shared?

No. All calculations occur locally in your browser. We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal or financial information.

Can I calculate VAT backwards?

Yes! Enter the “Total including VAT” amount and leave the “Amount” field blank. The tool will reverse-calculate the pre-tax amount and VAT portion.

Disclaimer: This guide and calculator are for educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on publicly available tax rates and do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Tax laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.