Simplify Your VAT Registration in France with Expert Help
Expanding your UK business into France is an exciting opportunity, but the VAT registration in France can be a daunting task. Whether you’re an e-commerce seller, a service provider, or an importer, registering for VAT is essential to ensure compliance and avoid costly penalties. At Lanop Business & Tax Advisors, we make VAT registration and ongoing compliance easy, helping your business navigate French tax laws smoothly and efficiently. From obtaining your VAT number in France to ongoing filings, our experts are here to handle everything so you can focus on growing your business.
How Lanop Helps in VAT Registration in France
- Navigating the complexities of French VAT registration can be time-consuming and stressful. With Lanop’s VAT in France services, we simplify the process, ensuring that your business remains fully compliant with French tax regulations. Let us take care of your VAT registration and filings, so you can focus on what matters most growing your business.
VAT Registration
in France
- Lanop will handle the entire VAT registration process for your business, including preparing the necessary documents, liaising with French authorities, and securing your VAT number.
Ongoing VAT Compliance & Filing
- We ensure timely filings to help your business avoid penalties, interest charges, or missed deadlines. Our team ensures full compliance, handling everything on your behalf.
Cross-Border EU VAT Advisory
- Expanding across EU borders can be complex. Our expert advisory team helps you navigate European VAT registration and manage cross-border VAT obligations effectively.
What Accounting Services We Offer
At Lanop, we provide a range of expert services designed to help UK businesses succeed in France and across Europe. From company registration to VAT compliance and corporate tax advice, our solutions ensure your operations are fully compliant, efficient, and tax-optimized.
We assist with setting up your French entity, guiding you through legalities and fiscal representation to ensure full compliance from day one.
Lanop handles VAT registration across multiple EU jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with local tax laws and simplifying cross-border VAT filings.
We provide tailored bookkeeping and payroll services, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance with French VAT and employment laws.
Our experts offer tax-efficient structuring advice, helping you navigate French corporate tax laws while minimizing your liabilities.
Who We Help Section
Lanop’s VAT registration France services are designed for businesses of all sizes, including:
- UK-based e-commerce sellers
- Amazon FBA sellers who store goods in France
- Service providers offering digital services to French clients
- Importers and exporters moving goods across France and the EU
- SMEs and startups expanding into the French market
- Large enterprises with cross-border VAT obligations in multiple EU countries
Why VAT Registration in France is Essential for UK Businesses
When your UK-based business begins trading in France, VAT registration in France is not just recommended, it's a legal requirement. With the complexities of the post-Brexit trade landscape, UK businesses are now subject to French VAT laws, regardless of whether they have a physical presence in the country.
Challenges Faced in VAT Registration in France
- Language barriers with French-only tax forms and communications
- Complex documentation required for VAT registration
- Slow processing times of up to 12 weeks for VAT registration
- Missed deadlines leading to penalties and backdated tax payments
- Understanding VAT refunds and the intricacies of VAT claims
Common VAT Challenges for UK Companies in France
The process of registering for VAT in France can be particularly challenging for UK businesses due to language barriers, complicated tax forms, and differing regulatory standards. Most foreign businesses find it difficult to navigate French tax rules, and the registration process itself can take several months.
For instance, VAT registration in France requires several documents, such as proof of business activity, company incorporation details, identity verification, and sometimes the appointment of a fiscal representative. If any of these documents are missing or incorrect, the French tax authorities can delay your application or deny registration altogether.
How Lanop helps
- Advises on correct VAT rates
- Simplifies the French tax system
- Manages complex VAT paperwork
- Expedites VAT registration approval
- Prevents penalties for inaccurate VAT filings
How Lanop Can Help Your Business Stay Compliant
By choosing Lanop for your VAT registration France, you ensure that all aspects of your VAT obligations are handled by experts. Our team specializes in navigating the intricacies of French VAT laws, offering a full-service solution from registration to ongoing compliance.
We begin by gathering all the necessary documentation and submitting your VAT registration application to the French tax authorities. Once your VAT number France is issued, we ensure timely and accurate VAT filings for your business. We also handle VAT refunds and advise on VAT planning, helping you optimize your tax strategy and reduce costs.
Furthermore, Lanop helps you comply with broader EU VAT registration requirements, particularly if your business operates across multiple EU jurisdictions. We advise on the OSS/IOSS schemes, ensuring you remain compliant and minimize your VAT liabilities across the EU.
With Lanop, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that all your VAT obligations are managed efficiently and without errors, allowing you to focus on expanding your operations in France and beyond.
Award Winning Accountancy Firm in the UK
Our Identity
Integrity, honesty, and dedication are the core values at Lanop Business & Tax Advisors. Since launching our first Putney office in 2010, we’ve grown into a fully digital, UK‑based accounting and tax advisory firm that blends expert compliance with forward‑looking guidance and business strategy.
Our team of specialized chartered tax advisors and accountants delivers a full spectrum of services including tax planning, bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, and virtual finance director support all designed to help you manage your business more efficiently and confidently.
We believe accounting is more than numbers it’s about empowering your journey through modern finance. That means applying strategic insight, breaking down complex financial processes, and acting as your trusted partner not just submitting filings.
Put simply, Lanop Business & Tax Advisors is more than an accounting firm we are your strategic ally, dedicated to guiding your financial success with integrity, precision,
FAQ
VAT Registration in France
How do I get a VAT number in France?
To obtain a VAT number in France, you need to submit an application to the French tax authorities, providing several documents including proof of business activity and incorporation. Lanop handles this process for you, ensuring all documents are in order and your registration is approved promptly.
How long does VAT registration in France take?
VAT registration in France can take 8–12 weeks. This process involves verifying your documentation and approving your application. Lanop expedites this by ensuring all paperwork is correctly submitted to prevent delays.
Do I need a fiscal representative for VAT registration in France?
Yes, UK businesses generally need a fiscal representative in France to comply with local tax laws. Lanop provides fiscal representation services, acting on your behalf with French authorities.
How much is VAT in France?
The standard VAT rate in France is 20%, with reduced rates of 10%, 5.5%, and 2.1% depending on the type of goods or services provided.
What documents are required for VAT registration in France?
Typical documents required for French VAT registration include proof of business activity, incorporation documents, identity verification, and sometimes a fiscal representative.
Can I claim a VAT refund in France?
Yes. Foreign businesses registered for VAT in France can claim VAT refunds on eligible expenses. Lanop handles VAT refund claims, ensuring you get the money you’re entitled to.
What happens if I don’t register for VAT in France?
Failure to register for VAT in France can result in penalties, interest charges, and backdated VAT demands. It is crucial to register as soon as you begin trading in France.
How do I file VAT returns in France?
VAT returns in France need to be filed quarterly or monthly, depending on your turnover. Lanop provides ongoing VAT filing services to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Can I register for VAT in multiple EU countries?
Yes, Lanop helps businesses register for VAT across multiple EU countries. We manage cross-border VAT obligations and filing requirements, ensuring compliance across the EU.
What is the VAT threshold in France?
For non-resident businesses, there is no VAT threshold in France. This means businesses must register for VAT as soon as they begin trading or providing taxable services in France.
