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Managing VAT compliance for Shopify billing in Egypt, South Africa and Tanzania

This page details how to manage the Value-Added Tax (VAT) for Shopify stores in Egypt, South Africa or Tanzania by providing or updating your VAT number in the Shopify admin.

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VAT on Shopify billing for stores in Egypt

If your store is located in Egypt, then you're charged 14% Value-Added Tax (VAT). If you have a valid Transaction Reference Number (TRN) and a Unique Identification Number (UIN), then your Shopify bill is exempt from VAT charges. You need to enter a valid TRN and UIN into your Shopify admin to verify that you're a VAT taxpayer. For guidance on how to obtain your TRN and UIN, refer to the Egyptian Tax Authority.

Steps:

  1. From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Billing.

  2. Click Billing profile.

  3. In the Tax ID section, click Add tax registration numbers.

  4. Enter your Tax Registration Number (TRN) and Unique Identification Number (UIN).

  5. Click Add Tax Registration Numbers.

VAT on Shopify billing for stores in South Africa

If your store is located in South Africa, then you're charged 15% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on your eligible Shopify billing charges.

Currently, adding a VAT number to your billing profile isn't used to exempt South African merchants from VAT on their Shopify bills. As a result, you might not find an option in your billing settings to add a VAT number specifically for VAT exemption purposes.

If you believe that your tax situation requires a different treatment, then consult a local tax professional. Shopify Support can't provide tax or legal advice.

Steps:

  1. From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Billing.

  2. Click Billing profile.

  3. In the Tax registration section, provide your VAT information:

    • If you have a VAT number, then click Add VAT number, enter it in the space provided, and then click Add VAT number.
    • If you don't have a VAT number, click I don't have a VAT number, and then click Confirm.

How to update your VAT number for Shopify stores in Tanzania

If your store is located in Tanzania, then you're charged 18% Value-Added Tax (VAT). If you have a VAT number, then your Shopify bill might be exempt from VAT charges. You need to enter a valid Tax ID number into your Shopify admin and certify that you're a VAT taxpayer.

Steps:

  1. From your Shopify admin, go to Settings > Billing.

  2. Click Billing profile.

  3. In the Tax registration section, click Enter Tax ID number.

  4. Enter your Tax ID number.

  5. Select I certify that I am a VAT taxpayer in Tanzania and I can provide the VAT certificate on request.

  6. Click Add Tax ID number.