Do I declare VAT for my first shift if I don’t have a VAT ID yet?

Don’t have a VAT ID yet? No worries! You can work your first freelance shift without one. It’s a great way to try freelancing and see if it’s for you before officially registering. After your first shift, you’ll need to apply for a VAT ID.

Check your invoices

Not sure if you applied before or after adding your VAT ID? If VAT is listed, you’ll need to include it in your VAT return. If there’s no VAT, that shift is part of your “try out” shift and you don’t need to declare it.

Important: Even if no VAT was charged, you still need to report the income on your income tax return.

There are other reasons as to why you didn’t receive VAT, read more about those here.