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Amazon tax claims: 7 facts for retailers 2025
Amazon tax claims: 7 things retailers need to know for reminders up to 20,000€
Table of contents
- initiation
- Background: Why tax claims from Amazon retailers are increasing
- Tax law changes 2025
- The tax office's focus on online trade
- Typical reasons for reminders from the tax office
- Wrongly declared sales
- Lack of VAT registration
- Accounting errors due to Amazon reports
- What sums are imminent — from back payment to 20,000€
- How additional demands are calculated
- Practical examples
- Legal basis: Tax obligations for Amazon sellers
- VAT liability EU & Germany
- Business tax, income tax
- Differentiation between FBA and FBM
- Consequences of unpaid tax claims
- Reminders & interest on arrears
- Enforcement & account attachment
- Risk of insolvency
- Prevention: How retailers can avoid tax problems
- Clean accounting & tools
- Timely tax returns
- Using tax software
- Tax advisors & expert help: When it's time to get professional support
- Specialized tax advisors for e-commerce
- Costs vs. risk assessment
- Practical examples: cases of reminders and their outcome
- Successful settlement of a claim
- Negative example: Bankruptcy after tax audit
- FAQ — Common questions about Amazon tax claims
- Conclusion
initiation
Amazon tax claims are a real bogeyman for many retailers. Imagine: You open your mailbox — and find a reminder worth 20,000€. Sounds like an exaggeration? Unfortunately, this is a reality for more and more retailers. Let's be honest: Who thinks when they sell for the first time that the tax trap could snap shut?
In this article, you will find out why the sums can be so high, what typical mistakes traders make and, above all, how to protect yourself from unpleasant surprises. We look at real cases, explain legal principles and give you practical tips for a legally secure Amazon business.
Background: Why tax claims from Amazon retailers are increasing
Tax law changes 2025
Since 2025, the rules of the game have tightened. Especially the OSS regulations (one-stop shop) and the obligation to file an exact sales tax return mean that retailers are more targeted. By the way: The tax office has the handle — it automatically compares your information with the data from Amazon.
The tax office's focus on online trade
Online trade is booming — and that is exactly why the tax authority is looking particularly closely here. Even minor discrepancies in Amazon reports can lead to additional demands. And that is often in the five-digit range.
Typical reasons for reminders from the tax office
Wrongly declared sales (domestic & international)
Most common error: Sales are assigned incorrectly. Anyone who delivers to France, for example, but does not pay the sales tax correctly, falls straight into the trap.
Lack of VAT registration
Just FBA dealer They often forget that they must register in the countries where Amazon operates warehouses. If registration is missing, subsequent demands add up over the years.
Accounting errors due to Amazon reports
Amazon does provide data, but interpreting it is complicated. A false report, a wrongly set tax code — and the reminder comes straight into the house.
What sums are imminent — from back payment to 20,000€
How additional demands are calculated
The amount depends on:
- Your sales volume in recent years
- Lack of sales tax on international transactions
- Interest on arrears and late payments
Even small mistakes can become gigantic over time.
Practical examples
- A retailer who did not declare sales tax in France for three years received an additional claim of 18,000€.
- Another forgot to register in Poland — result: an additional payment of over 12,000€.
Legal basis: Tax obligations for Amazon sellers
VAT liability EU & Germany
Regardless of whether you use FBM or FBA: Sales tax liability It always exists — and that is where you store or sell your goods.
Business tax, income tax
Many retailers underestimate these two types of taxes. Profits must be reported correctly — otherwise there is a risk of additional claims.
Differentiation between FBA and FBM
- FBA dealer: More complex obligations due to storage abroad.
- FBM dealer: Less complex but no less taxable.
Consequences of unpaid tax claims
Reminders & interest on arrears
Not paid? Then there's a hail of reminders. Get on top 6% interest on arrears per year.
Enforcement & account attachment
The tax office has no mercy: From account attachment to enforcement, everything is included.
Risk of insolvency
Hohe Amazon tax claims They can bankrupt a small company. Many retailers have already had to file for insolvency as a result.
Prevention: How retailers can avoid tax problems
Clean accounting & tools
Accounting is the be-all and end-all Tip: Use tools that automatically import Amazon data and reduce errors.
Checklist — This is how you keep an overview:
- Export all sales regularly
- Store receipts without gaps
- Check sales tax per country
- Use accounting software
Timely tax returns
Delays cost money. Anyone who knows and meets their deadlines avoids reminders.
Using tax software
More and more retailers rely on automated systems. Some solutions even combine price optimization with data analysis. Exciting: Many people use it Algorithmic pricing in conjunction with accounting tools.
👉 A look at the Amazon Repricer with analytics features It's worth it to have taxes and prices under control at the same time.
Tax advisors & expert help: When it's time to get professional support
Specialized tax advisors for e-commerce
There are tax advisors who specialize in Amazon retailers. They know the pitfalls in detail — from OSS to FBA.
Costs vs. risk assessment
Yes, a tax advisor costs money. But let's be honest: It's better to invest a few hundred euros than pay back 20,000 euros later.
👉 They are helpful FAQ for retailers or the direct Contact experts.
Practical examples: cases of reminders and their outcome
Successful settlement of a claim
A retailer was able to reduce 15,000€ claim to 2,000€ — thanks to proof of incorrect Amazon data and assistance from a tax advisor.
Negative example: Bankruptcy after tax audit
A seller ignored reminders for months. In the end, there was foreclosure — the deal was history.
FAQ — Common questions about Amazon tax claims
1. Why do Amazon sellers get such high tax claims?
Because sales tax obligations are often met incorrectly or late — especially abroad.
2. From what amount are reminders imminent?
Just a few hundred euros can trigger reminders. Five-digit amounts are usually accrued over years.
3. Do I have to register for tax purposes abroad?
Yes, as soon as you store goods there or exceed sales thresholds.
4. How do I identify errors in my accounting?
By comparing Amazon reports with your tax return. Tools and tax advisors help.
5. Can I dispute reminders?
Yes, with evidence and good reasoning.
6. Are there also criminal consequences?
If there is suspicion of tax evasion, yes — including criminal proceedings.
7. Which software helps me with my tax return?
For example, the Products from Metaprice.
8. What do I do if I have already received a reminder?
React immediately, meet deadlines and, if necessary, call in tax advisors.
Conclusion
Amazon tax claims are not a side issue, but a real risk. Anyone who knows the rules, works with foresight and involves experts when necessary protects themselves from unpleasant surprises.
Highlights in brief:
- Tax claims are often caused by incorrect sales reports
- Reminders can amount to up to 20,000€
- Tax offices strictly check Amazon data
- Clean accounting & software are mandatory
- Tax advisors are cheaper than back payments
- Immediate response to reminders is crucial
👉 Check now whether your tax processes are secure — and if necessary request a demoto make your business legally secure.
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