E-Commerce Tax Guide: What You Need to Know in 2024

Tax Obligations and Company Establishment in E-Commerce

When stepping into the world of e-commerce, one of the most critical steps to take is establishing the legal infrastructure correctly. Sales made via the internet are subject to tax, similar to traditional trade rules. It is a legal obligation for anyone who starts generating income from the internet to become a taxpayer and choose an appropriate company type (sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or corporation).

Tip: Make sure that your activity code (NACE code) is suitable for e-commerce and retail sales over the internet during the company establishment phase.

Which Taxes Must Be Paid?

The main tax items faced by entrepreneurs engaged in online sales are as follows:

• Value-Added Tax (VAT): The indirect tax paid to the state over the sales made.
• Income or Corporate Tax: The type of tax paid over the net profit obtained.
• Stamp Tax: The fee paid for official documents and contracts.

E-Invoice and E-Archive Obligations

With the acceleration of digital trade, invoicing processes have also moved to the electronic environment. Businesses that exceed a certain turnover or sell directly in e-commerce marketplaces are required to switch to the e-invoice and e-archive system. This integration both speeds up accounting processes and provides operational efficiency by eliminating paper costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it sufficient to establish a sole proprietorship in e-commerce?

If you are just starting your activities, it is quite common to start with a sole proprietorship as it is low-cost and easy to set up. However, as your turnover increases, transitioning to a limited liability company may provide advantages.

How is VAT applied when selling abroad?

VAT exemption is generally applied in international sales made within the scope of export (e-export). Attention must be paid to customs declarations and micro-export rules during this process.

Managing your financial processes completely not only helps you avoid penal sanctions but also increases your brand's reliability. You can closely monitor e-commerce taxation processes by working with a financial advisor.