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INTERNATIONAL VAT GUIDE

Last Updated: December 5, 2024

VAT Guide for Businesses with Customers in Bulgaria

This guide provides a summary of VAT (Value Added Tax) in Bulgaria, including applicable rates, registration requirements, invoicing rules, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Bulgaria or with Bulgarian customers.

Overview

Value Added Tax in Bulgaria is also known as “Danak varhu dobavenata stoinost” (DDS) in Bulgarian. The VAT system in Bulgaria, governed by the Bulgarian VAT Act, aligns with the EU VAT Directive. VAT is applicable on most goods and services within Bulgaria, as well as on imports.

Currency

Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

VAT Number Format

BG followed by 9 or 10 digits (e.g., BG123456789)

Fiscal Representation

Yes, required for non-EU businesses conducting VAT-related activities.

Voluntary Registration

Yes, available for businesses below the threshold.

VAT Rates in Bulgaria

Rate Rate Type Description
20% Standard Rate Applies to most goods and services
9% Reduced Rate Applies to certain tourism services and hotel accommodation

VAT Registration in Bulgaria

Business Type VAT Registration Threshold
Resident Businesses BGN 100,000 per annum, though this will rise to BGN 166,000.00 from 1 January 2025.
Non-Resident Businesses No threshold; registration required for any taxable activity in Bulgaria

VAT Filing and Payment Deadlines

Frequency Filing Deadline Payment Deadline
Monthly 14th day of the following month 14th day of the following month

Digital Services VAT Information

VAT on Cross-Border Electronically Supplied Services Yes
VAT Rate on Digital Services 20%
Threshold for Registration EUR 10,000 per calendar year for EU-based businesses; no threshold for non-EU businesses
VAT on B2B Sales Reverse charge mechanism applies

Note:

Bulgaria applies VAT on digital services based on the consumer’s location, typically utilizing the OSS system for EU cross-border services.

Digital Services in Scope

  • Website supply, web-hosting, and maintenance
  • Supply of software and updates
  • Streaming or downloading of music, films and games

Exemption

Access to electronic newspapers and periodicals may be exempt under specific conditions, typically for educational or public interest purposes.

E-invoicing Requirements

Although not mandatory for all B2B transactions, e-invoicing is required in Bulgaria for public sector transactions. Invoices must include the date, supplier and customer details, description of goods or services, and VAT rates.

Digital Reporting Requirements

Bulgaria mandates digital reporting of VAT-related transactions, with companies required to submit reports to the Bulgarian tax authorities electronically.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and may not cover all aspects of Bulgarian VAT. Consult one of our tax professionals for specific guidance regarding your business.

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