How to calculate the price excluding tax and tax?

Updated March 2026 - Knowing calculate the price excluding VAT and including VAT remains a basis for properly invoicing, establishing a quote and checking the correct amount of VAT. The logic is simple, but the error often comes from the wrong rate or poorly applied inverse reasoning.

To complete, also see VAT declaration, Subcontracting billing and Tax or social question.

• ▸TTC = excluding VAT x (1 + VAT rate);
• ▸excluding tax = including tax / (1 + VAT rate);
• ▸VAT = including tax - excluding tax.

In mainland France, the normal rate remains in principle 20%, with reduced rates in certain cases. The calculation is therefore only valid if you have correctly qualified the operation.

Classic mistakes

• ▸apply 20% per reflex while a reduced rate exists;
• ▸starting from an inclusive tax and still adding VAT;
• ▸forget that a free quote or self-liquidation changes the reading;
• ▸confuse margin, price excluding tax and price including tax.

Hayot Expertise Advice: the real difficulty is not the formula. This is the identification of the correct VAT regime and the correct information on the invoice.

We can help you check your rates, your mandatory information and the invoicing logic used.

Discover our accounting and tax support

In 2026, the correct calculation excluding VAT/TTC is based on two bases: a correct formula and a correctly qualified VAT rate.

Do you want to secure your sales prices and invoices before VAT declaration? We can support you.

Make an appointment with an expert

(Official sources: impots.gouv.fr and Entreprendre.Service-Public.fr on business VAT)