VAT, net and gross

VAT calculator

Calculate VAT, net or gross amounts in seconds, then use the page to confirm the right rate, deduction logic and the points that actually affect cash flow.

Convert net amounts to gross and gross amounts to net in seconds.

Compare the main French VAT rates with the right context.

Clarify collected VAT, deductible VAT, VAT credits and the exemption regime.

A VAT calculator is mainly useful to avoid wrong assumptions

VAT looks simple when reduced to a percentage on an invoice. In practice, mistakes usually come from the wrong rate, a weak view of place-of-supply rules, a deduction taken too fast or poor monitoring of the exemption regime. This page is meant to connect invoicing, filing and cash flow, not just produce a quick number.

Which rates matter in 2026?

Official French guidance confirms a standard 20% VAT rate in mainland France, plus reduced rates of 10% and 5.5%, and a specific 2.1% rate for limited cases. Strong VAT work always starts with the correct rate.

20% for the large majority of goods and services.
10% and 5.5% for specific sectors and legally defined operations.
2.1% for narrower cases that should be documented carefully.

Collected VAT, deductible VAT and VAT credits

A business needs more than the right invoice amount. It must also distinguish what is collected on sales, what can actually be deducted on purchases and when a VAT credit may appear. That is where margin and cash flow often move.

Poor VAT allocation shows up later in margin or filing corrections.
Not every expense gives the same right to deduct VAT.
A VAT credit can be offset or sometimes refunded depending on the case.

Exemption regime and e-invoicing

French guidance also states that from September 1, 2026, e-invoicing will concern VAT-registered businesses, including those benefiting from the exemption regime. Many independents still assume that not charging VAT keeps them outside the topic. It does not.

Being exempt from charging VAT does not remove the need for billing discipline.
The VAT regime still depends on activity and thresholds.
The 2026 reform makes clean accounting and billing data more important than ever.

What to validate before trusting the result

A VAT calculator gives a quick answer. Serious VAT management then requires validating the real business context: the correct rate, territorial rules, any exemption, deduction rights and the filing calendar.

The correct rate for the exact nature of the goods or services.
The VAT regime applicable to the business and the transaction.
The real right to deduct VAT on business purchases.
The cash-flow impact of the calculation and the future filings.

VAT calculator FAQ

What are the main VAT rates to know in mainland France?

The standard rate is 20%, with reduced rates of 10% and 5.5%, plus a specific 2.1% rate for limited cases. The correct rate always depends on the exact transaction.

If I benefit from the exemption regime, do I still need to monitor VAT?

Yes. Even if you do not charge or remit VAT under that regime, VAT still matters for thresholds, purchases, professional clients and your preparation for e-invoicing.

Can a business recover all VAT on its purchases?

No. Some expenses are excluded or restricted. Passenger cars, some director or employee benefits and mixed-use expenses are common traps.

Related resources

Corporate tax advisory E-invoicing support 2026

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A VAT calculator is mainly useful to avoid wrong assumptions