New EU VAT Rules

[ChristmasGamesShop]

Just in case any of you digital sellers haven't heard, there are new EU laws coming into force in first of January. These affect EVERYONE selling digital goods to non-business EU customers (so EVERYONE using Etsy's instant download selling feature).

It's very complicated and one of the most ridiculous pieces of legislation for a long time.

Please read up and take action because you may be breaking the law from January 1st: http://euvataction.org/2014/12/12/vat-a-mess-new-eu-tax-rules-set-to-close-small-businesses/

Etsy is refusing to make any announcement with only 15 days to go. The more people who raise awareness the more chance of getting an answer from Etsy.

[Former_Member]

Etsy will NOT be handling the process for their sellers. :( Here's Etsy's statement:

https://blog.etsy.com/en/2014/new-european-union-rules-on-the-sale-of-digital-items/

I'm totally with you on this one, Faffy Tea!

I know many sellers who have already put their shops on vacation mode indefinitely, closed, or taken down their digital product listings.I was all set to launch a range of instant download sewing patterns and tutorials, but have held off because of the EU VAT rulings and Etsy's stance on the whole thing. I'm wondering what everyone else is going to do, and if anyone else is apprehensive (like I am) about the new rulings rolling out to physical products in a year or so. I really needed to launch and earn from my digital products, as I have disabling illness and need to reduce my physical work. For the same reason, I can't take on more paperwork, which is what the EU VAT compliance entails.

I'm part of a Fb group who are doing our best to both raise awareness and to have the compliance changed so that it doesn't squash small businesses like us. If you would like to check it out go to www.facebook.com/groups/DigitalVAT2015/

The related website is at http://euvataction.org/

There are two petitions asking the powers-that-be for a unilateral suspension of the introduction of the new EU VAT laws for micro businesses and sole traders. This applies world wide, and can be signed world wide too. It will give time for the system to be reassessed and changed, time for us to find out more about it and prepare, and time for technology to be developed to facilitate the payment processing and data collection.
They can be signed by anyone, anywhere:
http://tinyurl.com/ok2azhb

http://1.usa.gov/1x33G4i