Frequently Asked Questions

Here you'll find answers to the most common questions our clients ask about Austrian VAT and OSS registration.

📧 a) How do I send documents to you?

Please reply directly to the email thread with your Registration Assistant.

Always use the original email thread rather than creating a new one so we can easily track your registration case and document history.

📋 b) What do I do next?

Once you have submitted:

• Your completed forms
• Your supporting company documents

your Registration Assistant will review everything carefully.

If all information is correct, you will receive the final registration documents to:

• Sign
• Date
• Return to us

Please also see:

👉 [NEXT STEPS]

⏳ c) How long does it take?

Processing times in Austria can vary depending on:

• The complexity of the application
• The assigned tax office
• Whether additional information is requested

Typical processing times are:

🇪🇺 EU Companies: approximately 4–8 weeks

🌍 NON-EU Companies: approximately 6–12 weeks

⚡ d) Can the process be speeded up?

Unfortunately, no.

Once submitted, processing times depend entirely on the Austrian Tax Authority.

We will always prepare your application as quickly as possible and respond promptly to any tax authority requests.

📄 e) Why must my company documents be less than 6 months old?

The Austrian Tax Authority may require recent company documents to confirm that:

• The company is active
• Company information remains valid
• The legal structure has not changed

Please also see:

👉 [MY DOCUMENTS]

💬 f) What is the best way to communicate?

Please continue using the original email thread relating to your registration.

This helps avoid delays and keeps all communication together.

🛟 g) What support is available?

You will have support from:

• Your Registration Assistant
• Your Account Manager

📌 Typical response time: within 1 business day.

📁 h) Will I receive a file reference number or contact person?

The Austrian Tax Authority does not usually provide a dedicated contact person.

Applications are generally assigned internal reference numbers that may appear on future correspondence.

🌍 i) Do NON-EU companies need a Fiscal Representative in Austria?

🇪🇺 EU Companies

EU-established companies can generally register directly for Austrian VAT purposes.

🌍 NON-EU Companies

Non-EU companies may be required to appoint an Austrian Fiscal Representative before registration can be completed.

Additional documentation requirements may apply.

🛒 j) What is the difference between VAT Registration and OSS Registration?

VAT Registration may be required where a business:

• Stores stock in Austria
• Makes local Austrian sales
• Has another Austrian VAT obligation

OSS Registration allows qualifying EU B2C sales to be reported through a single quarterly OSS return.

These are separate registrations and one does not automatically replace the other.

🌍 k) Do I need both VAT and OSS registration?

Possibly.

For example:

✅ Stock stored in Austria may require an Austrian VAT registration.

✅ Distance sales to consumers in other EU countries may be reportable through OSS.

🔒 l) Are my documents secure?

Yes.

All documents are stored securely within the hellotax system in accordance with GDPR requirements and are only shared where necessary with:

• Your Registration Assistant
• hellotax VAT specialists
• The Austrian Tax Authority
• Your Fiscal Representative (where applicable)

🛒 m) Can we trade before the VAT number is issued?

Businesses may generally begin trading before an Austrian VAT number has been issued.

However:

📌 You cannot use an Austrian VAT number until it has officially been assigned.

📌 Historical transactions may need to be reported once registration is completed.

📦 n) What additional information may ecommerce sellers need to provide?

The Austrian Tax Authority may request:

• Marketplace information
• Warehouse details
• Stock movement information
• Supply chain explanations
• Sales forecasts
• Evidence of Austrian business activities

🤝 Need Help?

Please contact your Registration Assistant or Account Manager if you have any questions regarding your Austrian VAT or OSS registration.