Austria vs Colombia — VAT Rules Compared
Key VAT rules, thresholds, invoicing obligations and penalties in Austria and Colombia, side by side with dated official sources.
| Rule | Austria | Colombia |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 20% | 19% |
| Reduced rates | 10%, 13% | 5% |
| Registration threshold | €35,000 annual turnover | No general threshold |
| Currency | EUR | COP |
| Filing frequency | Monthly or quarterly | Bimonthly or quarterly |
| Invoice rules | Standard EU requirements. Cash register obligation for most businesses. Mandatory digital receipt storage. | Electronic invoicing mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses via DIAN platform. |
| Penalties | 2% late payment surcharge, 10% late filing penalty. | 5% per month for late filing, up to 100% of tax due. Interest at market rate + 3%. |
| Specific regimes | Cash register obligation with tamper-proof technology · Reverse charge for construction services · Tourist VAT refund scheme | Mandatory electronic invoicing via DIAN · Excluded goods/services list exempt from VAT · Special regime for simplified taxation (RST) |
| In force since | 01 Jan 2016 | 01 Jan 2017 |
| Last verified | 01 Sept 2026 | 01 Sept 2026 |
Main differences
Austria applies the higher standard rate (20% vs 19%), a 1.0 point gap that directly affects consumer pricing. Registration starts at €35,000 annual turnover in Austria against No general threshold in Colombia, and returns are filed monthly or quarterly versus bimonthly or quarterly.
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Disclaimer : This tool is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax advisor for decisions regarding your tax situation.Source : EU VAT Directive 2006/112/EC
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