Austria vs Denmark — VAT Rules Compared
Key VAT rules, thresholds, invoicing obligations and penalties in Austria and Denmark, side by side with dated official sources.
| Rule | Austria | Denmark |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 20% | 25% |
| Reduced rates | 10%, 13% | None |
| Registration threshold | €35,000 annual turnover | DKK 50,000 (~€6,700) |
| Currency | EUR | DKK |
| Filing frequency | Monthly or quarterly | Monthly, quarterly, or biannually |
| Invoice rules | Standard EU requirements. Cash register obligation for most businesses. Mandatory digital receipt storage. | Standard EU requirements. Digital bookkeeping mandatory from 2024. Invoices must reference the Danish CVR number. |
| Penalties | 2% late payment surcharge, 10% late filing penalty. | Interest at the national bank rate + 0.7% per month. Fixed fines for late filing. |
| Specific regimes | Cash register obligation with tamper-proof technology · Reverse charge for construction services · Tourist VAT refund scheme | No reduced VAT rates — 25% applies to almost everything · Mandatory digital bookkeeping · Special rules for non-profit organizations |
| In force since | 01 Jan 2016 | 01 Jan 1992 |
| Last verified | 01 Sept 2026 | 01 Sept 2026 |
Main differences
Denmark applies the higher standard rate (25% vs 20%), a 5.0 point gap that directly affects consumer pricing. Registration starts at €35,000 annual turnover in Austria against DKK 50,000 (~€6,700) in Denmark, and returns are filed monthly or quarterly versus monthly, quarterly, or biannually.
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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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