Bulgaria vs Colombia — VAT Rules Compared

    Key VAT rules, thresholds, invoicing obligations and penalties in Bulgaria and Colombia, side by side with dated official sources.

    RuleBulgariaColombia
    Standard rate20%19%
    Reduced rates9%5%
    Registration thresholdBGN 100,000 (~€51,000)No general threshold
    CurrencyBGNCOP
    Filing frequencyMonthlyBimonthly or quarterly
    Invoice rulesStandard EU invoice requirements. Invoices must be in Bulgarian or bilingual. Fiscal receipts required for cash sales.Electronic invoicing mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses via DIAN platform.
    PenaltiesPenalty of 5% of VAT due per month, minimum BGN 500. Criminal liability for large-scale evasion.5% per month for late filing, up to 100% of tax due. Interest at market rate + 3%.
    Specific regimesMandatory fiscal device for cash transactions · Reverse charge for grain and waste trading · Special scheme for tour operatorsMandatory electronic invoicing via DIAN · Excluded goods/services list exempt from VAT · Special regime for simplified taxation (RST)
    In force since01 Jan 199901 Jan 2017
    Last verified01 Sept 202601 Sept 2026

    Main differences

    Bulgaria applies the higher standard rate (20% vs 19%), a 1.0 point gap that directly affects consumer pricing. Registration starts at BGN 100,000 (~€51,000) in Bulgaria against No general threshold in Colombia, and returns are filed monthly 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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