Detailed explanation of Amazon Mall taxation in Alaska and key points of German VAT taxation

1. Overview of Alaska Mall Taxation

What is a mall service provider?

In the United States, a mall service provider refers to an enterprise that signs a contract with a third-party seller to help the third party sell its physical goods, digital goods and/or services through an online store. Based on this definition, Amazon, as a marketplace service provider, is responsible for calculating, collecting, remitting and refunding sales and use taxes.

What is mall tax?

Mall taxation means Amazon collects and remits sales tax and use tax on orders shipped to jurisdictions (states, counties, cities, districts) that have enacted relevant laws in accordance with state or local mall service provider laws. .

Special regulations in Alaska

Alaska has no state sales and use tax, and local governments independently administer their own tax regulations. The Remote Seller Sales Tax Committee is responsible for coordinating the tax filing and payment regulations of local governments in Alaska. For jurisdictions that choose to participate, Amazon will bear tax liability; for jurisdictions that do not participate, sellers need to handle it themselves.

2. Basics of German VAT taxation

What is VAT?

VAT is value-added tax, which applies to goods and services sold in Germany. Consumers are required to pay VAT when purchasing, and the tax rate varies depending on the type of product.

Amazon Germany VAT taxation mechanism

Germany’s VAT tax rates are divided into standard tax rates and reduced tax rates. When shopping on Amazon Germany, the product price includes VAT, and Amazon will provide an invoice containing the VAT tax as a voucher.

3. Conditions and precautions for taxation

Applicable conditions for German VAT taxation

  • Non-EU residents: Generally applies to non-EU residents;
  • Purchase amount: Need to reach a certain limit;
  • Departure Verification: Product verification needs to be completed before leaving the country.

Notes on VAT taxation in Germany

  • Understand the tax refund policy;
  • Keep the purchase invoice;
  • Complete product verification before departure;
  • Comply with regulations.

4. Taxation status of Amazon individual sellers

Are taxes required?

Amazon individual sellers may be required to pay sales tax, depending on the location of the seller and the type of product sold. For example, if a seller has a physical facility, employees, or inventory within a certain area, sales tax will be due. In addition, FBA sellers are usually required to pay sales tax.

5. Conclusion

Whether it’s Alaska or Germany, Amazon’s tax treatment differs in different regions. Sellers and consumers should fully understand relevant laws and regulations to ensure legal operations and make full use of various preferential policies.


Reference materials

  • What are the frequently asked questions about Amazon Alaska Marketplace taxation?
  • Understanding Amazon German VAT taxation: tax details you must know before shopping
  • Are Amazon individual sellers taxed?