VAT Number for Selling Online with Shopify: Italy 2026
VAT Number for Selling Online with Shopify: The Definitive Guide for Italy
Want to launch your online store with Shopify but aren't sure if you need a VAT number? Opening an e-commerce site takes time and commitment, but it can be done in a structured and legal manner without a large initial investment. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover when a VAT number is required , how to open one , and the steps to follow to sell on Shopify in Italy in 2026.
Is a VAT number required to sell on Shopify?
The answer is almost always yes . If your online sales activity is ongoing and regular , opening a VAT number is a legal requirement. Shopify is considered a true 24-hour store, and the Revenue Agency requires formalizing the business with a VAT number.
.
fidocommercialista.it
How to Register a VAT Number for Your Shopify Store
Opening a VAT number in Italy is a digital and relatively simple process. Here are the basic steps:
-
Choose the ATECO Code : The first step is to identify the code that best represents your e-commerce activity (e.g. 47.91.10 for online retail trade)
.www.shopify.com
-
Purchase a certified email and a digital signature : These two tools are essential for communicating legally with the Public Administration
.www.fiscozen.it
-
Fill out Form AA9/12 : You can submit the application to open a business directly on the Revenue Agency website by filling out Form AA9/12 for the single communication of commencement of business.
.finom.co
-
Choose the Tax Regime : For new e-commerce businesses, the Flat Rate Regime is often the most advantageous choice thanks to the reduced rates and the simplification of accounting requirements.
.masterstrategia.it
Costs and Requirements to Consider
Once you have opened your VAT number, you will have to take into account some fixed costs, such as:
- Virtual stamp duty (if you exceed the €250,000 turnover threshold).
- Social security contributions (if you are not already enrolled in a pension fund).
- Periodic tax obligations , such as VAT settlement (if you are not in the flat-rate scheme) and tax returns.
Furthermore, your VAT number must be visible on your Shopify site, on the homepage, on the contact page and in the general conditions of sale, as required by the Consumer Code.
.
kompetitive.it
Conclusion: Ready to Launch Your E-commerce?
Opening an online store with Shopify is an extraordinary opportunity, but it requires starting with the right foundation. A VAT number isn't just a bureaucratic requirement, but the first step towards building a solid, reliable, and Italian-compliant business. If you have any doubts, consult an accountant to choose the legal form and tax regime best suited to your needs.
.
masterstrategia.it
