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VAT & TechSoup: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Updated

1. What is Value-Added Tax (VAT)?

Value-added tax (VAT) is a consumption tax applied to goods and services at each stage of the supply chain—from production to the final sale. VAT also applies to most cross‑border transactions.

 

2. Why does TechSoup charge VAT?

In 2025, TechSoup Global began to transition from working through local partners to directly managing:

  • Product donations and discounted offers
  • All related customer service

Additionally, administrative fees will now be issued via foreign invoicing and a foreign bank account instead of through the local partner.

Because these transactions are now cross‑border, TechSoup must charge VAT on orders from most countries, unless an organization’s VAT number is listed and validated in the VIES Database. 

 

3. Why am I receiving an “Invalid VAT Number” error when registering on TechSoup?

If your organization DOES NOT have a VAT number listed in VIES:

  • Leave the VAT field blank when registering your organization for TechSoup.
  • You will be charged VAT on all orders.

If your organization DOES have a VAT number listed in VIES, but receives an error:

Try the following:

  1. Verify the VAT number is entered correctly. The 2 letter country code should be included.
  2. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
  3. Try a different browser.

If the issue continues, please contact TechSoup Customer Service in your country: https://www.techsoup.global/ 

 

4. Why am I receiving an “Invalid VAT Number” error when placing an order?

TechSoup checks VAT numbers in the VIES database at checkout.

If your organization DOES NOT have a VAT number listed in VIES:

Contact us and request that the VAT number be removed from your account. VAT will then be applied to all orders.

If your organization DOES have a valid VAT number, but the error appears:

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Confirm the VAT number is exactly correct. The 2 letter country code should be included.
  2. Clear cache and cookies.
  3. Try another browser.

If the error persists, contact TechSoup Customer Service in your country: https://www.techsoup.global/ 

 

5. What should I do if my organization was incorrectly charged VAT?

If your organization is listed in the VIES Database, but was still charged VAT—or if you need VAT removed from a pro forma invoice—please contact TechSoup Customer Service in your country: https://www.techsoup.global/ 

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