VAT on books
VAT on books in Czechia
Since 1 January 2024, Czechia charges no VAT on books. Printed books, ebooks and audio recordings of a book are all at 0%, technically an exemption with the right to deduct. Before that, books paid 10%. Newspapers and magazines did not follow and pay 12%.
General guidance, checked against official sources. It is not tax advice. Rates and rules change, and your own situation matters. Check with Czech Financial Administration (Finanční správa) or an accountant before you decide.
Checked by Dario Griffo, founder of Lanternbee, on .
The rates
| What you sell | Rate | Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printed booksSince 1 January 2024. Before that, 10%. | 0% | Zero rate | European Commission, Taxes in Europe Database |
| Ebooks | 0% | Zero rate | European Commission, Taxes in Europe Database |
| AudiobooksAudio recordings of a book's content are named. | 0% | Zero rate | European Commission, Taxes in Europe Database |
| Most other goods and services | 21% | Standard rate | European Commission, Taxes in Europe Database |
What to know about Czechia
- Czechia told the Commission the 0% covers books, picture books, drawing and colouring books, music and maps, including audio recordings of their content and electronic versions. European Commission, TEDB
- The Commission's records show the change. On 1 December 2023, Czech books paid 10%, and from 1 January 2024, they are listed as exempt at 0%. European Commission, TEDB
- A book where advertising is more than half the content, or that is mainly video or music, does not qualify. European Commission, TEDB
Selling to readers in Czechia: examples
You are the seller. Your own Stripe account takes the payment, and Stripe Tax adds the rate for Czechia at checkout once you add your registration in Stripe. These examples use prices before tax.
- An ebook priced at €10.00 costs a reader in Czechia €10.00. Ebooks are at 0% there, so there is no VAT to pay over.
- A paperback priced at €20.00 costs a reader in Czechia €20.00. Printed books are at 0% there, so there is no VAT on it.
- If you live in Czechia yourself, sales to readers in Czechia always take the rates above, and they go on your usual VAT return in Czechia, not the One-Stop Shop.
How EU VAT works for authors: the reader’s country, the €10,000 threshold and the One-Stop Shop, in one guide.
Questions authors ask about Czechia
Do Czech readers pay VAT on ebooks?
No. Since 1 January 2024, ebooks, printed books and audiobooks are all at 0%.
If the rate is 0%, do I still report Czech sales?
Usually yes. The sale is still in the VAT system at 0%, so if you use the One-Stop Shop, Czech sales go on your return at that rate.
Are Czech magazines also at 0%?
No. Newspapers and periodicals pay 12%. Only books moved to 0% in 2024.