Guides 2026-04-09

Sales tax vs VAT vs GST: what to show on quotes and contracts

A simple explanation of common tax types, and how to present tax fields clearly for US/EU customers.

The goal: clarity for your customer

Your document should answer: is tax included, what rate applies, and what the total is.

Quick definitions (high-level)

  • **Sales tax (US)**: typically added at checkout; may depend on location and nexus rules.
  • **VAT (EU/UK)**: value-added tax; often shown as a separate line item; reverse charge may apply for B2B.
  • **GST**: similar concept used in several regions.

What to show on the document

  • **Tax included**: Yes/No
  • **Tax rate (%)**: e.g. 0, 5, 20
  • **Tax amount** and **Total**

Practical tip for SMBs

If you’re unsure, start with **0%** and add a note like "Tax may apply". For scale, use a merchant‑of‑record to handle tax calculation.