Selling services to business customers outside the EU calls for the right btw (Dutch VAT) settings in Odoo. Yet many Odoo users make the same mistake: they select the 0% ex btw category, which reports the revenue in rubriek 3a of the btw-aangifte — the Dutch btw return — where it does not belong.
The mistake usually comes from Odoo v17, which applies the wrong fiscal position by default. It looks right, and it is not.
Handling btw correctly on services outside the EU
When you supply services to a business outside the EU, that revenue does not belong in the btw-aangifte. Setting the btw configuration and the fiscal position in Odoo precisely is what makes the difference.
Step by step: adjusting the btw settings and the fiscal position in Odoo
- Step 1: check the fiscal position for customers outside the EU — confirm that the settings for customers outside the EU match the correct btw treatment.
- Step 2: adjust the btw settings in Odoo — remove the tax to apply, 0% EX (Verkoop), from the 21% ST S (Verkoop) line, so the revenue stays out of the return.
- Step 3: check the btw report in Odoo — create a sample invoice and verify that it correctly stays out of rubriek 3a.
Why correct btw settings in Odoo matter
An incorrect btw-aangifte in Odoo can lead to corrections and penalties. By setting both the btw configuration and the fiscal position in Odoo correctly, you prevent those errors. This strengthens your Odoo financial administration and ensures compliance with the international btw rules.
Conclusion: avoid errors in your Odoo btw settings
Do not let Odoo's default settings mislead you. Set the btw configuration and the fiscal position in Odoo correctly when you supply services to businesses outside the EU. That keeps your Odoo financial administration error-free and compliant.
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