Managing VAT and GST on Squarespace Commerce

Simplify VAT and GST handling on your Squarespace using our easy guide.

Managing VAT and GST on Squarespace Commerce
Last Edited Time
Jun 25, 2025 09:35 PM
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Squarespace Commerce simplifies VAT and GST management by allowing tax-inclusive pricing and customizable receipts, but does not support different tax rules per product or customer exemptions. Regularly review tax settings and consult a tax adviser for compliance.
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Managing VAT and GST on Squarespace Commerce

TL;DR: Key Points
  • Squarespace Commerce makes it easy to collect VAT or GST by setting tax rates and enabling tax-inclusive pricing
  • You cannot set tax rules per product or exempt certain customers from VAT
  • Customise receipt details to comply with local taxation requirements
  • Consider adding your VAT Registration Number to receipts for easier identification
  • Always consult a tax adviser if unsure about setting appropriate tax rates

Before You Get Started

Squarespace Commerce lets you manage VAT (Value Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) without much fuss. This guide covers the basics, but it's not legal or tax advice. Always check with a tax adviser if you're unclear about tax laws that apply to your business. This guide covers sales made through your Squarespace Commerce site, not Squarespace's own subscriptions.

What You Need to Know

  • You can't set different tax rules for specific products or exempt certain customers
  • Some default settings will apply based on the country you specified during account setup

Step 1: Setting Up Tax Rates

First, add tax rates manually in your store settings. You need to do this before you can use tax-inclusive pricing.

Step 2: Enabling Tax-Inclusive Pricing

Tax-inclusive pricing means VAT or GST is included within the total price displayed, rather than being added at checkout. For example, a product costing €100 with 10% VAT won't show as €110 at checkout. Instead, it stays €100, with €9.09 being the VAT component.
Here's how to enable it:
  1. Go to the Taxes panel in your settings
  1. Select Settings and choose 'How tax is added'
  1. Choose 'Include in price' and save your changes

Step 3: Customising Receipt Details

Squarespace lets you customise your receipts to meet local VAT requirements:
  1. Access the Checkout panel
  1. Scroll to Receipt Details and select your preferences:
      • Pre-tax price display
      • Tax amount for each item
      • A net total before tax summary
      • Complete tax breakdown table

Step 4: Adding a VAT Registration Number

Consider adding a VAT Registration Number to your receipts for transparency:
  1. Go to the Customer Notifications panel
  1. Select Business Settings
  1. Enter your VAT ID in the Tax Registration ID field

Step 5: Confirming Your Business Address

Make sure your receipt displays the correct business address:
  1. Visit the Business Information panel
  1. Check and update your Business Address if necessary

Step 6: Receipt Preview

To see how your receipt will look to customers:
  1. Open the Customer Notifications panel
  1. Go to Customise Emails and click on Order Emails
  1. Check the preview on the right side
Pixelhaze Tip: Review your tax settings regularly to ensure compliance, especially if your business location or tax regulations change.

FAQs

Can I create different tax rules for different products? No. Squarespace doesn't support different tax rules per product.
Can I exempt certain customers from VAT on Squarespace Commerce? Squarespace doesn't currently have a feature to exempt specific customer groups from VAT.
Should I consult a tax adviser for setting up Squarespace Commerce taxes? Yes, it's recommended, especially if you're unsure about the tax rates for your business.

Jargon Buster

VAT (Value Added Tax): A tax added at various stages of product production, reflecting value additions.
GST (Goods and Services Tax): Similar to VAT, it's a tax on goods and services upon sale.
Tax-inclusive pricing: A pricing strategy where the total price includes the tax component.
Business Address: The main place where your business is legally registered.
Tax Registration ID: Your business's unique tax number, required in business transactions for taxation purposes.
Squarespace Commerce handles tax requirements like VAT and GST pretty well. Through these straightforward steps, you can manage tax rates, customise receipts, and stay compliant with local laws. For specific queries or to make sure you're meeting all legal requirements, speak to a tax professional.

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