Am I approaching the threshold?
Taxable turnover from 1 January 2026 to today
Enter your turnover
Under Art. 96(1) of the VAT Act (effective 1 Jan 2026). Turnover is tracked per calendar year; the application must be filed within 7 days of exceeding the threshold. Indicative only.
What changed on 1 January 2026
| Until 31.12.2025 | From 01.01.2026 (State Gazette issue 115/30.12.2025) | |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold | BGN 100,000 | €51,130 |
| Turnover period | trailing 12 months | calendar year |
| Filing deadline | 7 days from the end of the month | 7 days from the date the threshold is exceeded |
| Small businesses in the EU | — | new Chapter 21b, "-EX" number suffix |
Types of registration in 2026
| Basis | When | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory, Art. 96 VAT Act | taxable turnover above €51,130 for the calendar year | 7 days from the date the threshold is exceeded |
| Voluntary, Art. 100 VAT Act | optional, regardless of turnover — including at incorporation | at any time |
| Art. 97a — services to/from the EU | receiving or supplying services to taxable persons in the EU | 7 days before the first supply |
| Intra-Community acquisition, Art. 99 | acquisitions above €20,000 per year | 7 days before reaching the threshold |
| Small business scheme (Chapter 21b) | businesses under €51,130 in Bulgaria and under €100,000 across the EU | by application |
What changes under the new rules
- ✓Turnover is tracked for the calendar year, not the trailing 12 months.
- ✓The registration date is the day after the threshold is exceeded — VAT is due on supplies made before the registration act is served, too.
- ✓Businesses that exceeded the threshold in 2025 cannot deregister on the grounds of low turnover until the end of 2026 (§63 of the Transitional Provisions).
- ✓The VAT number keeps the format BG + UIC (EIK).
What we do for you
- 1
Checking the grounds
We analyse the turnover, the type of supplies and your counterparts in the EU. We tell you whether and on what grounds you need to register.
- 2
Documents
Application on the standard form, a monthly breakdown of taxable turnover, certificate of good standing, declarations.
- 3
Filing and review
We file with a QES with the NRA. The authority reviews within 7 days and issues the registration act.
- 4
After registration
Invoices with VAT, monthly returns and VIES declarations due by the 14th — part of the subscription.
Voluntary VAT registration
Under Art. 100 of the VAT Act, any person may register by choice, regardless of turnover — including at incorporation. It makes sense when your clients are VAT-registered businesses, or when you buy goods, equipment and services with VAT you would otherwise reclaim. After voluntary registration you stay in the system for at least 12 months.
VAT deregistration
By choice — with turnover under €51,130 for the preceding calendar year and after 12 months of registration (Art. 108); mandatory — on cessation of activity. On deregistration, VAT is charged on remaining assets for which input credit was claimed. Businesses that exceeded the threshold in 2025 cannot deregister by choice until the end of 2026.
Penalties for late registration
Missing the 7-day deadline results in a fine of €250 to €2,500 and assessment of the VAT due for the period without registration — at the company's expense, with no right of deduction for the same period. With a subscription, we monitor turnover monthly and file in advance as the threshold approaches.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth registering for VAT voluntarily?
+−
Yes, if your clients are mainly VAT-registered businesses, or if you buy goods and services with VAT you would otherwise reclaim. It's not worthwhile with individual clients and low expenses.
How often are returns filed?
+−
Monthly — the VAT return and ledgers are due by the 14th of the following month. For supplies within the EU, a VIES return is also required.
Can an EOOD register for VAT at incorporation?
+−
Yes, voluntarily under Art. 100 of the VAT Act. The application is filed together with the Commercial Register documents, or within 7 days of the entry.
Sources
VAT Act (Art. 96–101, Chapter 21b; State Gazette issue 115/30.12.2025); Regulations for the Application of the VAT Act; nra.bg. Verified on 3 September 2026.
Important
Bulsmetka is a private accounting firm, not a government body. Information is general and does not replace individual advice. State fees are invoiced at cost.