Providing Your VAT Registration Number

To assist tax-exempt customers, learn how to submit documents, including a VAT Registration Number, to HostGator for tax-exempt purchases and account setup. 

• What is VAT? ⤵
• What's the Difference between Federal vs. State Tax-exempt Status? ⤵
• What to Do If You’re Charged Despite Being Tax Exempt ⤵
• How to Submit Tax-Exemption Documents ⤵

What is VAT?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax that businesses collect from consumers when they buy goods or services within a European Union (EU) country. 

If you are a business or charity in the EU, you may need to account for Value Added Tax (VAT) yourself using a special method called the reverse charge mechanism. This method is required by the EU's VAT Directive (2006/112), specifically Article 196. To determine if you fall into this category and not charge you VAT, HostGator needs you to provide all the necessary information. If you are not familiar with the VAT self-accounting rules in your country, it is best to contact your accountant or professional adviser for more information. 

For more information about EU VAT, please read our European Union VAT FAQ article.

What's the difference between Federal vs. State tax-exempt status?

Federal Tax-exempt status

The United States Tax Code has specific sections that define the types of organizations that are exempted from federal taxes. The most widely recognized exemption is known as 501(c)(3) or the "charitable tax exemption." This classification allows organizations to be exempted from federal corporate and income taxes for most types of revenue. Organizations designated as 501(c)(3) can request tax-deductible contributions. In this section, the term "tax-exempt" will be used interchangeably with 501(c)(3), which is most suitable for many community organizations, unless otherwise stated. 

State Tax-exempt status

There are certain organizations that are exempt from paying State taxes. The most well-known type of tax exemption is 501(c)(3), which is often referred to as the "charitable tax exemption". These organizations usually consist of charities, government entities, advocacy groups, educational and artistic groups, and religious entities. All States acknowledge 501(c)(3) Federal certificates. 

What to Do If You’re Charged Despite Being Tax Exempt

If you believe you were charged tax in error despite qualifying for tax exemption, don’t worry. Simply contact Support to submit a ticket. Our team will review your case and ensure any necessary corrections are made.

How to Submit Tax-Exemption Documents

If you are exempt from Federal or State sales tax, we require a valid exemption certificate on file before setting up your account for tax-exempt purchases. To do that, follow the instructions listed below. 

Before you submit your certificate, it's important to note that each state has its own set of rules and required certificate forms. Hence, you must obtain the correct form from your state's official website and make sure to fill it out accurately and completely. If there are any errors in the form, you will receive an email from our Tax Department specifying the exact requirements that still need to be fulfilled. 

The form must include the following:

• Full business name
• Full business address
• Your state-issued exemption number (if applicable)
• Your signature dated by as the legal purchaser
• Your Account#/Customer ID# needs to be written on the form
• Be sure the certificate is issued to the following address:
  
  HostGator.com
  5335 Gate Parkway
  Jacksonville, Florida, 32256

For US customers please, fill out the form and send it to [email protected] once complete (Do not submit your VAT Tax Number to this email.) For VAT Tax Number submission, please see European Union Value Added Tax (VAT). If you have an open ticket related to this matter, you can also respond there.

Upon review and validation by our Tax Department, your account will be set as exempt from tax in the state your submission specifies, and any future purchases will not have sales tax added. 

If you should use your purchases for a non-exempt purpose, you are liable for remitting the tax directly to the state. The exemption does not apply if you charge these purchases on a personal credit card instead of your exempt business credit card.

For tax advice, please reach out to your tax professional.