Understanding SaaS Sales Tax in Montenegro: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

Montenegro transitioned to a Value Added Tax (VAT) system in 2004, aiming to modernize its tax administration and enhance compliance. As a business selling Software as a Service (SaaS) in Montenegro, understanding the intricacies of VAT is crucial for ensuring financial accuracy and legal compliance. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the essential aspects of SaaS sales tax in Montenegro, along with practical tips for navigating this landscape.

The standard VAT rate in Montenegro for SaaS and other digital services is 21.0%. This means businesses must charge and collect VAT on all taxable sales within the country. While this is the general rate, certain categories of products or services may be subject to a reduced VAT rate of 7.0%. However, it’s important to note that currently, there are no specific tax exemptions for digital goods or services in Montenegro. This implies that most SaaS offerings will be subject to the standard VAT rate.

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Montenegro

Montenegro implemented a VAT system in 2004 to modernize its tax administration and enhance compliance.

Official government link: Uprava za Poreske Poslove

21.00%

E-products and services VAT/Sales tax rate

7.00%

Reduced tax rate

Reduced tax rate product categories

Currently, there are no specific tax reduced rates for digital goods or services in Montenegro

Exempted product categories

Currently, there are no specific tax exemptions for digital goods or services in Montenegro

Reverse charge mechanism for B2B sales

Yes

Tax ID validation required

Yes

When do you have to register

Once the threshold has been exceeded

Online registration possible

No

Local representative needed

No, but recommended

Registration procedure

In Montenegro, once the VAT threshold is surpassed, businesses are required to complete the VAT registration form within a 20-day period in the subsequent month.

List of digital and electronic services liable for tax

Computer programs, apps, video games
E-books
Music downloads
Movies and TV shows
Streaming services: Music, video, and other content
Cloud computing
Web hosting
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Online advertising

Penalties

Fines: For late filing, incorrect filing, or non-filing of VAT returns.
Interest charges: On unpaid VAT amounts.
Legal sanctions: In cases of severe non-compliance, legal actions might be taken.

Registration threshold

EUR 30.000 USD 32.752

Filing interval

Monthly

Filing deadline

By the 15th day of the following month

E-invoicing requirements

Not mandatory

Record keeping

You must keep your business records in Montenegro for 5 years.

These records should include:

Invoices
Receipts
Bank statements
And other financial documents.

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Navigating VAT Compliance Requirements: Key Considerations for SaaS Businesses

In Montenegro, businesses are required to file VAT returns on a monthly basis. These returns must be submitted and the corresponding VAT payments made by the 15th day of the following month. To ensure compliance, meticulous record-keeping is essential. Businesses must retain all relevant financial documents, including invoices, receipts, bank statements, and other supporting documents, for a period of five years. While e-invoicing is not mandatory in Montenegro, it can streamline the record-keeping process and enhance compliance efficiency. Consulting with tax professionals throughout the process can prove invaluable, ensuring that your business adheres to all regulations and avoids potential penalties for non-compliance.

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Optimizing VAT Management for Your SaaS Business: Best Practices and Considerations

Managing VAT compliance can be complex, especially for SaaS businesses operating across different jurisdictions. To ensure accuracy and efficiency, consider investing in automated tax software that can handle VAT calculations and filings automatically. Staying updated on any changes in VAT regulations is also crucial. Additionally, clearly communicating your VAT obligations to customers can help manage expectations and prevent any misunderstandings. By employing these best practices and consulting with experienced tax professionals, you can ensure that your SaaS business operates seamlessly within the VAT framework of Montenegro, minimizing risks and maximizing financial efficiency.

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