Atelier Rebul B2B Shopify Plus Case Study

Real-Time VAT Validation System

To streamline the VAT exemption process, we implemented a custom Shopify Functions-based VAT validation and exemption system, eliminating the manual back-and-forth. Here’s how it works:

1. Automated VAT Validation at Checkout

• We integrated a real-time VAT validation API that allows customers to enter their VAT number at checkout.
• The system automatically checks the validity of the VAT number before applying any exemption.
• Customers immediately see whether they qualify for VAT exemption or not.

2. Country-Specific VAT Exemptions

• VAT rates differ across Europe (e.g., 21% in the Netherlands, 23% in Portugal, etc.).
• Instead of dynamically changing product prices based on location, we applied VAT exemptions as a discount at checkout, keeping pricing uniform across countries.
• This ensures consistency in product pricing while still complying with tax regulations.

3. B2B Self-Serve Experience

• Customers no longer need to contact support for VAT refunds.
• They simply enter their VAT number, get validated, and proceed with a tax-free purchase instantly.
• If a business is not VAT-liable (e.g., some Belgian businesses), they have an option to tick a checkbox to proceed without exemption but still receive a VAT-compliant invoice.

4. Accurate Invoicing & Compliance

• VAT-exempt orders generate automated invoices reflecting the correct tax treatment.
• If a customer qualifies for VAT exemption, the invoice clearly states “VAT Reverse Charge”.
• If a customer is not VAT-liable, VAT is applied and displayed on the invoice correctly.

5. Smart VAT discount logic with Shopify Functions

• We implemented a custom Shopify Function that correctly applies the VAT exemption even when discount codes are used — a common edge case that’s often miscalculated in standard setups.
• The logic ensures VAT is applied after discounts are factored in, so the final invoice and tax treatment are fully compliant.
• To ship this quickly and without overcomplicating the setup, we used Supaeasy to handle the deployment of the custom function efficiently, but also making it easy to manage if new adjustments are needed.

Results & Impact

✓ Faster B2B Purchases

Businesses can complete VAT-exempt purchases instantly without manual intervention.

✓ Reduced Support Workload

Customer support no longer needs to process manual VAT refunds and issue corrected invoices.

✓ Increased B2B Conversion Rates

Removing friction from the buying process leads to more completed purchases.

✓ Tax Compliance Across EU Markets

The system dynamically applies VAT exemptions based on European tax regulations.

“It’s definitely helping efficiency, so a big win in this regard”, CEO at Atelier Rebul

By implementing an automated VAT exemption system, Atelier Rebul significantly improved their B2B purchasing experience while reducing administrative overhead. If you’re looking for a way to streamline VAT exemptions in your Shopify store, get in touch with us today!