Overview

Amazon has added a live‑chat channel to its VAT Services on Amazon program, giving sellers instant access to tax‑compliance help inside Seller Central. The feature launched this week for EU and UK marketplaces, and it matters because it cuts response times from days to minutes for sellers juggling VAT registration, filing, and related queries.

Key Points

• Instant chat access — Enrolled sellers can type VAT questions into a chat window and receive answers within minutes, instead of waiting for email replies that can take 24‑48 hours.
• Multilingual rollout — The chat is initially available in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish, with additional languages still reachable via email or phone.
• Zero‑setup activation — The chat icon appears directly on the VAT Services dashboard; sellers do not need to create a separate account or install new software.
• Coverage of seven markets — The service supports VAT compliance for Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom.
• EORI assistance included — While chatting, sellers can also request help obtaining Economic Operators Registration and Identification numbers for both EU and UK customs.

How Live Chat Support Works

1. Open the chat widget — After logging into Seller Central, a seller clicks the “Live Chat” button on the VAT Services page. For example, a French‑based seller expanding to Spain sees the icon at the top right of the dashboard and launches the conversation.
2. Submit a specific query — The seller types a concise question, such as “What documentation do I need to file my first German VAT return?” The system routes the request to a tax‑compliance specialist partnered with Amazon.
3. Receive real‑time guidance — Within a few minutes, the specialist replies with step‑by‑step instructions and, if needed, shares a direct link to the relevant filing portal. In the same session, the seller can ask follow‑up questions, like how to correct a previously submitted return.