German Government cuts the VAT rate on Artwork Sales from 19% to 7%

The initiative reverses a 2014 decision when the tax benefit was removed for dealers following an EU directive. Currently, only direct sales made by artists are eligible for the reduced, 7% rate—beginning January 2025, this will be extended to gallery sales.

The Federal Association of German Galleries and Art Dealers (BVDG), which has long argued that the removal of the tax reduction created a competitive disadvantage in the market, welcomed the change. “Galleries are finally being treated the same as artistic creators and many other cultural businesses. This strengthens their competitiveness and prepares them for the future,” said a BVDG spokesperson in a statement.