As of January 1, 2015, Albania requires non-resident entities like Twilio Inc. dba SendGrid & its affiliates (hereinafter, “Twilio SendGrid”) to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) for any Electronically Supplied Services (“ESS”) sold to non-registered VAT customers located in Albania. Twilio will begin collecting this VAT starting in July 2026 . This guide covers how Twilio charges VAT and what services are taxable.
The Albanian General Tax Directorate (Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Tatimeve - DPT) passed legislation (Law No. 92/2014 “On Value Added Tax”) requiring non-resident entities selling digital services to collect and remit a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) on its sales to non-registered VAT customers located in Albania. Non-residents are only required to apply VAT on Business to Customer (B2C) transactions. Business to Business (B2B) transactions will not be charged VAT if a valid VAT number and a supporting verification screenshot is provided by the B2B customer.
E-Tax Shqipëri - Value Added Tax (VAT) Overview for Albania The E-Tax Shqipëri site is the official online tax portal run by the Albanian DPT. In Albania, it is possible for a business to have a valid business tax ID (NIPT/NUIS) but not be actively registered for VAT purposes. Because of this, Twilio cannot give an exemption based on a VAT number alone; we must verify that your business is actively registered for VAT in the official E-Tax Shqipëri registry. To confirm your B2B status, please send a screenshot of your "E-Tax Shqipëri" registration page (showing your NIPT and "Registered for VAT" status) to taxhelp@twilio.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Twilio SendGrid start charging VAT in Albania?
Twilio SendGrid will begin collecting VAT on services sold to customers located in Albania starting in July 2026.
How can I be tax exempt for VAT?
B2B customers with a valid VAT number will not be taxed on our end. However, B2B customers are still responsible for the VAT and should self-assess the VAT through the reverse charge mechanism on their Albania VAT return.
I am a business, but do not have a VAT number. I am not required to register for VAT since my business falls under the required sales threshold for registering.
The VAT laws for nonresidents are designed to capture VAT from B2C consumers and from B2B consumers that fall under the sales threshold. Unless a B2B customer can provide a valid VAT number, they will be considered a B2C and the transaction will be subject to tax. Non-residents are not required to tax B2B customers with valid VAT numbers since B2B customers are supposed to self-assess the VAT on their end.
How do I enter my VAT number?
B2B customers can enter their tax ID number in the “VAT Number” field in the Account Details Page.
Unless your business details are provided, the tax invoice will not be fully compliant and you may not be able to deduct the VAT imposed.
A valid Albanian NIPT (Numerical Identification of Taxable Person) typically follows a format such as J12345678L. You need to be registered for VAT purposes in order to be exempt.
How is VAT determined?
VAT is applicable based on the type of products or services that are purchased. We have determined that most of Twilio Sendgrid’s products & services are subject to VAT.
Please ensure your service address is up to date in the Account Details Page for correct taxation.
What rate is VAT charged in Albania?
Twilio SendGrid's services will be subject to the 20% VAT rate as determined by the Albanian General Tax Directorate (Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Tatimeve - DPT).
I forgot to enter my VAT number, but am a VAT registered B2B customer - can I request a refund?
If you are a B2B customer with a valid TIN number in Albania, please contact our Support team for a credit of the VAT amount charged within 90 days of the initial charge.
Where can I see the VAT charged on my Invoice?
You can see the VAT amount charged in the Tax Summary section of your invoice. Your invoice will continue to show subscription charges, usage and taxes in the same currency as before.