Do you need a VAT number to sell art and crafts? Let’s clarify this
- Teo KayKay
- Feb. 3
- Reading time: 2 min
This is one of the questions I’m asked most often:“Can I sell my artwork without a VAT number?” “Do I need to issue a receipt or an invoice?”
The short answer is: It depends on how you sell. Now I’ll explain it to you in a simple, practical, and honest way.
Selling art every now and then ≠ making a living from art
First fundamental distinction.
👉 Special sales👉 Regular business
If this difference isn't clear to you, you risk getting confused (or making mistakes).
When a VAT number is NOT required
In Italy you don’t need a VAT number if:
sell occasionally,
you lack consistency,
you're disorganized,
you do not actively promote sales as a regular business activity.
Examples:
sell an illustration every now and then,
take part in an occasional exhibition,
Make a one-time sale to an acquaintance.
In such cases:
you don't give a receipt,
you don't issue an invoice,
but issue a receipt for occasional services.
⚠️ Warning: if this becomes a frequent occurrence, it is no longer occasional, even if the amounts are small.
When do you need a VAT number?
You need a VAT number when:
Sell with consistently,
Do you have a website, an e-commerce site, an Etsy shop, or regular trade shows?
actively promote your work,
do you want to live make a living from your art.
It's not just about how much you earn. What matters how you do it.
👉 If you sell as part of an organized business, the government you are considered self-employed.
Receipt or invoice? Let’s clear this up
It depends on who you are and and who’s selling.
If you do NOT have a VAT number
no receipt,
no invoice,
non-taxable receipt (one-time service).
If you have a VAT number
invoice (almost always),
A receipt is only needed in specific situations (physical store, checkout, etc.).
In the world of art and craftsmanship, craftsmanship is the norm.
Be careful with online platforms (Etsy, etc.)
This is where many people go wrong.
The platforms:
track sales,
report tax data above certain thresholds,
they are not “invisible.”
If you sell online on a regular basis, thinking you can stay “in the gray area” is an illusion.
It doesn't mean that inspectors will come to your home. But it does mean that sooner or later you’ll have to get things in order.
The real point (that nobody tells you)
The problem isn't the VAT number. The problem is putting things off out of fear.
If you want to turn your creativity into a career:
A VAT number isn't the enemy,
It is a tool.
In my book, I talk about it clearly, without scaring anyone, but without sugarcoating things.
In conclusion
If you sell your work occasionally, that’s fine: do your research and do things right. If you want to make a living from art, sooner or later getting a VAT number becomes a natural step.
It’s better to know beforehand than to pretend nothing’s wrong.
In the meantime, if you'd like to learn more:
👉 Buy my book on Amazonon – Turn Your Art into a Business
👉 If someone forwarded this article to you, sign up for the newsletter yourself via this link
Did you know that my guide is already helping hundreds of artists make money?
It’s a quick read—straightforward, simple, and practical—and it’s based on my real-life experience! As I always say: “The best investment we can make in ourselves is education!” You can find it exclusively on Amazon, and it’s packed with useful tips and strategies to help you turn your art into a full-time career!
