Question about real estate agent commission? Get free advice!

Questioner

Good day, We want to sell our house, but now we receive an invoice from the real estate agent. 1.8% brokerage fee incl. VAT. When I look at the bottom of the invoice, 21% VAT is added to the amount. Is this allowed?

Lawyer

On a VAT invoice, the VAT amount due must be stated separately, so 1.8% brokerage excluding VAT and on a separate line the VAT amount due with mention of the percentage. Of course, VAT may only be charged once.

Questioner

Thank you for your response. Only I don't quite get it yet. There is 1.8% brokerage including VAT on the invoice. Then the total amount on which 21% VAT must be paid. We assumed that it would be a fixed amount, but do we still have to pay that 21% VAT?

Lawyer

If the contract of assignment that you have concluded with the broker states that 1.8% is inclusive of VAT, then the final amount must amount to 1.8%, the 21% VAT is then included in the final amount, but the broker must state this amount separately on the invoice.

Questioner

Thank you. I think everything is just right then. Thank you very much for your help.