How to get a VAT ID number in Colombia?

[#1]

Hello, the last July Month I got a notification by UPwork in which I should provide an ID VAT TAX number of nine numbers. Despite of I have added my TIN number (Colombia NIT) in my case as natural individual I added my ID number.

And when I want add that same number into the space I read that the VAT ID is different to my NIT number.

I called to the DIAN but they said to me that they don't know what is an ID VAT, that I should ask to UPWORK. 

[#2]

Hi Estefany,

 I have requested the assistance of our team. One of our agents will reach out and assist you directly via a support ticket.

[#3]

Hi Joanne, 

Is it possible for you to create a ticket for me too? All 40 years old and younger Colombians will have the same problem! 

Thanks, 

L

[#4]

Forget it! I was able to complete it. It seems Upwork updated the platform, and now the VAT ID slot can be filled with IDs ranging from 9 to 13 digits.

[#5]

Hi Lucia, could you tell me what VAT ID you filled out? Is it the NIT number found in the RUT? I am facing the same problem as a Colombian citizen and Upwork is already charging me for VAT on my weekly payments.

[#6]

Hi. I have used my ID number plus a digit provided in the RUT document. In total, there were 9 digits, because my ID is old enough. Upwork has accepted that number. I think the problem arises when a person is young and have a new ID number with many digits

[#7]

Hi Piedad, I would like to know if you already have an answere about your question, cause I'm new at Upwork, and I have to fullfit that information.

Thank you for your attention

[#8]

The issue is that it seems that Upwork has a problem because some RUTs have 10 digits. The input should accept 9-11 digits (for verification digit).

[#9]

Hey guys!

Any updates regarding this? Because im having the same problem. My VAT number would be 11 digits as well and im worried i might not be able to get any money out if i apply for anything. Is there a way to create a ticket for this issue?

[#10]

Hello everyone, today February 6, 2024 the platform still does not support the 11 digit RUT as in my case. I do not know if someone has not made it clear to the moderators of Upwork that the VAT identification number is linked to the DNI of each person and an additional number is added for tax purposes. Therefore currently the tax identification number of each person is x.xxx.xxx.xxx.x being the last one the one that defines either the economic activity or another reason.

Could Upwork please adapt this?

[#11]

Whats happen if i would enter that i dont have a VAT ID?
Is it neccesary to retire the bills?

[#12]

Hi Andres Felipe,

Colombia requires Upwork to collect value-added tax, or VAT, and remit the tax to the government of Colombia if we do not have a valid VAT ID on file for you. VAT is a tax on goods or services, including our services, to you, and remit means to send money for a payment.

If you provide a valid VAT ID to Upwork, we will not have to collect this tax from you. Please get in touch with your Tax Authority and ask if they provide a 9-digit VAT Number. If yes, you can use that for the VAT section of your Tax Information.

You can enter or edit your VAT ID in your account's Settings > Tax Information. Let us know if you need further assistance afterward; we'll look into that for you.

[#13]

There is a problem with the quantity of digits for add Colombian VAT. Here is our National ID + 1 number.
Is the same number than TIN.
Colombia tax authority’s doesnt provides any differente number or code.
Please let me know what i can do because i dont have to pay that 19% tax. 

Thanks

[#14]

Thank you for your response and confirmation Andres Felipe,

I’ve escalated your community post to a support ticket to give your case the attention it deserves. One of our agents will be in touch with you soon to assist.

[#15]

Hello ArjayM.

I have the same exact problem. Could you guys help me too? I cant use upwork because of this issue

[#16]

Hi Mateo,

We saw your post in the community and converted it into a support ticket to give it the attention it deserves. Rest assured that one of our agents will be reaching out to you.

[#17]

Has this been resolved?

[#18]

Hello Valentina,

Thank you for your message. I understand that you'd like to know more about what to do if a freelancer does not have a VAT ID in Colombia. Please note that if you are residing in Colombia, the VAT ID is different from your Tax Identification Number (TIN).  You may get your VAT ID from your government by registering for VAT in Colombia.  It has 10 alphanumeric characters starting with a number and ending with a letter.  Here's a sample Colombia VAT ID:
 

• 012345678A

 
For more details, please visit the Colombia tax authority's website here.  Since we are unable to provide tax advice, I recommend reaching out to a local tax expert or tax professional for further assistance regarding this matter.
 

[#19]

Hello, 

Is there any updates on this issue? 
Thank you! 

[#20]

Hi Jessica,

I see that you've completed your Tax Information. Could you clarify if you need assistance with this?

[#21]

Hi Jessica do you have any update about this issue? How do you completed the tax information? Thanks

[#22]

Hello Andres, I was looking for an answer in this forum and no one replied, so I'll tell you what I did maybe this can help anyone reading.

I added my RUT number without the extra number, I just recieved an email from Upwork saying they verified my VAT ID, hope this helps

[#23]

.

[#24]

Hi Andres, 

I was also able to complete it. It seems Upwork updated the platform, and now the VAT ID slot can be filled with IDs ranging from 9 to 13 digits.

[#25]

Hello Everyone,

I'm from Colombia and I have encountered the same issue as my fellow countrymen. I have tried to analyze the options presented in this forum. I believe the best course of action for those of us who are not obligated to declare VAT in our country is to select the option: "I don't have a VAT ID." This way, you can withdraw your money from the platform without any issues. However, please note that selecting this option may result in a new cost being incurred in our transactions, known as "VAT," which is 19% over the Upwork commission and membership fee (if applicable). Nevertheless, I believe this is a legitimate tax obligation that we must fulfill.

If you choose the option "I have a VAT ID" and input your RUT, you will need to select the additional option that the platform requires: "I am VAT responsible (as reflected in my RUT document) and will self-assess VAT on Upwork’s services." This option is likely intended for individuals who are required to declare VAT, so I think is not the option for us.

I am not an expert in tax matters, but it may be prudent to review your specific situation with a tax professional to avoid any potential issues in the future. 🙂

Regards

[#26]

Hi Diana,

So, finally you decided select the option  "I don't have a VAT ID."?, Have you been working and getting paid succesfully since April?