About VAT (moms) in Sweden
VAT (moms) is a consumption tax that’s added to many goods and services. In Sweden, the most common VAT rates are 25%, 12%, and 6%.
This article explains how VAT works and how to use the calculator to add or remove VAT correctly.
Food VAT changed on 1 April 2026
From 1 April 2026, food and takeaway meals in Sweden normally carry 6% VAT. Food and drink supplied as a restaurant or catering service remain at 12%. What matters is not only the product: table service, washing-up, crockery, and access to a restaurant-style area can make the sale a service.
For example, a loaf bought to take home from a café normally has 6% VAT, while coffee and a pastry eaten at the café’s table normally have 12%. The temporary food VAT reduction runs through 31 December 2027.
Net vs gross (the most common confusion)
- Net amount: price excluding VAT.
- Gross amount: total price including VAT.
If you’re checking an invoice or setting a price, always confirm whether the amount is net or gross.
When do you add VAT?
Use Add VAT when you have a net amount (excl. VAT) and want to calculate:
- VAT amount
- Gross amount (incl. VAT)
This is common when setting prices for customers.
When do you remove VAT?
Use Remove VAT when you have a gross amount (incl. VAT) and want to extract:
- VAT amount
- Net amount (excl. VAT)
This is common when you receive a total price and need the VAT part for bookkeeping.
Practical tips
- Choose the correct VAT rate for the good/service you’re working with.
- Some areas can be VAT-exempt (for example parts of healthcare and education). If VAT does not apply, the calculator is not needed.
- Rounding matters on invoices—treat the calculator as a clear estimate, then match your invoice rounding rules.