Standard 18.9% VAT. Calculate VAT-inclusive, VAT-exclusive, reverse VAT extraction, and multi-item invoice totals. Accurate 2026 DGI rates.
Calculate how much VAT the buyer withholds and remits to the tax authority on this transaction.
The Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) applies a value-added tax known as Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée (TVA) at an effective combined rate of 18.9%, which includes the standard 18% TVA plus a 5% surcharge (centimes additionnels) on the base TVA amount. As a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), Congo follows the regional TVA framework. The base TVA rate was set at 18% following CEMAC harmonization directives. Certain goods and services are exempt, including basic food products, medical and pharmaceutical supplies, educational services, agricultural inputs, and financial transactions. Exports are zero-rated. The Direction Générale des Impôts et des Domaines (DGID) administers TVA collection. Businesses with annual turnover exceeding XAF 60 million must register for TVA. Monthly returns must be filed by the 15th of the following month. As an oil-producing nation, Congo has been working to diversify its revenue base beyond petroleum, making TVA collection increasingly important. The government has invested in modernizing tax administration, including electronic filing systems. Input TVA credits can be offset against output TVA, with refund provisions for businesses with excess credits, though processing times can be extended.
The effective rate of 18.9% combines the standard 18% TVA with a 5% surcharge (centimes additionnels) on the TVA amount: 18% + (18% × 5%) = 18.9%. The surcharge funds local government activities.
Businesses with annual turnover exceeding XAF 60 million must register for TVA with the DGID. Smaller businesses may fall under simplified tax regimes with different compliance requirements.
Exempt items include basic food products, medical and pharmaceutical supplies, educational services and materials, agricultural inputs, financial services, and certain diplomatic imports. Exports are zero-rated.
Monthly TVA returns must be filed by the 15th of the month following the tax period. Payment must accompany the return. The DGID has been introducing electronic filing to improve compliance and efficiency.
Yes, Congo is a member of CEMAC, which provides a harmonized framework for indirect taxation. The six CEMAC members coordinate on TVA principles, though each country retains some flexibility in setting specific rates and exemptions.