How do I configure multiple tax rates for my catalogue?
If your product catalog includes items subject to different VAT rates (for example, 20%, 10%, or 5.5% in France), you must apply tax overrides using manual collections in Shopify.
What is a tax override?
A tax override in Shopify allows you to apply a specific VAT rate (for example, 5.5% instead of the standard 20%) to a defined group of products.
This is done by:
Creating a manual collection
Assigning products to that collection
Applying a tax override to that collection
⚠️ Important: Automatic collections cannot be used for tax overrides. Only manual collections are supported.
Step-by-step: configuring multiple tax rates in your Shopify store
1. Create a manual collection for the tax rate
In Shopify Admin, go to Products → Collections
Click Create collection
Under Collection type, select Manual
Assign a clear name, such as:
TVA 5.5%
TVA 10%
Reduced VAT 5.5%
(Optional) Hide the collection from sales channels:
Under Collection availability, click Manage
Uncheck any channels where the collection should not be publicly visible
The tax override will still apply even if hidden
Click Save
2. Add products to the collection
Once the collection is created:
Option A: Add multiple products
Inside the collection, click Browse
Select the products that should have this VAT rate
Click Done
Option B: Add individually
Go to Products → All products
Open the relevant product
In the Collections section, add it to the appropriate manual collection
Ensure Charge tax on this product is enabled (if applicable)
3. Apply the tax override
Go to Settings → Taxes and duties → European Union
In Tax rates and exemptions → Product overrides, click Add override
Configure:
Destination zone: France
Collection: Select the manual collection you created
Custom tax rate: Enter the correct VAT percentage (e.g., 5.5%, 10%)
Click Save
Verify that taxes are applied correctly
Create a test order containing a product included in the collection.
During checkout, Shopify should automatically apply the tax rate defined in the override.
What happens if taxes are not configured correctly in Shopify?
If you operate in France and use Comply for NF525-compliant POS operations, correct VAT configuration is essential.
Under NF525 requirements, POS systems must ensure:
Accuracy of tax calculations
Integrity of transaction data
Traceability of applied VAT rates
If VAT rates are incorrectly configured in Shopify:
Receipts may display incorrect VAT rates
Tax breakdowns may be inaccurate
NF525-compliant fiscal archives may contain incorrect VAT data
You may generate non-compliant accounting records
In the event of a tax audit by the French authorities, incorrect VAT configuration could:
Lead to discrepancies between reported VAT and collected VAT
Require corrective accounting entries
Create compliance risks
📌 It is the merchant’s responsibility to ensure that VAT rates applied in Shopify reflect the correct legal rate for each product category.
If you are unsure which VAT rate applies to your products (20%, 10%, 5.5%, or exemptions), consult your accountant or tax advisor before configuring tax overrides.