Product-Specific VAT Category Override

In a single restaurant there is no per-product VAT override. VAT is always controlled by the product's product group – the product editor shows VAT as read-only. Open a product and it simply says: "Moms styrs alltid av varugruppen — ingen egen moms på produkten." ("VAT is always controlled by the product group — no separate VAT on the product.")

This is deliberate: the product group is the single place where the VAT category is set. It keeps VAT predictable and impossible to get wrong on an individual product.

So how do I change VAT on a product?

You change it via the product group, not the product. Three routes:

1. Change the product group's VAT category – if the whole group should have a different VAT (see article 81). All products in the group follow along.
2. Move the product to another product group – if that specific product belongs in a group with the right VAT category.
3. Split the product group in two – if a subset of products needs a different VAT.

Common examples and how to solve them

Non-alcoholic grape juice in a wine group (25%) – the juice should be 12%/6%, not 25%. Solution: move the juice to your non-alcoholic drinks group, or create a dedicated "Non-alcoholic" group.

Cookbook in a merchandise group (25%) – books should be 6%. Solution: put the book in its own product group "Books" with the category "Other goods 6%".

Gift card as a menu product – gift cards are VAT-exempt at issuance. Create it as a gift card item (its own VAT logic) – it doesn't need a product group.

So where does per-product override exist?

Per-product VAT override only exists in the chain menu template (ChainMenuTemplate) – i.e. for chains that manage the menu centrally at chain level. There, a central administrator can set a deviating VAT category on an individual template product before it's rolled out to the restaurants. In the individual restaurant's product editor there is no such option.

When product group level isn't enough

If the majority of products in a group need a different VAT – split the product group into two separate groups. For example:

• Group "Wines" – all regular wines (25%)
• New group "Non-alcoholic wines" – grape juices and non-alcoholic alternatives (12%/6%)

It's cleaner, easier to maintain, and there's no risk of anyone missing a hidden deviation.

A single order line in the POS

If just one line on a specific order needs a different VAT (e.g. a corporate invoice where the customer wants uniform VAT), there's a per-line VAT override right in the POS – see the related article on changing VAT on a single order line. That's not the same as a permanent product setting.

Catering and VAT – a common misconception

"All catering products should be 6% – can I?" Not via the product. Catering food served at a corporate client is 12% (restaurant service), while delivered food is 6% (foodstuff). Use order format "Table"/"Delivery" and VAT is calculated correctly automatically.

Remember

• VAT is always the product group's – there is no separate VAT on the product in a restaurant
• If a product needs different VAT: change group, change the group's category, or split the group
• The five categories (Food/non-alcoholic drinks, Alcohol, Other 25%, Other 6%, VAT-exempt) cover all Swedish restaurant VAT
• Always verify in the POS that the right VAT is calculated on a test order