What is the difference between cookies and local storage?
A cookie is information saved by your browser that can be sent back to a website when you visit. Local storage also keeps information on your device, but its contents are not automatically included in requests sent to the server.
On calcul-tva.be, the theme code uses local storage. Cookie rules also cover certain similar technologies: the name of the mechanism alone does not determine which choices are required. The Belgian Data Protection Authority (French) explains this distinction and the consent rules.
What the calculator keeps on your device
Your explicit choice of light or dark mode is saved under the key calcul-tva-theme. This preference contains only your chosen display mode. It contains no amounts, email address or calculation history, and the website’s code does not send it to a server.
Without a saved preference, the website follows your system theme. Amounts and simulation lines are used for calculations on the open page; the website does not save these inputs in local storage or on the server.
Choosing dark mode does not save your simulation. You may see the same mode on your next visit without the website having kept the amount you calculated.
| Item | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Light or dark mode | Restore your display preference. | In local storage until you change the preference or delete the website’s data. |
| Entered amounts and lines | Calculate and display the current simulation. | On the open page, without a history saved by the website. |
| Copied result | Copy amounts at your request. | On the clipboard, depending on how your device works. |
| Exported CSV file | Keep a copy of the simulation. | In the downloaded file until you delete it. |
Google AdSense and advertising consent
Calculation pages and guides load Google AdSense. Loading it may send technical data to Google, including your IP address and information about the page visited. This third-party connection is separate from the calculations in your browser. The Cookies and Privacy pages do not load AdSense.
The calculator itself does not add any ad placements. Google Analytics measures visits to all pages, including Cookies and Privacy. Analytics cookies are denied by default; measurement signals without cookies may be sent to Google. Google Consent Mode adjusts storage when Analytics choices are available. The calculator does not send any entered amounts to Analytics. Google manages advertising choices: when its banner appears, it offers options to accept, refuse and manage settings. Visiting the page or using the calculator does not mean you have accepted advertising cookies.
To change your choices, use Privacy choices in the footer of a calculation page or guide. If the Google interface is unavailable or does not apply to your visit, the link takes you to this information section rather than to a setting that does not work. The calculator remains independent of your advertising choice.
Any Google cookies and data processing depend on the services and choices activated. You can read Google’s information on how it uses cookies and its privacy policy. Technical data related to hosting and information you voluntarily send by email are described in our privacy policy.
Copy, export or share a simulation
Copying a result uses your device’s clipboard at your request. Exporting to CSV creates a file that you choose to keep. These actions do not send the simulation to the website’s server. Your device may, however, share or synchronise the clipboard according to your own settings.
In the VAT laboratory, a sharing link may contain simulation values in its fragment, after the # character. The browser does not send this fragment to the server when requesting the page. The values remain visible to anyone who receives the link and may appear in the browser history or in the application used to send it.
Before sending a link or an exported file, check the amounts and any descriptions it contains. Avoid including information you do not wish to share.
Delete your data or ask a question
To remove your theme preference, open your browser’s privacy settings, find the website data for calcul-tva.be and delete it. The wording varies between browsers. This may also remove other data stored for this domain.
- Reloading a page ends the simulation managed by the website; your browser may use its own restore or autofill features.
- Deleting website data does not remove a CSV file you have already downloaded. You can delete that file separately on your device.
- Your browser settings let you view and manage third-party cookies, including any associated with Google.
For a question about data, or to report a difference between this page and your experience, email hello@calcul-tva.be. You can also find useful information on our contact page.