Check the validity of a VAT Number and receive a free PDF Print Out of the EU VAT VIES record of enquiry

Check an EU VAT Number

CharlotteWooning.com uses Valdit VAT Check
when exporting exclusive designer jewellery.

Image © CharlotteWooning.com

Checking the validity of an EC customer's VAT registration number *)

You should check the validity of the customer’s VAT registration number when zero-rating supplies to VAT registered customers in another Member State. Checks on the validity of a customer’s number should be made using the Europa website.

When making an enquiry on the Europa website you must identify yourself by entering your own VAT registration number and print out a record of the date and time that the enquiry was made and the result of the enquiry. If it later turns out that the customer’s number was invalid, you will be able to rely on the validation record as one element to demonstrate your good faith as a compliant business and to justify why you should not be held liable for any VAT fraud and revenue losses which occur.

*) Except from GOV UK VAT Notice 725: the single market

Valdit VAT Check explained

Valdit VAT Check makes the enquiry to the Europa VAT VIES service on your behalf. When making the enquiry, we create a free PDF print out of the results and send it to you by email:

You enter the VAT Number(s) for the enquiry

We'll run a quick check on the EU VAT VIES service

And tell you the results immediately

If you like to receive a PDF of the enquiry result, you provide your Company's VAT number and your Email address

We’ll make an official VAT VIES enquiry on your behalf

And send you a free PDF that you can keep for your records

Frequently asked Questions

Is this a free service?

This is free data validation service offered by Valdit. You’re allowed to use this services as much as needed for the purpose of handling zero rate supplies by your business.

Why are you offering this service?

We are offering this service as a showcase for our upcoming Valdit VAT Alert service. VAT Alert is a service for making automated enquiries to the EU VAT VIES system and maintain records of enquiry for you.

How do you use my information?

We need your VAT number to make the enquiry on your behalf. We are keeping record of your own VAT number and email address that you enter if you decide to receive a PDF print out of the enquiry we’ve made on your behalf. We will use this information to send you a notice when our VAT Alert service is launched.

What exactly is VAT VIES?

The EU VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) is a VAT information exchange system of the European Union. VAT VIES is the only official source for information on VAT identification numbers of companies from all Member States of the European Union. You should therefore always use data from this database. Valdit VAT Checks are always performed directly on the VAT VIES system. We therefore only consult the official source on your behalf.

Why perform a VAT number check?

A check by the tax authorities may show that the VAT number of a foreign customer is invalid. In such a case, you may still have to pay VAT on the goods or services that you have supplied without VAT. The tax authorities can also impose fines. You can prevent this by showing that you have checked your customer's VAT identification number prior to delivery. To do this, use a copy of the confirmation of the performed check. You will receive such a statement as a handy PDF file when performing the check via Valdit VAT Check.

Can I perform a VAT number check retroactively?

The EU VAT VIES system contains only current data. It is therefore not possible to perform a VAT number check retroactively. It is better to verify before invoicing whether your customer has a current VAT registration. This way you can avoid discovering that your customer has not provided a valid VAT number until filing VAT returns. In such a case, you will have to correct your invoices to still charge VAT. In the worst case, you will have to pay the VAT yourself. Timely control can therefore prevent a lot of hassle and costs.

For which countries can I perform a VAT number check via the Valdit VAT Check?

You can perform checks on VAT numbers from all countries that are members of the European Union. These are Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Czech Republic and Sweden. You can also check Northern Irish VAT numbers (starting with IX).

What are the consequences of Brexit?

As a consequence of Brexit, the validation of VAT numbers starting with 'GB' is no longer supported by Valdit. Also, customers that are using a 'GB' number cannot place any new orders currently. We are however capable of validating Northern Ireland VAT and EORO 'XI' numbers. We are working on a solution to re-add suppport for 'GB' numbers.