How do I verify a VAT number is valid?
📋 Direct Answer
[Unverified] Figures may be out of date. Queued 2026-08-21 (uvq-vat-number-how-to-verify-en-F0-05). Check the official page: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/. Public compilation, not tax advice.
Check the official pageUse the EU VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) at ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies to verify EU VAT numbers. For UK VAT, use HMRC's online checker. For other countries, check with the national tax authority. Always verify before applying zero-rate B2B transactions.
🌍 Market-Specific Details
EU
Registration threshold: €10,000 cross-border sales
UK
Standard rate: 20%. Registration threshold: £85,000
Key Thresholds
📝 Step-by-Step Guide
Prerequisites
- •EU VIES Check
- 1
EU VIES Check - Step 1
Go to ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies
- 2
EU VIES Check - Step 2
Enter the VAT number (with country prefix)
- 3
EU VIES Check - Step 3
Click 'Verify'
- 4
EU VIES Check - Step 4
Check the response — valid numbers show company details
💰 Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| VIES (EU-wide) | Free | one-time |
| National tax authority databases | Free for most portals | one-time |
| Automated API verification (VIES API, third-party) | VIES API free; third-party €20–100/month | monthly |
| EU VIES Check | Free | one-time |
| Total Estimate | €20 – €100 | Varies by jurisdiction |
Applying reverse charge on an invalid VAT number leaves you liable for the VAT you should have charged
If the customer's VAT number is invalid, tax authorities will treat the transaction as B2C and hold you liable for the VAT amount plus penalties
🛡️ Prevention Steps
- ✓Always verify before applying reverse charge — VIES takes seconds
- ✓Store verification results with transaction records
- ✓Set up alerts for expired or revoked VAT numbers in your customer database
Item by Item
RequiredEU VIES CheckFreeInstant
- 1Go to ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies
- 2Enter the VAT number (with country prefix)
- 3Click 'Verify'
- 4Check the response — valid numbers show company details
Comparison
| VIES (EU-wide) | National tax authority databases | Automated API verification (VIES API, third-party) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best For | Verifying EU VAT numbers for B2B reverse-charge transactions | Verifying non-EU VAT numbers (UK HMRC, Swiss UID) or when VIES is unavailable | High-volume B2B sellers processing many transactions daily |
| Est. Cost | Free | Free for most portals | VIES API free; third-party €20–100/month |
Common Mistakes
❌ Not verifying customer VAT numbers before zero-rating
💥 Consequence: HMRC can disallow input tax deduction
✅ Fix: Verify all VAT numbers via VIES before applying zero rate
❌ Trusting customer-provided VAT numbers without verification
💥 Consequence: Liability for uncollected VAT
✅ Fix: Always verify VAT numbers independently, never just trust what customers tell you
Seller Paths
Occasional B2B sales (few per month)
- 1. Follow the steps for: Occasional B2B sales (few per month)
Regular B2B sales (daily transactions)
- 1. Follow the steps for: Regular B2B sales (daily transactions)
Selling to UK-based businesses
- 1. Follow the steps for: Selling to UK-based businesses
Next Steps
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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a professional for your specific situation.