EU VAT guide
Keep VIES validation records
Many finance teams keep a record of VAT number checks to support invoicing and tax-control review processes.
What to record
Useful evidence can include the VAT ID checked, country code, result, timestamp, returned name or address, and the source used.
If a consultation number is available in a specific workflow, store it with the validation evidence.
What this free checker does
VAT Validate lets you copy a result after a check, but it does not store a user history of VAT IDs in this MVP.
A future audit-export product should make retention explicit and configurable.
Validating VAT numbers at volume?
Join the batch/API list for CSV validation, retries, audit exports, and developer access.
Related VIES guides
- VIES VAT checkerCheck an EU VAT number in VIES and understand what the response means.
- EU VAT number validationValidate EU VAT IDs and learn when VAT checks matter for cross-border trade.
- VIES consultation numberLearn what a VIES consultation number is and when it can appear.
- VIES errors explainedUnderstand common VIES errors such as MS_UNAVAILABLE, TIMEOUT, and SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE.
- VIES service unavailableWhat to do when VIES or a national VAT registry is unavailable.
- Is VIES down?Check whether the VIES gateway appears reachable and learn what VIES downtime means.