EU VAT guide
Reverse charge VAT number check
A VIES check is commonly used before applying reverse-charge treatment to cross-border EU B2B transactions.
A VIES check is commonly used before applying reverse-charge treatment to cross-border EU B2B transactions.
What to verify
Confirm the buyer's VAT number, country, and business details before relying on reverse-charge handling.
Keep a record of the validation result and timestamp in the way your accountant or tax process requires.
Important caution
VAT Validate explains VIES responses but does not decide whether reverse charge applies to your transaction.
For edge cases, local rules, or audits, consult a qualified tax professional or the relevant tax authority.
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Related VIES guides
- Keep VIES validation recordsWhy finance teams keep evidence of EU VAT number validations.
- XI VAT number checkCheck XI VAT numbers and understand Northern Ireland VAT validation in VIES.
- Greece EL VAT numberWhy Greek VAT numbers use EL in VIES and how to enter them correctly.
- VIES not workingTroubleshoot VIES not working, unavailable member states, and failed VAT checks.
- UK VAT number checkWhy a GB VAT number returns nothing in VIES, how XI differs, and where a UK VAT registration is actually checked.
- VIES VAT checkerCheck an EU VAT number in VIES and understand what the response means.