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.
Validating VAT numbers at volume?
Join the batch/API list for CSV validation, retries, audit exports, and developer access.
Related VIES guides
- Keep VIES validation recordsWhy finance teams keep evidence of EU VAT number validations.
- XI VAT number checkerCheck 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.
- VAT VIES UK check: GB vs XINeed a VAT VIES UK check? Use VIES for XI Northern Ireland VAT IDs and HMRC for GB registrations, with steps for each.
- VIES VAT checker: check an EU VAT numberCheck an EU VAT number against VIES, see a valid, invalid or unavailable result, and download a dated record. Review company details when the member state provides them.