Do I need to prove I have checked VAT number

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S

scott14

  • #1
    Hi

    We have started receiving orders from EU compaines of late. Most of the orders are over £500. I check each VAT number on-line using the EUROPA website VAT number checker.

    My question is - If so in the future I my accountants are looked at - do I need to prove that I have checked each number IE print the validation screen from EUROPA or me saying that I have checked each number would suffice ?
     
    S

    scott14

  • #3
    Yes I'm aware of the EC sales list,

    but If I'm making regular sales to EU companies >£500 am I required to keep records of me checking the VAT numbers (before zero rating) prior to making the sale

    "So you do not need to prove you checked them you just need to make sure they are correct"

    Isnt that the same think making sure they are correct and checking them thou ???
     
    Upvote 0
    andygambles

    andygambles

    Free Member
    Jun 17, 2009
    2,616
    687
    Scarborough
  • #6
    You do not need evidence that you checked them. But you need to make sure they are correct. How you check them is up to you. Believe your customers and wait for the EC list rejection or perform checks before submitting your EC sales list.

    Proving you checked it doesn't matter. You just have to complete the sales list correctly.
     
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    I

    ian-d

    Free Member
    Mar 7, 2011
    135
    8
  • #7
    Agreed, retaining evidence isn't a requirement, just recommended for any customers are you unsure of, or that EUROPA doesn't give much information for. Just make sure you check their validility each time online in case their VAT status has changed.
     
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    T

    tester1

    Free Member
    Mar 17, 2011
    1
    0
  • #8
    Recently, we had an order from an existing EU customer and, for some reason, I decided to check the VAT number he provided. It came up as invalid. So I asked the guy why it was coming up as invalid and he then said that the structure of his business had changed and he was nolonger VAT registered. His VAT number had been accepted without problems for the ECSL the last time he had ordered. So he was trying to pull a fast one and I guess I was lucky to have caught it.

    Lesson learned ... I now check all VAT numbers, regardless of how regular the customer is!
     
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