VAT-Scan.com is a free online service dedicated to helping businesses validate European Union VAT identification numbers quickly and accurately. We provide instant access to VAT verification tools along with comprehensive guides explaining VAT formats, compliance requirements, and best practices for cross-border trade within the European single market.
Our service was created to address a common challenge faced by businesses trading across EU borders: the need for reliable, user-friendly VAT validation that does not require technical expertise or expensive software subscriptions. While the official VIES system provided by the European Commission offers validation capabilities, many users find its interface confusing and lack the contextual guidance needed to interpret results correctly. VAT-Scan bridges this gap by combining straightforward validation tools with extensive educational resources.
The mission of VAT-Scan is to democratize access to VAT compliance information and tools. We believe that every business, regardless of size or technical resources, should be able to verify their trading partners' VAT credentials and understand the regulatory framework governing intra-community trade. By providing free, accessible resources, we help level the playing field between large corporations with dedicated tax departments and small businesses managing compliance independently.
We are committed to presenting information accurately and impartially. Our content is researched using official European Commission publications, national tax authority guidelines, and established accounting literature. We update our resources regularly to reflect regulatory changes and maintain accuracy. However, we always recommend consulting qualified tax professionals for advice on specific situations, as VAT regulations can be complex and their application depends on individual circumstances.
VAT-Scan utilizes data from the official VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) operated by the European Commission. VIES aggregates VAT registration information from all 27 EU member states, providing a single point of access for cross-border validation. When you validate a VAT number through our service, we query the VIES system in real-time to retrieve the most current information available from national tax authority databases.
It is important to understand the nature and limitations of this data. VIES functions as a search interface rather than a centralized database. Each member state is responsible for maintaining its own national VAT register and making it accessible through VIES. The European Commission facilitates this data exchange but does not control the underlying information. Consequently, the accuracy and completeness of validation results depend on how well each country maintains its database and how promptly it updates records.
Some variations exist between countries regarding what information is available through VIES. Most countries provide the registered company name and address associated with a VAT number when validation is successful. However, certain countries, notably Germany, restrict the information returned due to data protection considerations. In these cases, VIES confirms only whether the number is valid or invalid without disclosing company details.
Validation results represent a snapshot of the information available at the time of the query. VAT registrations can change over time as businesses open, close, merge, or have their registrations suspended for various reasons. A number that validates successfully today may become invalid in the future, and vice versa. For critical transactions, we recommend validating VAT numbers close to the transaction date and documenting the validation result with a timestamp.
While VAT-Scan relies on VIES data, we offer several advantages over using the official VIES interface directly. Our service provides contextual information that helps users understand what validation results mean and how to respond to different scenarios. When a number returns as invalid, we explain possible reasons and suggest troubleshooting steps rather than simply displaying an error.
We also provide extensive educational content that VIES does not offer. Our guides explain VAT number formats for each country, describe registration requirements, and discuss compliance obligations under current EU law. This contextual information helps users not only validate numbers but also understand the broader regulatory framework affecting their cross-border transactions.
Our interface is designed for ease of use across devices. Whether you are at your desk or checking a number from your mobile phone while meeting a potential supplier, VAT-Scan provides a consistent, responsive experience. We have optimized our validation form for quick entry and clear result presentation, reducing the friction involved in routine VAT checks.
Our users come from diverse backgrounds but share a common need: reliable VAT validation and compliance information. The businesses and professionals who benefit most from our service include the following groups.
SMEs conducting cross-border trade within the EU represent our largest user group. These businesses often lack dedicated tax specialists and need accessible tools to manage VAT compliance independently. VAT-Scan helps them verify customer and supplier VAT numbers, understand invoicing requirements, and navigate the complexities of intra-community transactions without expensive professional consultations for routine matters.
Accountants, bookkeepers, and finance staff use VAT-Scan as a quick reference tool when processing invoices or preparing VAT returns. Our format guides and troubleshooting resources help them resolve validation issues efficiently and ensure their clients' records contain accurate VAT information.
Online sellers operating across multiple EU markets face particular VAT challenges. They must validate customer VAT numbers to determine whether B2B treatment applies and manage obligations under the One Stop Shop scheme. VAT-Scan provides the validation tools and explanatory content these businesses need to handle VAT correctly across their pan-European operations.
Purchasing professionals validating new suppliers appreciate the ability to quickly check VAT credentials as part of their vendor onboarding process. A valid VAT number provides initial assurance that a supplier is a legitimate registered business, supplementing other due diligence measures.
We respect user privacy and minimize data collection. VAT-Scan does not require user registration or store personal information beyond what is necessary for basic service operation. Validation queries are processed in real-time and are not logged against individual users. We use standard analytics tools to understand aggregate site usage patterns but do not track individual user behavior across sessions.
Our advertising is provided by Google AdSense, which uses cookies to display relevant advertisements. Users may opt out of personalized advertising through Google's ad settings. For complete details on our data practices, please review our Privacy Policy.
VAT-Scan provides information for general reference purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is complete, current, or error-free. VAT regulations are complex and subject to change, and their application to specific situations depends on individual circumstances that we cannot assess.
We are not affiliated with the European Commission, any national tax authority, or any government agency. Our service is independently operated and ad-supported. The validation results we display originate from the official VIES system, but we are not responsible for the accuracy of data maintained by national tax authorities.
Nothing on this website constitutes professional tax or legal advice. Users should consult qualified professionals for guidance on their specific VAT obligations and compliance requirements. Reliance on information from VAT-Scan is at the user's own risk.
We welcome feedback, questions, and suggestions from our users. If you have identified an error in our content, have a question about VAT validation, or would like to suggest improvements to our service, please reach out through our contact page.
For technical issues with the website, please include details about your browser, device, and the specific problem encountered. This information helps us diagnose and resolve issues more quickly.
Please note that we cannot provide personalized tax advice or answer questions about specific VAT situations. For such matters, we recommend consulting a qualified tax professional or your national tax authority.
