Our comprehensive guides cover everything you need to know about EU VAT compliance, from basic validation procedures to complex cross-border trading rules. Whether you are new to intra-community trade or looking to optimize your existing compliance processes, these resources provide practical guidance based on current EU regulations and best practices.
All guides are regularly updated to reflect changes in EU VAT law and national implementations. If you notice outdated information or have suggestions for new topics, please let us know.
Understand the VIES system, how national databases connect, and what validation results mean for your business transactions.
Complete reference for VAT number structures across all 27 EU member states plus UK and Northern Ireland.
Troubleshooting guide for when VAT numbers return invalid results. Common causes and solutions explained.
Essential guide to selling goods and services to businesses in other EU countries, including invoicing and documentation requirements.
How the reverse charge works, when it applies, and how to correctly account for VAT on intra-community transactions.
Detailed guides for major EU trading nations covering local VAT formats, registration procedures, validation quirks, and compliance requirements specific to each country.
Understanding USt-IdNr vs Steuernummer, German VIES limitations, and BZSt registration procedures.
French TVA numbers, SIREN relationship, and validation details for trading with French businesses.
Spanish NIF/CIF formats, ROI registration requirements, and why valid Spanish VAT numbers may not appear in VIES.
Italian Partita IVA format, codice fiscale differences, and e-invoicing requirements for Italian trade.
Dutch BTW numbers with B-suffix explained, OB numbers, and Netherlands-specific validation details.
Post-Brexit validation using UK Gov checker, Northern Ireland XI numbers, and Windsor Framework implications.
VAT validation is more than a simple check—it is a fundamental compliance requirement for businesses trading across EU borders. Understanding how the VIES system works, what validation results mean, and how to respond to different scenarios helps ensure your business meets its legal obligations while minimizing administrative burden.
The guides in this section explain the technical and procedural aspects of VAT validation. You will learn how VIES connects to national databases, why validation results vary between countries, and what documentation you should maintain for audit purposes. We also cover common problems that cause validation failures and provide systematic troubleshooting approaches.
Trading across EU borders involves more than just validating VAT numbers. Our cross-border guides cover the complete compliance picture, including invoice requirements, proof of transport, reverse charge accounting, and documentation standards. Understanding these rules helps you structure transactions correctly from the start rather than fixing problems after the fact.
The Quick Fixes 2020 directive significantly changed how businesses must handle intra-community transactions. Our guides explain these requirements in practical terms, focusing on what you need to do rather than legal technicalities. Whether you are selling goods, providing services, or both, you will find relevant guidance for your situation.
While EU VAT rules provide a common framework, each member state implements VAT differently. Local variations affect VAT number formats, registration procedures, validation response details, and compliance requirements. Our country guides highlight these differences for the EU's major trading nations.
These guides are particularly useful when you encounter validation issues or need to understand specific requirements for a new market. They explain local terminology, describe registration processes, and note quirks that may not be obvious from general EU guidance. For businesses with significant trading activity in particular countries, these guides provide essential context.
VAT regulations evolve continuously. The EU regularly updates rules to address changing business practices, close loopholes, and improve cross-border trade efficiency. Recent major changes include the One Stop Shop for e-commerce, expanded reverse charge rules, and stricter requirements for zero-rating intra-community supplies.
We update our guides when significant changes occur and maintain accuracy in all published content. However, VAT rules can be complex, and their application depends on specific circumstances. While our guides provide solid general guidance, we recommend consulting qualified tax professionals for advice on significant transactions or complex situations.
Beyond our guides, these official resources provide authoritative information on EU VAT:
For UK-specific guidance post-Brexit, refer to GOV.UK VAT resources.
Is there a VAT topic you would like us to cover in depth? We are always looking to expand our guide collection based on user needs. Contact us with your suggestions, and we will consider adding new guides on frequently requested topics.
