Help & Frequently Asked Questions

Our Smart Gateway detects the Member State code in the first two characters of the VAT number. If the code is GB or XI, we route the query to HMRC. For all other EU prefixes (DE, FR, IT, NL, etc.) we query the European Commission's VIES system. You never need to manually select a country.

Switch to the Bulk Check tab and paste multiple VAT numbers separated by new lines — one per line. The system concurrently verifies all numbers and produces a single consolidated Audit Report. You can also upload a .csv file directly.

After Brexit, cross-border B2B supplies between the UK and EU are generally subject to the Reverse Charge mechanism. When we detect a cross-border result, we flag it automatically so you can correctly zero-rate the invoice and include the statutory wording.

HMRC and tax authorities may ask you to prove you verified a customer's VAT status at the time of the transaction. Every PDF report includes a cryptographically secure UTC timestamp and an internal reference number as audit evidence.

We do not cache VAT statuses. Every request is passed in real-time to the official government register at the exact moment of your query. The data is 100% as accurate as the official HMRC or VIES database at that instant.

When you select B2B transaction type and choose different Supplier and Customer countries, the calculator automatically applies a 0% VAT rate and flags the Reverse Charge rule. The receiving business in the destination country self-assesses the local VAT.

For B2C (consumer) cross-border digital services, the Reverse Charge does not apply. Instead, you must charge the consumer's local VAT rate (e.g. 23% for Ireland). This is typically managed via the EU One Stop Shop (OSS) scheme, which allows a single quarterly return instead of registering in every EU country.

The calculator is optimised for digital services, software, and consultancy. Physical goods may attract different rates (e.g. reduced or zero-rated for food, books, children's clothing in the UK). For goods, we also recommend checking the applicable Customs Tariff (HS) Code.

Net to Gross (Add VAT) means you start with the pre-tax price and the calculator adds the VAT to arrive at the total invoice amount. Gross to Net (Remove VAT) means you start with a VAT-inclusive price and the calculator works backwards to show the net and VAT components separately.

An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is mandatory for any business importing or exporting goods between the UK and the EU, or making customs declarations. It starts with a country code (e.g. GB, DE, FR) followed by up to 15 digits.

Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) is a trusted trader status granted by HMRC or an EU customs authority. AEO-certified businesses benefit from simplified customs procedures, fewer physical inspections, and priority treatment at borders — reducing delays and costs significantly.

A Duty Deferment Account (DDA) allows UK importers to defer payment of customs duty, import VAT, and excise duty to a single monthly payment instead of paying at the point of import. It requires a bank guarantee and approval from HMRC.

UK businesses can apply for an EORI number through the HMRC online portal. The process typically takes 3–5 business days. If your EORI has been deregistered or contains an error, our Account Services expert network can assist with the reinstatement application.

All company data is sourced in real-time from Companies House, the official UK registrar of companies, under the Open Government Licence (OGL v3.0). The data includes registered address, officer details, filing history, charges, and insolvency status.

Direct EU company register integration is currently in closed Beta, planned for Q3 2026. In the meantime, you can verify a European company's VAT registration via our VAT Checker tool, which queries the official EU VIES system and returns the registered company name and address.

By entering your email, you will receive an alert whenever there is a significant change to the company's filing status, officer list, or registered address at Companies House. This is useful for monitoring suppliers, clients, or due diligence watchlists.

Active means the company is in good standing and trading. Dissolved means it has been struck off the register. Liquidation, Administration, or Receivership indicate formal insolvency proceedings are underway. Each status triggers specific contextual guidance on the profile page.

Yes. The Bulk Search tab (available on Pro and Enterprise plans) allows you to paste multiple company names or numbers, and export the results as a CSV file for due diligence or compliance reporting.

The Free plan gives unlimited access to all core verification tools. Pro (£29/month) adds bulk checks, clean PDF reports, company monitoring, and MTD templates. Enterprise adds unlimited volume, AML/PEP screening, API webhooks, and a dedicated account manager. See the full breakdown on the Account Services page.

Expert advisor sessions are available from the Pro plan. After subscribing, you can browse our network of accredited advisors (ACA, FCCA, CTA, ATT) and book a 30-minute consultation directly. vatcheck.tax acts as an introduction platform — the advisor conducts the session independently.

No. vatcheck.tax is an introduction-only technology platform. We do not provide regulated financial, legal, or accounting advice directly. All expert advisors are independently regulated by their own professional bodies (ICAEW, ACCA, CIOT, etc.) and hold their own professional indemnity insurance.

Yes, through our expert advisor network. Company formation services are delivered by HMRC-registered Trust or Company Service Providers (TCSPs). We can introduce you to the right expert for your jurisdiction and business structure.