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    What Is VIES and Why Use It?

    What Is VIES and Why Use It

    ASB Editor

    Welcome to ASB Accounting Services Bulgaria – your reliable partner for accounting, tax, and business support in Bulgaria!

    How to Check If a Client’s VAT Number Is Valid in VIES

    When trading within the European Union, one crucial compliance step is verifying whether your client’s VAT number is valid. This is especially important when you’re applying the 0% VAT rate for intra-community supplies. Failing to confirm VAT validity may result in tax penalties or rejected invoices by the tax authorities.

    In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check a VAT number using the VIES system, step by step.

    What is VIES?

    VIES stands for VAT Information Exchange System, and it is a free online tool provided by the European Commission.

    Its purpose is to:

    • Allow businesses to verify if a VAT number is valid and registered for EU cross-border transactions.
    • Facilitate transparency and compliance within the single market.
    • Prevent fraud and errors in cross-border invoicing.

    It’s particularly useful for businesses trading goods or services between EU member states and issuing zero-rated VAT invoices.

    Where to Access the VIES Tool?

    You can access the official VIES VAT validation tool by visiting:

    👉 https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies

    📌 Important: Always ensure the website starts with ec.europa.eu to avoid scams or unofficial sources. Bookmark the page for easy access.

    How to Use the VIES Tool?

    Here’s how you can check a VAT number:

    1. Open the VIES website,
    2. Select the country that issued the VAT number from the dropdown menu,
    3. Enter the VAT number in the provided field (only digits – no spaces or special characters),
    4. Click the “Verify” button.

    The system will display one of the following results:

    • Valid – The VAT number exists and is registered for EU intra-community trade.
    • Invalid – The VAT number cannot be verified. This may be due to:
      • Typographical errors
      • The number not being registered for cross-border transactions
      • Temporary technical issues

    Optional: Verify Your Own VAT Number

    You also have the option to enter your own VAT number in a second field. Doing so will include your number in the verification, and the system will provide a unique reference code for the check.

    ✅ This is useful for:

    • Record-keeping
    • Audit preparation
    • Demonstrating due diligence in case of a tax review

    Why Is VAT Validation Important?

    Verifying your client’s VAT number is not just a best practice – it’s a legal obligation in many cases. Here’s why it matters:

    • ✅ It’s required to apply the 0% VAT rate on B2B transactions across EU borders.
    • ✅ It helps you avoid VAT penalties or disputes with tax authorities.
    • ✅ It ensures you’re dealing with a legitimate, VAT-registered business partner.
    • ✅ It protects your company from unintentional fraud or non-compliance.

    Taking a few seconds to verify a VAT number via VIES can save you from major headaches down the line. Make it a standard part of your invoicing process when working with clients across the EU.

    Thank you for choosing ASB Accounting Services Bulgaria – we’re here to support your business with compliance, clarity, and confidence.

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