Check your VAT number VIES VAT number validation
No, invalid VAT number for cross border transactions within the EU
Since June 2019, companies registering for VAT have had to specify whether they wish for a “domestic only” or “intra-EU” VAT registration. The domestic only registration has helped speed up registration process for business seeking to register for VAT however, we have seen a number of instances where businesses are unaware of the need to include an intra-EU registration within their application. In particular we have noted many UK businesses applying for Irish VAT numbers on the basis of being a non-resident company with operations in Ireland and obtaining an IE VAT reg.
If the company is importing goods into Ireland for domestic only supply, then the domestic VAT registration is sufficient and they are charged Irish VAT at the point of importation of the goods into the EU. Thus the domestic VAT registration applies only if the company is importing goods into Ireland, storing and distributing them here and not further distributing outside of Ireland. However if your company is looking to use Ireland as a new trading base in dealing with EU customers this will not be an effective VAT number for EU wide trading. So check your VAT number.
If you get the above message on the VIES system then it is only a domestic VAT registration. This will cause issues if you are bringing goods into Ireland and then intending to export them to another EU country as you will need to apply for an intra-EU VAT number. It will be the exact same number but will need to be validated as otherwise your customers will get the above notice when the VAT number is checked for EU trading.
This causes an issue for your EU customers as you will not have issued a valid VAT invoice. We have helped a number of clients with this by amending their VAT registration and getting the option for intra-EU VAT registration. This requires additional information for Revenue which we can assist with.
If you would like to explore further options around your business, please contact us.
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