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EU, abroad & reverse charge · 5.6

How do I check a VAT ID?

Short answer

Before you invoice an EU company without VAT (Umsatzsteuer), you check its VAT ID (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer, USt-IdNr.) with the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern, BZSt). The request is free, online, and takes seconds. It protects you from having to pay the VAT yourself later.

Key points

  • Simple confirmation: shows whether the number is valid.
  • Qualified confirmation: additionally shows whether the name and address match the number. You should use this one.
  • The request is processed via the online portal of the Federal Central Tax Office. You will need your own VAT ID for this.
  • Save the result with the date alongside the invoice. Check regularly for regular customers.
  • If the number is invalid, invoice with German VAT or clarify the matter with the customer.

Legal basis

§ 18e UStG§ 27a UStG

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