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How can I validate the EU-VAT-ID?

The EU VAT identification number can be checked directly in Scope via the European Commission’s VIES service, or it can be manually marked as valid or as valid for domestic use.

Master Data > Partner > Tab: Registration IDs

In order to make the three options below available for your business partners, it is essential that your own EU VAT Reg.No. is entered in your own partner record.


1. Verify

For validating the EU VAT ID, Scope relies on an EU web service (VIES), which can also be accessed directly at http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/.

If the VIES service is temporarily overloaded, Scope displays the error message “Unknown error: MS_MAX_CONCURRENT_REQ” and validation is currently not possible. In this case, please try again later or use one of the manual validation options.

In the event of general technical problems with the VIES service, the error message “Read time out” appears. Here as well, please try again later or use one of the manual validation options.


You wish an automatic validation of the EU-VAT-ID by activating the option "Perform VIES check on invoice finish" - please contact the Scope Helpdesk to activate this option.

2. Manually mark as valid

Manual validation of EU-VAT-ID.
Result: EU-VAT-ID is set to still valid and no automatic validation.

3. Manually mark as valid for domestic use

Manual validation of EU-VAT-ID only for domestic use.
Result: EU-VAT-ID is set to valid and no automatic validation.

 

Listing of valid and invalid EU-VAT identification numbers

Settings > Scope Events

Select the filter VAT ID check Events Types.

en_VAT check_1

Invalid VAT result

Sometimes, the VIES validation may show a VAT number as invalid, even though the number is confirmed as valid by the provider of the VAT number. This usually happens when the VAT number hasn’t yet been activated for intra-EU (intra-Community) transactions, meaning that it can’t be used for cross-border invoicing within the EU.

 

Solution

In Scope there is a provision for this allowing a user the set the VAT number as valid for domestic use.
This will result in the following behavior:

  • Invoicing within the same country (partner on Invoice and branch are in the same country):
    ✅ Invoicing is allowed.

  • Invoicing across EU countries (partner on Invoice and branch are in different countries):
    ❌ Invoicing is blocked due to the VAT number not being valid for intra-EU use.