HM Revenue & Customs

Why are VAT registration numbers rejecting?

From 1 January 2021 all lines of data must have VAT registration numbers which meet the recognised format for the country code entered.

If your customer's VAT registration number has been rejected please check the EU country codes and customer VAT number format to ensure it is in the correct format for the relevant Member State.

You can check the validity of VAT numbers for new customers or verify their name and address is correct. To do this follow the link to VAT number validation or you can contact the VAT Helpline.

If you have been advised by HM Revenue and Customs that a customer's registration number is invalid then you must not continue to use it to zero rate supplies to that customer.

Please note: For Call off stocks - If you are reporting a New Intended Acquirer then the new customer's VRN must meet the format of the EU Member State you have selected, or it will be rejected.