New VAT checking tool will replace VIES for UK businesses from 1 January 2021
21/12/20
The VAT Information System (VIES) operated by the European Commission allows users to verify the validity of a VAT number issued by any EU member state. With the UK leaving the EU, it will no longer be possible to check a UK VAT number using this tool after 31 December 2020.
If you want to check whether a UK VAT number is valid from 1 January 2021, you will need to use the new tool introduced by the government, which you can find here.
The new tool will be updated in real-time and gives the following information:
- the name and address of the business associated with the VAT number
- if requested when you made the search, evidence of when you checked the VAT number in case of a compliance visit.
The new tool only applies to UK businesses, and it will still be necessary to use VIES if you want to check the VAT number of an EU business.
If you would like to discuss the impact of Brexit on VAT, please call us on 020 7625 4545 or email us at info@mgr.co.uk
Warning: The above is merely general guidance and should not be relied upon as formal advice. The advice we give to each client will depend on their specific circumstances. We suggest you take professional advice before taking any action in relation to the issues discussed above.
