What is a VAT identification number (VAT ID)?

The VAT ID is a unique identifier for businesses within the EU that participate in intra-community trade. It is issued by the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) and in Germany always starts with "DE" followed by 9 digits.

Why do I need to verify a VAT ID?

For intra-community deliveries (B2B), you must verify your business partner's VAT ID to claim the tax exemption. Without a valid VAT ID, you must charge and remit VAT.

How do I apply for a VAT ID in Germany?

You can apply for the VAT ID online at the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt). The application is free. You will need your tax number from the tax office. Processing usually takes 1-2 weeks.

What is the difference between tax number and VAT ID?

The tax number is issued by the local tax office and is used for national taxation. The VAT ID is issued by the BZSt and is valid EU-wide for intra-community trade. For invoices within Germany, the tax number is sufficient; for EU business, you need the VAT ID.

How do I officially verify a VAT ID?

Official verification is done through the VIES system (VAT Information Exchange System) of the EU Commission or through the BZSt. Our tool checks the format - for legally binding confirmation, please use the official services.

Is format verification sufficient?

No, format verification is only the first step. It confirms that the number has the correct structure. For business transactions, you should always perform a qualified confirmation query through the BZSt to verify name and address.

What is a qualified confirmation query?

In a qualified confirmation query, in addition to the validity of the VAT ID, the name and address of the company are also verified. This is only available through the BZSt and is important for documentation during tax audits.

Do I need to document the verification?

Yes, for intra-community deliveries, you should document the VAT ID verification (time, result). In case of a tax audit, you can prove that you have fulfilled your due diligence obligations.

What happens if I don't verify a VAT ID?

If you don't verify the VAT ID for an intra-community delivery and it turns out to be invalid, you cannot claim the tax exemption. The tax office can subsequently demand VAT plus interest.

Can I check multiple VAT IDs at once?

Yes, our tool offers a batch mode. Switch to the "Batch Check" tab and enter multiple VAT IDs (one per line or comma-separated).

Free Online Tool

VAT ID Checker

Name: Clever Invoice — E-Invoice via WhatsApp & AI
Brand: Clever Invoice
Availability: InStock

Validate VAT identification numbers from all 27 EU countries - individually or in batch.

Enter VAT ID

Quick test:

Important note

This tool only checks the format of the VAT ID. For legally binding confirmation, please use:

EU VIES SystemorBZSt Query

100% freeNo registration27 EU countriesBatch checkPrivacy compliant

Tax Number vs. VAT ID

When do you need which number?

Feature	Tax Number	VAT ID
Issued by	Local tax office	Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt)
Format (Germany)	XXX/XXX/XXXXX or XX/XXX/XXXXX	DE + 9 digits
Validity scope	National (Germany)	EU-wide (27 countries)
Usage	Domestic business & tax returns	Intra-community trade (B2B)
Required on invoice	For domestic invoices (alternative to VAT ID)	For EU business (reverse charge)
Application	Automatic with business registration	Extra application at BZSt required
Costs	Free	Free

Apply for VAT ID – How it works

Get your own VAT ID in 4 simple steps

Prerequisites

You need a valid tax number from the tax office and must be registered as a business in Germany.

Online Application

Apply for the VAT ID online at the BZSt or via the ELSTER portal of your tax office.

Processing

Processing usually takes 1-2 weeks. You will receive your VAT ID by mail.

Ready to use

Use your VAT ID on invoices for EU business and in your website imprint.

VAT ID Formats for All EU Countries

Overview of valid VAT identification number formats

What is a VAT ID?

EU-wide Validity

The VAT ID is valid in all 27 EU member states and enables tax-free trade between businesses (B2B).

For Businesses Only

The VAT ID is only issued to businesses that wish to participate in intra-community trade.

Tax Exemption

With a valid VAT ID, intra-community supplies can be invoiced without VAT (reverse charge).

When do I need to verify a VAT ID?

Intra-community Deliveries

When selling goods to businesses in other EU countries

Reverse Charge Procedure

When providing services to EU businesses

New Business Partners

Before the first collaboration with EU customers

Regular Verification

For regular customers at least once a year

Documentation Requirement

For intra-community deliveries, you should document:

Time of verification
Result of the confirmation query
Name and address (qualified query)
Confirmation number from BZSt

Tip: Clever Invoice automatically documents VAT ID checks when entering customers.

Frequently Asked Questions about VAT IDs

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Clever Invoice automatically validates VAT IDs when entering customers and creates legally compliant invoices for EU trade.

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