For those who like figures...

Yazi

How to check a valid vat number


a) list vat number digits in a column
b) in the next column multiply by 8, then 7 etc, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2..
c) add the totals second column
d) take off 97 as many times as necessary to achieve a "negative" number
e) this total should be the last two digits.

:001_smile:

Monsoon

I'm geeky enough to have tried it

It doesn't work for me (and I used my own VAT number so I know it's right)

blobbyh

Or just validate it using the VIES website, essential for intra-EU supplies and services:

http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/lang.do?fromWhichPage=vieshome&selectedLanguage=EN

You should certainly be on that, Miss Pole?!

Yazi

It should work for you Monsoon..

e.g.
Vat number of a very well known phone provider. 245719348.

2 x 8 16
4 x 7 28
5 x 6 30
7 x 5 35
1 x 4 4
9 x 3 27
3 x 2 6

Total 146 less 97 twice = -48

4
8

MarkT

It should work Monsoon. I made a very basic excel file for this exact purpose last year as I was in a team of people searching out duplicate companies for a ftse 100 company last year. Checking their VAT numbers had not been done in over 7 years, so this was one trick I used :thumbup:

Monsoon

Ah Yazi, thanks, I didn't understand the instructions right and didn't do it like your example. It will probably work now.

And yes blobby, I've got that link too.

Geek that I am I like to know there is a pattern behind these and whether they are simple or hellishly complicated

Rozzi Rainbow

Haha this is brilliant I love it Our VAT number is certainly valid!