Identifying a false VAT code.

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warwick5763
warwick5763 Registered Posts: 21 New contributor 🐸
in VAT
Hi, does anyone have the syntax for identifying a false VAT code.

I had it once where if you add up all the numbers, multiply it by 33 or something like that the result should equal the last two numbers which act as a checksum. If it doesnt add up you are probably looking at a false number. I read it once in Accountancy Age but cant find details of the current method on HMRC. Any help appreciated

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  • claudialowe
    claudialowe Registered Posts: 275 Dedicated contributor 🦉
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    Here goes - it is brilliant!!

    Take the first seven digits (ie everything except the last 2)
    Underneath write:

    8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2

    Multiply one by t'other ie

    VAT number 1234567
    8765432 gives (1 x 8) + (2 x 7) etc etc.

    Add all the numbers up to say 200. You then take away 97 as many times as required to get to a negative number. That negative number should be the final two digits of the VAT number.

    The other way of checking is to go to :
    [URLhttp://http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/vieshome.do?selectedLanguage=EN[/URL]

    This will tell you whether a VAT number is currently in issue. The sad git method just tells you whether it is a possible VAT number.

    Claudia
  • warwick5763
    warwick5763 Registered Posts: 21 New contributor 🐸
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    thanks very much, as you say the EU website is the best way. This settles a question where the VAT number did match the syntax however the EU site confirmed it was invalid.
  • claudialowe
    claudialowe Registered Posts: 275 Dedicated contributor 🦉
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    Feel free to pm me if you have got a problem.

    Claudia

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