This is what happens in the video
The EU VAT registration number validation service in Business Central checks the VAT numbers you enter on customers against the official EU VIES database. When you type a VAT number, the service tells you whether it matches a valid registered company. The service is enabled by default in standard setup.
The service also verifies the name and address tied to the VAT number. If your customer’s details differ from what the database returns, Business Central can correct them automatically when you allow it.
You manage the service from the EU VAT Registration Number Validation Service Setup page. There you can enable or disable the validation and review VAT numbers that did not pass the check.
How the EU VAT registration number validation works in Business Central
When you enter a VAT registration number on a customer, the service checks it against the EU VAT registration number validation database. If you type a number in a valid format for the customer’s country, for example Denmark, and the database does not find a match, Business Central tells you straight away that there was no match. You confirm the message and move on.
This means you do not have to look up VAT numbers manually on an external site. The check happens directly in the customer card as you work.
Validating the company name and address
The validation does more than confirm that a number exists. When you enter a valid VAT registration number that you received from your customer, the service also tests the name and address against what the official database holds.
If the details on your customer do not match, Business Central can correct the name and address for you. You decide whether to allow this correction, so you stay in control of the data on the customer card.
Setting up and controlling the service
You find the configuration on the EU VAT Registration Number Validation Service Setup page. This is a standard setup that controls all the VAT number checks. It includes a homepage that manages the validation, and you can enable or disable the service from here. In the standard setup it is already enabled.
The setup also gives you a view of VAT registration numbers that are invalid or not yet verified, so you can keep track of which customer records still need attention.
Q&A
Is the EU VAT registration number validation service enabled by default in Business Central?
Yes. In the standard setup the service is already enabled, so the validation runs without extra configuration.
What happens if I enter a VAT number that the database does not recognise?
Business Central tells you that it did not find a match for the number in the EU VAT registration number validation database. You confirm the message and can then review the number among your unverified VAT registration numbers.
Can the service correct a customer’s name and address?
Yes. When you enter a valid VAT registration number, the service tests the name and address against the official database. If they differ, Business Central can correct them, but only if you allow it to.
Where do I enable or disable the validation?
On the EU VAT Registration Number Validation Service Setup page. From there you control all VAT number checks and can turn the service on or off.