Information about the Sales Tax identification number (VATIN)
What is a Sales Tax identification number?
A Sales Tax identification or registration number (VATIN) is a tax identifier used in goods transactions within the European Union. It is neccessary to have such a number in order for companies to buy goods from companies in other countries within the EU without having to pay Sales Tax in that country. Sales Tax is then only charged in the country where the goods are delivered to. The Sales Tax identification number helps tax authorities to keep track of this movement of goods.
What does a Sales Tax identification number look like?
A VATIN starts with a country-specific prefix that depends on which country you are registered in. This is followed by 8-12 characters which are mostly made up of numbers.
Where can I get hold of a VATIN?
Sales Tax identification numbers are obtainable from your local tax office.
Checking the VATIN
Please check that the customer data you gave us, including the Sales Tax identification number, corresponds with the information your local tax office already has. Delticom AG is required to give this information to the German tax authorities. If there are discrepancies in the information supplied, this could lead to unnecessary holdups.
The process to verify your Sales Tax identification number can take some time. Until we have the results, however, we are obliged to charge you Sales Tax on all your orders. After we have received positive news back from the authorities, we can then start to send you invoices without Sales Tax. We will also correct any invoices we have already sent you and of course, reimburse you with any Sales Tax you have already paid.