VAT verification can fail for a number of reasons.
Steps if your VAT verification fails:
1. Technical problem – try again
The most common problem is technical, as the VIES service is sometimes not accessible. Trying again after a few minutes might solve your problem (go to the gear icon (⚙) | TAX settings and click on the green Verify now button).
2. Check the VIES
If VAT verification is still unsuccessful, please check the VAT data for your company in the VIES, by choosing your country and entering your VAT number. Confirm the search by clicking on the Verify button.
Once you get the VIES information check your CargoX company account to see if you entered your VAT number correctly (exactly as it is shown in the VIES). If not, please change your company details on the CargoX Platform and press the Verify now button in the TAX settings again.
3. VAT number in VIES not showing company details - provide VAT certificate
If your VAT number is valid in VIES but lacks company details (such as company name or address), we cannot verify it without a VAT certificate. For some countries (Germany, Spain) this happens because the country decided not to publicly display company data in VIES.
If you would like to apply to be VAT verified in our system, please provide us with your VAT Certificate. The document must show your company name, address, and VAT number. It must be internationally readable – in English, or translated to English. Please send a clear and readable PDF document to support@cargox.io with the subject: VAT verification for (enter your company name).
4. VAT number not in VIES - contact your local tax authority
If your VAT number is not listed in the VIES database, we are unable to verify your company for VAT purposes. We recommend contacting your local tax authority to formally request the inclusion of your VAT number in the VIES database for cross-border validation. Once your number is listed, we will be able to proceed with the VAT verification process.
Info
VAT verification is optional and only applies to invoices for CargoX services and their VAT charges. It is not required for accessing other CargoX Platform services (such as ACI filings). If you are an EU company without VAT verification in the CargoX Platform and have VAT applied to your invoice, you can still reclaim this as input VAT from your tax authority.