Structure of the European Value Added Tax Identification Number (VAT ID)

Mini series: All about the VAT ID number – Part 9

In this multi-part series of articles, we would like to introduce you to what a Value Added Tax ID (VAT ID) is. In addition, we would like to cover interesting topics worth knowing about the topic of USt-ID and shed some light on the subject.

We hope you enjoy reading!

Structure of the European Value Added Tax Identification Number (VAT ID)

The VAT identification number (USt-ID) is structured differently in the EU member states. Each country has its own country code, by which the origin is quickly apparent. In addition, there are other special features in the structure of the USt-ID of EU countries.

The German Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) has a fact sheet where the European VAT identification numbers (USt-ID) are listed and the structure is described. You can download the fact sheet via the link below.

https://www.bzst.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Merkblaetter/ust_idnr_aufbau.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=4