What is a VAT Number? How to Find a VAT Number?

A VAT number, which is indispensable for a business that has expanded into Europe, offers companies the freedom of commercial activity. To utilize this offered freedom in the most accurate way, the details need to be learned.

By scrolling down the page, you can learn the answers to your questions such as what a VAT number is and how to get it, and continue your sales in European countries with peace of mind.

What is a VAT Number?

VAT, which stands for Value Added Tax, is a number consisting of various letters and numbers that grants the right of authorization for commercial activity. When evaluated on a Turkey basis, a VAT number is used as value added tax.

Within the scope of European Union laws, every state has a VAT tax procedure along with an identification number. Therefore, companies in countries that are members of the European Union or have trade agreements with the EU must have a VAT number to continue their commercial presence.

VAT, which is a tax item determined for consumers, is a consumption tax. There is a specific VAT amount determined for every product a business sells. Based on this determined amount, companies must pay tax for the products they sell. Otherwise, the business's sales permits may be cancelled.

How to Get a VAT Number?

A VAT number is obtained after an application made by submitting the required documents to the local tax authorities. In this application, in addition to documents related to your business, you must provide proof of the authority of the company's legal representative and detailed information regarding the activities you carry out/plan to carry out.

Following the completion of the application, a response from the local tax authority is awaited. During this time, it is highly important to follow the application closely. This ensures that any additional questions that may arise are answered immediately. Furthermore, it is recommended to work with experts during the application process to ensure documents are completed fully and to avoid encountering any problems.

Which Documents Are Needed for a VAT Number?

Although the documents required to obtain a VAT number vary from country to country, there are documents that every business must acquire before starting the application. These can be listed as follows:

• Tax registration certificate of the country where the company was established,

• Incorporation document specifying details about the establishment of the company (Trade Registry for Turkey),

• Articles of Association specifying the partners, type, and scope of the company in connection with the establishment process

• Proof that the person who will fill out and sign the registration form is authorized to represent the company

How to Find a VAT Number?

To find a VAT number, businesses can check and learn it on any invoice they have issued. Because a business that can issue invoices must have a VAT registration. You can also quickly find the number you need by performing a search through query websites that appear when you search "VAT number check" on Google.

How to Reclaim a VAT Number?

There is a procedure to be followed for VAT number refund/reclaim processes. Firstly, original documents are sent to the person or company that wants to track the VAT refund. Necessary checks are carried out using the number on the invoices. Following this, the documents requested by the state are completed. After these procedures, all documents are sent to the relevant tax authority.

As a result of the review by the officers at the tax authority, the documents and VAT number refund are returned. The point to consider here is that the refund payment will be made to the company that submitted the petition. It is retrieved when the company that submitted the petition forwards the incoming refund payment to the relevant business.

What are Examples of VAT Numbers?

An example of a VAT number consisting of specific letters and numbers can be given as AB237543749. The letters in the first two digits of the VAT number represent the country. Therefore, for businesses based in Turkey, it starts with the letters TR.

Why is a VAT Number Important?

In Europe, where tax audits are managed very strictly, having a tax number is important because sales activities are completely stopped if it is detected that sales are being made without a VAT number.

In addition to this, it has an improving effect on brand image. Because by issuing invoices, cooperation can be established with large companies. Thanks to the VAT number, you can also succeed in growing your own brand by working with large businesses.

The other and most important point in an economic sense is that you will be able to receive tax refunds. By fulfilling the procedures either retroactively or instantly, you too can receive your tax refunds.