That's fine. It tells you the format i.e. 9 or 12 digits and the 3-4-2
format is no secret. It couldn't be as all businesses have to display it in
invoices etc.
What it doesn't give is the series of calculations apparently used to create
what might appear to be a VAT number to anybody duped into accepting that
number, first by it's issue and then confirmed as being valid via the sites
you mentioned.
I suspect that the validation site would only be using the appropriate
calculation to validate the number as a possible VAT number because it passes
the arithmetical test rather than check if the number has been issued and
therefore a true VAT registration number.
I'd be interested to know why Rob needs to do this.
--
Russell Dawson
Excel Student
Please hit "Yes" if this post was helpful.
"JLatham" wrote:
It would appear that it is publicly accessable information:
http://www.advsofteng.com/vatid.html
that's where I picked up some information regarding their content and format
in addition to what Rob provided initially, and there's an on-line service to
validate them also
http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/vieshome.do
"Russell Dawson" wrote:
Rob
Whilst this has been a very interesting discussion from an XL viewpoint I
can't understand why you need to do this.
Can't you just telephone the HMRC helpline? They will advise if the numbers
are valid.
I'm a little concerned that if this is the way these numbers are
created/validated, is this not sensitive information that, if you are privy
to it, should not be divulged to the world?
If this is public knowledge then so be it. I can't see anywhere that says
that it is though.
Russell Dawson
Excel Student
Please hit "Yes" if this post was helpful.
"Rob" wrote:
Gents,
Wow, didn't believe there could be so much on this subject. I have lots to
try and see what fits best, once again thank you all very much.
Rob
"Rob" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to check a number of VAT numbers using a formula, the first check
is to ensure the number is 9 digits (may need to remove spaces to ensure
clean data). The process is then to apply the below criteria which has
proved difficult for he to accomplish.
Any help will be most welcome. Thanks, Rob
1.. The first seven digits of the VAT registration number are listed
vertically.
2.. Each digit is multiplied by a number, starting with 8 and decreasing
to 2.
3.. The sum of the multiplications is calculated.
4.. 97 is subtracted from the sum as many times as is necessary to arrive
at a negative number.
5.. The negative number should be the same as the last 2 digits of the
VAT registration number if it is valid.
Example:
VAT registration number 339 0727 47
3 *8 = 24
3 *7 = 21
9 *6 = 54
0 *5 = 0
7 *4 = 28
2 *3 = 6
7 *2 = 14
Total = 147
147 - 97 = 50 - 97 = - 47
As the negative number(- 47) is the same as the last two digits of the VAT
number, the number is valid.
1.. The first seven digits of the VAT registration number are listed
vertically.
2.. Each digit is multiplied by a number, starting with 8 and decreasing
to 2.
3.. The sum of the multiplications is calculated.
4.. 97 is subtracted from the sum as many times as is necessary to arrive
at a negative number.
5.. The negative number should be the same as the last 2 digits of the
VAT registration number if it is valid.
.