When dealing with customers or suppliers within the EU it is possible to check that the VAT number they have provided is a valid VAT number.
To check an EU VAT Number you must first enter the VIES VAT Number Validation website. Enter the information as requested on the webpage and click verify.
Assuming that the VAT number is valid, we recommend that it may be beneficial to print the validation webpage as this could be used in any subsequent VAT investigations as proof that you have checked the VAT numbers validity.