§ THE GUIDE
The verification handbook.
Everything we know about UK supplier verification — written for the people who do it.
§ VERIFICATION
§ FORMAT
4 min · 2026-04-16
UK VAT number format explained
Standard, branch, government, and health authority formats.
4 min · 2026-04-16
What is an EORI number
Economic Operator Registration and Identification — explained.
3 min · 2026-04-16
VAT number vs company number — what is the difference
Two different identifiers, two different registers.
3 min · 2026-04-16
Companies House vs VAT register — what each tells you
When to use which register.
3 min · 2026-04-16
EORI number vs VAT number
Two identifiers for two different jobs.
§ COMPLIANCE
5 min · 2026-04-16
EU VAT validation after Brexit
GB, XI, and the new validation routing.
6 min · 2026-04-16
CIS Reverse Charge VAT — what contractors need to verify
Verification responsibilities under the construction Reverse Charge.
5 min · 2026-04-16
Making Tax Digital and supplier verification
Where verification fits in the digital link chain.
4 min · 2026-04-16
GDPR considerations for B2B verification
When VAT verification touches personal data.
3 min · 2026-04-16
Receiving an invoice without a VAT number
When it is fine, when it is a red flag.
§ RISK
7 min · 2026-04-16
Missing-trader fraud (MTIC) and how to defend
Why supplier verification is the front line.
5 min · 2026-04-16
When VAT numbers go stale — and how to catch it
The case for periodic re-verification.
4 min · 2026-04-16
How to spot a fake VAT number
Format clues and verification confirmation.
4 min · 2026-04-16
VAT deregistration — what triggers it
Voluntary, compulsory, and HMRC-initiated.
§ PRACTICE
5 min · 2026-04-16
Audit evidence best practice for VAT verification
What auditors want to see.
3 min · 2026-04-16
The Countersure stamped PDF — what is in it
Anatomy of the verification artefact.
5 min · 2026-04-16
Integrating Countersure into your software
API authentication, request format, webhooks.
6 min · 2026-04-16
Choosing VAT verification software — buyer’s guide
What to evaluate and the questions to ask.