# Resolve VAT Number Validation Issues

## Background

The VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) was created by the European Union to help businesses validate VAT numbers for cross-border trade within the EU. We use these services to ensure compliance and transparency for our EU customers. 

Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

## Unreachable VAT Validation Services

### New Registration but VIES VAT number validation is unreachable

If the VAT Number Validation service is down during your registration, we won’t be able to validate your VAT Number right away. Your registration will be marked as **Pending** until we can verify it.

You can follow our [guide ](/iam/how-to/resolve-account-in-a-pending-state.md)on resolving an account stuck in a Pending state.

### Active Account but VIES VAT number validation is unreachable

If you need to change your VAT number for an active account and the validation service is unavailable, we cannot validate your new VAT Number immediately. Your account will stay active with the existing VAT Number. 

We suggest waiting a few minutes and trying again.

## Invalid VAT Number

If the VIES VAT number validation service returns an Invalid VAT Number error, double-check that you’ve entered the VAT number correctly, without any typos or extra spaces. Make sure the VAT number follows the correct format for the respective EU country. More information on the VAT number format can be found on the [European Commission website](https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/#/faq) under Q11.

## Contact Support <a href="#contact-support" id="contact-support"></a>

Still having trouble? No worries! Reach out to our Global Technical Support team [here](https://korewireless.service-now.com/login_with_sso.do?glide_sso_id=147af54697a22194c4e478e3a253af8a) for further assistance.


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