Why is my VAT Registration Number required to use ShipStation?

ShipStation Content Team

Updated 20 September 2023 13:37

Since ShipStation provides business-to-business (B2B) services, we must confirm we are working with registered businesses to be compliant with current legislation. The VAT Registration Number is the method we use to determine the business status of a company. This is why we require your VAT ID to use ShipStation.

If you instead need details on how to add your Tax Identifier Number to customs declarations, see our Tax Identifier Number Guide.

This Guide is Not Legal Advice

This article is only a guide and not a substitute for legal advice. Please consult a tax expert to discuss your specific business needs.

What is a VAT ID?

A VAT Registration number (sometimes known as a VAT ID) is a number that identifies your business as approved to charge VAT. Businesses can sign up for a VAT registration number online.

How to add VAT Registration Number to your Account

You can enter your VAT Registration Number from the Payments & Subscription page in Settings.

To access your Payment & Subscription settings:
1. Go to Account Settings.
2. Select Account, then choose Payments & Subscription from the left-hand sidebar.
Click the Add VAT Registration Number button.
Enter your VAT Registration Number. Click Submit to finish.

Enter your VAT ID to avoid account suspension.

A notification to add your VAT ID will repeat upon login until you have done so.

The VAT ID field only accepts numbers. You do not need to enter dashes or country codes.

Your VAT Registration Number will display in the VAT Registration Number card.

Will ShipStation charge VAT on subscription and label purchases?

ShipStation does not charge VAT for subscriptions or ShipStation Carrier label purchases. To be more accurate, it is a 0% rate for these services. If you purchase labels through your own carrier accounts, it is up to that carrier whether they charge VAT for their label purchases.

What if my VAT ID is not accepted?

Ensure your VAT Registration Number is accurate and up to date. The best way to check your VAT ID is to check your local VAT Registration Number website. You can also utilize the VIES to look up your ID.

How do I edit/update VAT ID?

Send an email to our Support Team to edit or update your VAT ID.

What if I do not have a VAT ID?

ShipStation only offers its services to registered businesses. Accounts that fail to add a VAT ID will be suspended.

We would recommend registering your business or using our partner shipping solution PackLink Pro.

Visit PackLink Pro to register.

Is my information secure?

Yes. ShipStation only uses your VAT Registration Number to confirm we are selling our services to another business. See our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage private information.