WooCommerce · EU VAT
EU VAT validation that keeps selling when VIES is down.
VAT Sentinel validates EU B2B VAT numbers against the European Commission’s official VIES service, applies the cross-border reverse charge automatically, and keeps a timestamped record of every check. On both the block and classic WooCommerce checkout.
Free core, planned for WordPress.org. Works with WooCommerce 8.9+. A validation and record-keeping tool, not tax advice.
The problem with EU VAT at checkout
Getting cross-border B2B VAT right is fiddly, and the tools that help tend to break at the worst moment.
VIES goes down. A lot.
The EU’s validation service has no service guarantee and is regularly unavailable. Many plugins block the checkout when that happens, so you lose the sale.
Reverse charge is easy to get wrong
Apply zero VAT to a number that turns out invalid and the liability can land on you. The validation, and the evidence, need to be right.
“We checked” needs proof
If a number is ever questioned, a timestamped record that you validated it at the time of sale is worth having.
What VAT Sentinel does
Keep selling
When VIES is unavailable, the order is accepted and flagged for re-checking instead of breaking the checkout. You re-check it once VIES recovers.
Charge correctly
Valid cross-border EU B2B numbers get reverse charge applied automatically. Invalid numbers keep VAT and are flagged. On block and classic checkout.
Keep the proof
Every check is timestamped. Pro stores the official VIES consultation reference and exports your records to CSV or PDF for your accountant.
How it works
Install and activate
A VAT number field appears at checkout for EU business buyers. No configuration needed to start.
Buyers validate at checkout
Valid numbers get reverse charge instantly. Invalid ones keep VAT. If VIES is down, the order still goes through, flagged for re-check.
You keep the records
See recent checks and live VIES status in your dashboard. Upgrade to Pro for automatic re-checks, audit export, and email alerts.
Free and Pro
The free core does the job. Pro adds the automation and the audit trail a finance team will pay to not do by hand.
| Capability | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| VIES validation + reverse charge (block & classic) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keep selling when VIES is down (accept + flag) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual re-check + live VIES status panel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic background re-checks | — | ✓ |
| Full audit log + consultation reference + CSV/PDF export | — | ✓ |
| Email notifications & bulk re-validation | — | ✓ |
Switching from a discontinued VAT plugin?
If your EU VAT plugin is no longer maintained or no longer listed, VAT Sentinel is a fresh, actively built alternative that works on the modern block checkout and keeps selling when VIES is down. See how migration works.
Get VAT Sentinel
The free core is planned for the WordPress.org plugin directory. Pro will be available with a 14-day money-back guarantee.