Features
Built around the three things that matter.
Correct VAT, a checkout that does not break, and proof you can keep. Here is how each one works.
Charge correctly, automatically
VAT Sentinel adds a VAT number field at checkout for EU and EEA business buyers. When a buyer enters a number, it is validated against the official VIES service. For a valid cross-border B2B order, the reverse charge is applied and VAT is zero-rated. Invalid numbers keep VAT and are flagged.
It works on both the modern block checkout and the classic checkout through a single field, and the live order summary updates before the order is placed, so the buyer sees the correct total.
Keep selling when VIES is down
The VIES service has no uptime guarantee and is regularly unavailable for some member states. Instead of blocking the sale, VAT Sentinel accepts the order, flags it as “VAT pending verification”, and lets you re-check it once VIES recovers. The classic checkout updates live; the block checkout records the order correctly.
A built-in status panel shows live per-country VIES availability, straight from the source, so you always know the state of the service.
Keep audit-grade proof
Every validation is recorded with a UTC timestamp. When you configure your own business VAT number, VIES returns an official consultation reference, evidence that a check was performed at a given date and time, which Pro stores alongside each order and can export to CSV or PDF for your accountant or an audit.
The consultation reference is evidence that you checked. It is not proof of the correct VAT treatment of an order.
What’s included
Free core
- VAT number field at checkout (block & classic), shown for EU/EEA taxable carts
- Live VIES validation with format pre-checks
- Reverse-charge zero-rating for valid cross-border EU B2B carts, with an invoice note
- Accept and flag orders when VIES is down, with a manual re-check button
- Live per-country VIES status panel
- On-screen log of recent checks
Pro adds
- Automatic background re-checks of pending orders until VIES recovers
- Full, searchable audit log with the VIES consultation reference
- CSV and PDF export for your accountant
- Admin and customer email notifications
- Bulk and scheduled re-validation of existing customers
- UK / Northern Ireland handling and a guided data-deletion tool
Compatibility
WooCommerce 8.9+
Uses the official Additional Checkout Fields and Store API, so one field serves both checkouts.
Block & classic checkout
Reverse charge applies correctly on both, including the live block order summary.
HPOS ready
Compatible with WooCommerce High-Performance Order Storage.