How to check VAT on an invoice
VAT is a percentage of the net price. Checking it takes three comparisons:
- Net amount. Add the line totals and take off any discount. This is the taxable amount.
- VAT amount. Multiply the net amount by the VAT rate. It should equal the VAT printed on the invoice, give or take a cent of rounding.
- Gross total. Net amount plus VAT plus any shipping should equal the amount due.
Worked example at the UK standard rate of 20%:
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| 4 × 25.00 | 100.00 |
| 2 × 12.50 | 25.00 |
| Net (taxable) amount | 125.00 |
| VAT at 20% | 25.00 |
| Total due | 150.00 |
If the invoice prints VAT of 27.50 or a total of 152.50, the checker shows the calculated and printed figures so you can raise it with the supplier.
Typical VAT rates by country
The country menu above fills in the usual rates so you do not have to type them. Treat them as a starting point, not as tax advice.
| Country | Standard | Common reduced rates |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 20% | 5%, 0% |
| Ireland | 23% | 13.5%, 9%, 4.8%, 0% |
| Germany | 19% | 7% |
| France | 20% | 10%, 5.5%, 2.1% |
| Netherlands | 21% | 9% |
| Spain | 21% | 10%, 4% |
| Italy | 22% | 10%, 5%, 4% |
| United Arab Emirates | 5% | 0% |
| South Africa | 15% | 0% |
Rates were last checked on 9 October 2026. Governments change them, and which rate applies depends on what is sold, so confirm with your tax authority or accountant.
What a VAT invoice normally shows
Rules differ by country, but a VAT invoice generally carries the invoice number and date, the supplier's name, address and VAT number, a description of the goods or services, the net amount for each rate, the rate itself, the VAT amount and the total. Missing details can cause trouble when you reclaim VAT, which is why the checker also warns about a missing invoice number, date, supplier name or VAT number.
VAT mistakes worth looking for
- Wrong base. VAT charged on the price before a discount instead of after it.
- Wrong rate. The standard rate applied to goods that qualify for a reduced rate, or the reverse.
- VAT on a zero-rated or reverse-charge supply. If no VAT should apply, tick "No tax should apply" and the checker warns if the invoice charges any.
- Rounding differences. Some invoices round VAT per line and others on the total, so a difference of a cent is normal and is not reported.
- Totals that do not add up. A grand total that differs from net plus VAT plus shipping.
What this checker does not do
It tells you whether the invoice agrees with itself and with the rate you expect. It does not decide which rate is legally correct, look up VAT numbers or confirm that the supplier is genuine. For wider checks see how to spot a fake invoice. For formulas, read how to calculate VAT on an invoice. If you work with GST or sales tax, use the GST and sales tax invoice checker. To see every check we run, read about invoice validation.