Recently, Amazon has been contacting sellers regarding the validity of their UK VAT numbers. Below is an example of the communications sent.
If you have received this email, please follow the steps below to ensure your account is compliant, especially if your UK VAT is managed by AVASK:
Verify Your UK VAT Number
First, ensure that your UK VAT number is valid by checking it here: Check a UK VAT number - GOV.UK
Please note that the address listed on this site is not the registered business address. HMRC automatically defaults to a UK address listed here.
If your UK VAT number is showing as VALID:
Amazon may still reject the VAT number if the address details on Amazon do not exactly match those on HMRC. To prevent this, please follow these steps:
Verify Your Address: Download your UK VAT Certificate currently uploaded to Amazon and ensure the address on your UK VAT certificate matches your Amazon business registered address. If the address on your UK VAT certificate does match your business registered address on Amazon and your VAT number is valid, please send an appeal via Amazon: vat-number-appeals@amazon.com. If the address does not match, please follow the steps below:
Update Your Address: AVASK can update your address for a fee of €60.00, or you can update it yourself by calling HMRC at +44 3002003700. If you wish AVASK to update your address on your behalf, please follow these steps:
- Raise a Request: Submit a request via your AVASK Client Portal - Submit a Request under ‘VAT Filings’ > ‘UK Address Update’ and include a screenshot of your registered business address on Amazon. After raising this request, you will receive an invoice for €60.00 which must be settled for us to proceed.
- Address Review: Once your invoice has been settled, AVASK will update your address with HMRC to ensure they are aligned. This process typically takes approximately 10 working days.
- Updated Certificate: Once the address has been updated, AVASK will provide you with an updated VAT registration certificate reflecting the new address.
- Resubmission: Follow the steps in Amazon’s email and resubmit your UK VAT registration information with the updated certificate.
Alternatively, if you wish to simply raise a query regarding this matter, please Submit a request via your AVASK Client Portal - Submit a Request under ‘VAT Filings’ > ‘Other’
If the issue persists, please send an appeal via Amazon: vat-number-appeals@amazon.com
If your UK VAT number is showing as INVALID:
1. Immediate Contact: Reach out via AVASK Client Portal - Submit a Request under ‘VAT Filings’ > ‘UK Filings’
2. Detailed Review: AVASK will conduct a review and liaise directly with HMRC to resolve any underlying problems. This service is chargeable at €150 per hour.
3. Resolution Plan: A strategic plan will be developed to address and rectify the invalid VAT number status, ensuring compliance and minimising business disruption.
If you have any queries or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are here to support you and ensure your business operations run smoothly.