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What is a tax VAT number in the United States?

Aida Kopijn October 22, 2025

If you’re doing business internationally, you may come across the term tax VAT number United States—especially when dealing with EU companies. While the U.S. does not have a Value-Added Tax (VAT) system like Europe, it’s still important for U.S.-based businesses to understand what a VAT number is, how it works globally, and whether they need one when selling to international customers.

In this article, we explain what a VAT number is, how it differs from U.S. tax identification numbers, and answer common questions such as how do I get a VAT number USA and whether it’s even required.

Table of contents:

What is a VAT number?

A VAT number (Value-Added Tax number) is a unique identifier assigned to businesses that are registered for VAT in countries that use this system—mainly in the European Union. In the U.S., there is no federal VAT, but the equivalent concept might be your Sales Tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN) depending on your business type and the state you operate in.

For example, a Dutch VAT number might look like this: NL123456789B01. Businesses in the EU must include this number on invoices, websites, and when communicating with customers or suppliers in other EU member states.

Do U.S. companies need a VAT number?

While U.S. companies don’t receive a tax VAT number United States, you might need to register for VAT in another country if:

You sell digital products or services to EU consumers
You store inventory in the EU (e.g. through Amazon FBA)
You open a foreign branch or warehouse in a VAT zone

In such cases, you’ll need to apply for a foreign VAT number.

How do I get a VAT number in the USA?

Technically, you can’t get a tax VAT number in the United States because VAT doesn’t exist in U.S. tax law. However, if your business activity requires VAT registration in another country, you’ll have to register directly with the tax authority in that country.

To register for VAT abroad:

Choose the country where registration is required
Submit the necessary documentation (such as a Certificate of Incorporation and bank details)
Appoint a fiscal representative if required
Receive your foreign VAT number and begin charging VAT appropriately

This process can often be handled through local tax agents.

Where do you use a VAT number?

A VAT number must be displayed on:

Invoices sent to customers in VAT-participating countries
Your business website (if required by law)
Customs and shipping documents for cross-border trade

If you’re a U.S. seller working with EU businesses, they might ask you to provide a VAT number. In such cases, you can clarify that your business is U.S.-based and not VAT-registered.

Example of a VAT Number

Here’s what a VAT number looks like in practice:

Germany: DE123456789
France: FRXX999999999
Netherlands: NL123456789B01

The format and length vary per country, but all serve the same purpose: VAT identification for cross-border trade.

How Payt helps businesses with invoice processing

Even though the U.S. doesn’t use VAT, you still need a structured invoicing process. Payt helps you streamline your credit management so you get paid faster and maintain strong customer relationships.

With Payt:

Get paid up to 50% faster thanks to automated reminders and payment tracking
Save up to 80% of your time with smart credit management tools
Maintain full control over when and how reminders are sent

Improve customer satisfaction by offering easy communication through the invoice portal
Work securely with ISO 27001-certified software
Payt is trusted by over 17,000 users every day. Download our brochure or schedule a free demo to learn how Payt can help.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a VAT number to sell in Europe?

If you’re a U.S.-based seller providing digital services or storing goods in Europe, yes—you may need to register for VAT in the applicable country.

What’s the difference between a VAT number and a Sales Tax ID?

A VAT number is used in countries with a value-added tax system. A Sales Tax ID is used in U.S. states that require sales tax collection. They’re not the same, but both relate to indirect tax collection.

By Aida Kopijn

Aida is an accounts receivable management expert at Payt, known for her precision and organisational passion. She ensures every process is perfectly managed and optimised.