Tradesmen charging VAT but not registered on CRO website

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Cooler_box

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Is there an explanation for the above? I got charged VAT on an invoice but when I looked up the Company name and number indicated on the invoice, no result came up in the search. I recently got a quote from another tradesman and invoice was included but again there were no results in the search. Is this common and has anyone encountered this in their dealings with tradesmen. Perhaps there is a valid explanation but I was under the impression that a VAT number or CRO number when entered in the 'search' would always confirm whether or not an individual or company was registered. Company names are not always reliable, as the company may be registered under a different name.
 
@ T McGibney. I think the website you pointed me to is for verification of VAT for cross-border transactions and would not apply to my case. I'm not sure I understand why the CRO is not involved? Businesses who register with the CRO are issued a VAT and Business registration number. I have always understood that it is where one goes to to check a Company is operating legitimately?
 
Cooler_box said:
I think the website you pointed me to is for verification of VAT for cross-border transactions and would not apply to my case.
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That's not correct, although it is commonly used for verification of VAT for cross-border transactions.
Cooler_box said:
Businesses who register with the CRO are issued a VAT and Business registration number.
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This is definitely incorrect.
 
@T McGibney. OK, thanks for setting me straight. I checked the VAT number I was given (which frankly looks more ike a PPS number) and this is what the website threw out "...No, invalid VAT number for cross border transactions within the EU (please refer to FAQ, questions 7, 11, 12, 13 and 20 for more information)". So not sure what to make of it?
 
@T McGibney. For what it's worth. I have in the past always verified Company details on the CRO website and all companies operating legitimately would be confirmed with a VAT and Company registration number, so I'm a little confused, to say the least, by your response.
 
Cooler_box said:
invalid VAT number for cross border transactions within the EU
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That means what it says: the tradesman's registration is not authorised to import or export goods or services within the EU.
MrEarl said:
Phone Revenue and query it...
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They might note it but won't tell the OP anything. Revenue treat all taxpayer affairs as confidential.
MrEarl said:
If its fraud, then call the Gardai and report it.
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There is nothing here to suggest fraud on the part of the tradesmen referred to above. In the absence of such, the Gardai will most likely advise him not to file such a report.
 
Cooler_box said:
@T McGibney. For what it's worth. I have in the past always verified Company details on the CRO website and all companies operating legitimately would be confirmed with a VAT and Company registration number, so I'm a little confused, to say the least, by your response.
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This, sorry, is total nonsense and makes me wonder are you deliberately trolling.

First of all, many VAT registered businesses are not incorporated as companies.
Secondly, many businesses operate in sectors or at turnover levels where VAT exemptions or exclusions mean that they have neither obligation nor incentive to register for VAT.
Thirdly, for the nth time...
T McGibney said:
The CRO has no function relating to VAT registrations, or Revenue matters generally.
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@ T McGibney. I’m not trolling. I’m merely trying to understand where I go to check a company is registered for VAT. If as you point out and I quote you “ …businesses operate in sectors or at turnover levels where VAT exemptions or exclusions mean that they have neither obligation nor incentive to register for VAT.” I presume they wouldn’t be issued a VAT number? So what am I to make of a VAT number I have been given that I wasn't able to confirm on the website you referred me to? I came here to look for clarification, not a fight. I'm sorry if there was something that I said to make you lose your 'shirt'.
 
Cooler_box said:
So what am I to make of a VAT number I have been given that I wasn't able to confirm on the website you referred me to?
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You can make as much or as little of it as you like.

I think you're overthinking this and trying to police something (VAT compliance) of which you know very little, as illustrated here:

Cooler_box said:
I checked the VAT number I was given (which frankly looks more like a PPS number)
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A sole trader's domestic VAT number will be their PPS number.
 
@M.Gibney. Well, thank you for that. I wasn’t aware that a sole trader's domestic VAT number will be their PPS number. I’ve learned something THAT is helpful to know. As for my ignorance in these matters, you’re correct, that’s why I’m here, looking for help from people such as your good self. My strengths lie elsewhere.
 
Cooler_box said:
@M.Gibney. Well, thank you for that. I wasn’t aware that a sole trader's domestic VAT number will be their PPS number. I’ve learned something THAT is helpful to know. As for my ignorance in these matters, you’re correct, that’s why I’m here, looking for help from people such as your good self. My strengths lie elsewhere.
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Are you satisfied now that I didn't "lose my shirt" as you claimed?
 
@ Ciru75. Thank you so much for that. It's the answer I was looking for. Pity you weren’t the first to see my query and spared me the ‘shaming’ for my apparent “ignorance”! I have checked and it was confirmed.
 
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