Countersign
EU VAT numbers checked with VIES, the reverse charge applied only when it should be, the proof kept on the order - and no order ever waits on VIES.
Countersign is for WooCommerce stores that sell to businesses in other EU countries and must not charge them VAT when they give a valid VAT number.
Inside Countersign
The field
an "EU VAT number" field at checkout for EU and Northern Ireland addresses, on the classic checkout and the block checkout. Optional, or required if you sell to businesses only.
Checked properly
first the format for that country (so a typo never reaches VIES), then VIES itself. Spaces and dots are ignored, and a Greek number typed "GR" is read as "EL".
The reverse charge only when it applies
not for a business in your own country, not for a number from one country on an address in another, and not for a Northern Ireland (XI) number on services.
VIES down? The order still goes through
You choose: take the order without VAT and re-check the number every hour, or charge VAT and refund it once VIES confirms the number. Either way the order is placed and the re-check is automatic.
The proof, on the order
the VIES answer, the date, the business name VIES returned, and - with your own VAT number in the settings - the VIES consultation number a tax office asks for.
The wording on the invoice
reverse-charge emails carry the wording you set and the customer's VAT number.
EC Sales List
every confirmed reverse-charged sale for a quarter, totalled per customer number, goods and services apart, with a CSV download.
A health check
VAT removed with no VIES confirmation on file, VAT removed inside your own country, a number from the wrong country, a Greek business charged VAT for typing GR, an XI number on services, a confirmation dated long after the sale, and invoices missing the reverse-charge wording.
Before you start
Asked first
What happens when VIES is down?
The order is placed. Depending on your setting it is taken without VAT, or with VAT, and the number is re-checked every hour until VIES answers. The order notes say what happened, and the health check warns you if a number is still unconfirmed after the number of days you set.
Does it check UK (GB) VAT numbers?
No. HMRC's checker needs its own registration and key. Countersign handles EU numbers and Northern Ireland (XI) numbers, which VIES checks.
Does it file the EC Sales List for me?
No. It gives you the figures and a CSV; you file it with your tax office.
More for money & tax
Cartage
The Colorado and Minnesota retail delivery fees on WooCommerce orders - the right amount, the right name, the right orders - and the totals for the return.
Collector
The lines your state sales-tax return asks for, from your WooCommerce orders - for every state you file in.
Daybook
Orders, payments, refunds and gateway fees into Xero - checked to the cent before anything is sent.