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How to register for UK VAT

The Easy Digital Downloads EU VAT plugin integrates with the third party HMRC API to validate customers' VAT numbers through the UK's own VAT number database. To allow customers to validate their UK VAT numbers on your checkout, you must register for UK VAR and create an app on the HMRC developer portal.

Full instructions are provided below.

Step 1: Register for UK VAT

Register for UK VAT so that you can submit tax returns and make payments for the tax that you collect from UK customers. This will give you a UK VAT number which you can enter in the Easy Digital Downloads EU VAT plugin settings so that it appears on invoices.

Step 2: Create an HMRC developer app

Next, you should set up the necessary API access to allow the VAT number field on your checkout page to validate UK VAT numbers. This involves creating an app as follows:

  1. Create an HMRC developer account
  2. Log in and start the registration process
    • Once logged in, go to this page and click ‘Continue’.
  3. Create an application
    • Enter a name for your application (e.g. your company name).
  4. Enable API access
    • On the ‘Which APIs do you want to use?’ page, find ‘Check a UK VAT number’.
    • Click ‘Show’ underneath it and switch the toggle to ‘Yes’.
    • Scroll to the bottom and click ‘Add your application’.
  5. Subscribe to notifications
    • If required, subscribe to HMRC email updates to stay informed.
  6. View application credentials
    • On the ‘Application added to the sandbox’ screen, click ‘View application credentials’.
    • Copy and save the following details:
      • Application Name
      • Environment: Sandbox
      • Client ID
      • Client Secret
  7. Send a test request
    • In your wp-config.php file, define the constant EUVAT_HMRC_TEST and set it to true.
    • On your website, add a product to the cart and proceed to checkout.
    • Set the billing country to United Kingdom.
    • Enter a UK VAT number such as 277368458 and validate it.
    • By validating the number, you're sending a test request to the HMRC API. This is required for them to verify your implementation before you can request production credentials.
    • Once done, remove the previously defined constant.
  8. Request production credentials
    • Go to HMRC Applications and click ‘Get production credentials’.
    • Answer the required questions about your organization.
  9. HMRC will then review your responses, which may take up to 10 days.

Entering your HMRC credentials in WordPress

Once your production credentials are available, you need to enter them in your WordPress admin panel. Navigate to Downloads → Extensions → EU VAT → UK VAT and enter your details in the respective fields:

  • HMRC Client ID
  • HMRC Client Secret

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