Why does HMRC always write VAT numbers with spaces in them? When you try to copy and paste the number in that format into an HMRC form (pdf or online) it counts the spaces as digits and misses off the last two digits of the number.
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VAT Number format
From memory the reason is historical. Numbers were issued in batches 100 xxxx xx, etc., with the final two digits being the arithmetic check digits. When I worked for HMCE, the manual filing system followed this format.
Spaces
I've noticed that there's been a tendency to drop the spaces over the last few years.
How quickly ...
... without counting the digits, could you tell me whether a string of digits I gave you is a telephone number, a VAT number or a UTR?
Risk of typo
The reason to use cut and paste is to eliminate the risk of making a typo. It's not about the time it takes, but avoiding that unnecessary risk. End of the day, is it a big deal to type in 9 digits ?
Check digits
The reason to use cut and paste is to eliminate the risk of making a typo. It's not about the time it takes, but avoiding that unnecessary risk. End of the day, is it a big deal to type in 9 digits ?
I just confirm the check digits with a little light mental arithmetic.
Spaces in VAT numbers
I would say that the problem is with the HMRC forms, which should have been designed to strip out the blanks (a relatively simple job for the form designer). As mentioned, many codes have spaces in them. It makes them much easier to read and identify. Forms should acknowledge both formats.
Copy and paste is definitely the reliable way to go. Just had that problem this morning with 2 digits reversed in a login name - it took a long time to realise why it wouldn't work.