VAT Direct vs VATlayer

VAT Direct provides software for submitting VAT and Self Assessment returns and accessing VAT information through the Exedra platform. Users can send VAT return data from spreadsheet-generated CSV files, keeping their existing accounting system for that process. Its online cashbook holds VAT and Self Assessment records and supports cash-basis or standard VAT accounting. Supported schemes include Flat Rate, retail and margin schemes, traditional and EC VAT, and the Domestic Reverse Charge; it also tracks CIS payments. Open Banking can load statements from multiple bank, cash, and credit-card accounts into the cashbook. An API offers bank statement and HMRC tax information after login and authorisation. The free digital-record service is limited to 500 transactions per period and requires cash-basis accounts. The site says data is processed in the UK, includes anti-fraud headers, and offers optional two-factor authentication by text message or a similar method. The cashbook does not currently handle FRC Taxonomies. The basic service is free; users must contact the provider for details about premium services.

VATlayer is a REST-based JSON API for checking EU VAT numbers, finding VAT rates, and calculating VAT-compliant prices. Its validation endpoint can return company information for a VAT number. The rate endpoint identifies a country from a two-letter code, a supplied IP address, or the client IP address. Price calculations can also work backward from an amount that already includes VAT. VAT information covers 28 EU member states and draws on multiple data sources, including European Commission databases. Results are provided in real time, with an average response time around 0.50 seconds. The API reports uptime around 99.9%, though public uptime statistics are not offered. The Free plan allows 100 requests per month for non-commercial use with limited functionality. Paid plans start at $9.99/mo and include commercial use. Usage notices arrive by email and dashboard at 75%, 90%, and 100% of the monthly allowance; overage fees apply after it is reached. Paid customers can access the API using 256-bit HTTPS encryption.