---
title: "EU/UK VAT Manager: Shortcodes Guide"
description: "Show different VAT field text per language with the [alg_wc_eu_vat_translate] shortcode, its parameters and where to use it."
url: "https://wpfactory.com/docs/shortcodes-guide-eu-vat/"
updated: "2026-09-26"
category: Shortcodes
---

# EU/UK VAT Manager: Shortcodes Guide

[EU/UK VAT Manager for WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/item/eu-vat-for-woocommerce/) registers one shortcode, `[alg_wc_eu_vat_translate]`. Use it inside the plugin's text settings at **WPFactory > EU VAT** (also reachable at **WooCommerce > Settings > EU VAT**), such as the field label, placeholder, description and validation messages, to show different text per language on WPML or Polylang stores. It is free.

## The `[alg_wc_eu_vat_translate]` shortcode

The shortcode reads the active language code (`ICL_LANGUAGE_CODE`, set by WPML and by Polylang) and outputs the text that matches, so a single settings field can carry several languages. It works two ways.

### Wrapping form

Wrap each language's text in its own tag, and use `not_lang` for the fallback:

```
[alg_wc_eu_vat_translate lang="de"]EU-Steuernummer[/alg_wc_eu_vat_translate][alg_wc_eu_vat_translate lang="nl"]BTW nummer van de EU[/alg_wc_eu_vat_translate][alg_wc_eu_vat_translate not_lang="de,nl"]EU VAT Number[/alg_wc_eu_vat_translate]
```

### Attribute form

Pass both texts as attributes on a single tag:

```
[alg_wc_eu_vat_translate lang="de,nl" lang_text="EU-Steuernummer" not_lang_text="EU VAT Number"]
```

The attribute form is used only when `lang`, `lang_text` and `not_lang_text` are all present. If one is missing, the tag falls back to the wrapping form.

## Parameters

| Parameter | Description |
| --- | --- |
| `lang` | One or more language codes (comma separated), for example `de` or `de,nl`. The wrapped content (or `lang_text`) shows for these languages. Matching ignores case. |
| `not_lang` | Language codes for which the content should be hidden. Use it to build a fallback tag that shows for every other language. |
| `lang_text` | Attribute form only: the text to show for the `lang` languages. |
| `not_lang_text` | Attribute form only: the fallback text for all other languages. |

Basic HTML such as `<strong>` or a link is kept in the output.

## How to translate the VAT field

1. Go to **WPFactory > EU VAT** (also reachable at **WooCommerce > Settings > EU VAT**) and open the **General** sub-tab.
2. In **Field label**, replace `EU VAT Number` with a shortcode set such as the wrapping example above.
3. Do the same for **Placeholder** and **Description** if you use them.
4. Open the **Messages** sub-tab and repeat for the progress messages you show, for example **Valid**, **Not valid** and **Is required**.
5. Click **Save changes** and load the checkout in each language.

## Where to use it

Paste the shortcode into any text setting on the **General** and **Messages** sub-tabs, for example the **Field label**, **Placeholder**, **Description**, the "Let customer decide" and "Valid VAT but still paying?" labels, and the validation progress messages. These settings are run through `do_shortcode()`, so the correct language renders on the checkout, the sign-up form and the order details.

**Note:** language codes are matched against your multilingual plugin's active language. If no multilingual plugin is active, the `lang` content is hidden and the `not_lang` (fallback) text shows.

## If it does not work

- **Only the fallback text shows:** no `ICL_LANGUAGE_CODE` is defined, or your codes do not match it. Use the same codes as your language switcher, for example `de`, not `de_DE`.
- **The raw tag shows:** the setting you pasted into is not one of the plugin's text settings. The shortcode is not meant for pages or posts.
- **Nothing shows for one language:** add a `not_lang` fallback tag that lists every language you covered.

## FAQ

### Does EU/UK VAT Manager have a shortcode to show the VAT number?

No. `[alg_wc_eu_vat_translate]` is the only shortcode. To show the VAT number on orders, use **General > Display**, see [Show VAT Numbers in Admin Orders and Reports](https://wpfactory.com/docs/show-vat-in-admin-orders-and-reports/).

### Is it available in the free version?

Yes. The shortcode works in both Free and Pro.

### Can I also use WPML String Translation?

The plugin ships a `wpml-config.xml` file, but the shortcode lets you keep all languages in one field without extra setup.

Related: [Customize the VAT Validation Messages](https://wpfactory.com/docs/customize-vat-validation-messages/).

Need a hand? Our team answers every ticket on the [EU/UK VAT Manager support forum](https://wpfactory.com/support/item/eu-vat-for-woocommerce/).

Related articles

- [EU/UK VAT Manager: Reset a Settings Section to Defaults](https://wpfactory.com/docs/eu-vat-reset-a-settings-section/)
- [EU/UK VAT Manager: Developer Hooks and Filters Reference](https://wpfactory.com/docs/eu-vat-developer-hooks-filters/)
- [EU/UK VAT Manager: Advanced Settings Reference](https://wpfactory.com/docs/eu-vat-advanced-settings-reference/)
- [EU/UK VAT Manager: Free vs Pro Versions Compared](https://wpfactory.com/docs/pro-vs-free-versions-eu-vat/)
- [Installing EU/UK VAT Manager for WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/docs/install-eu-vat/)