---
title: EU VAT Admin Options in WooCommerce
description: "Free EU VAT admin tools for WooCommerce: order meta box with VIES details, orders column and filter, admin email and manual-order validation."
url: "https://wpfactory.com/docs/woocommerce-eu-vat-options/"
updated: "2026-09-26"
category: Pro Features
tags:
  - EU VAT Manager for WooCommerce
---

# EU VAT Admin Options in WooCommerce

To see and check customers' VAT numbers on orders, open **WPFactory > EU VAT** (also reachable at **WooCommerce > Settings > EU VAT**) > **Admin** in [EU/UK VAT Manager for WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/item/eu-vat-for-woocommerce/). It adds an order meta box, an orders list column and filter, the number in the admin new order email, and validation for manual orders. All of it is free.

![EU VAT admin options](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot_1-10.png)

## Order VAT information

| Label | Option ID | Default | What it adds |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Meta box | `alg_wc_eu_vat_add_order_edit_metabox` | No | An **EU VAT** box on the order edit page. |
| Column | `alg_wc_eu_vat_add_order_list_column` | No | An **EU VAT** column on the orders list. |
| VAT validation for orders created manually from the admin side | `alg_wc_eu_vat_validate_vat_admin_side` | No | Validates the number on orders you create in the admin. |
| Admin new order email | `alg_wc_eu_vat_admin_new_order_email` | No | The VAT number summary in the admin new order email. |

## Set it up

1. Go to **WPFactory > EU VAT** (also reachable at **WooCommerce > Settings > EU VAT**) and open the **Admin** sub-tab.
2. Tick **Meta box** and **Column**, plus the email and admin-order options if you need them.
3. Click **Save changes**, then open **WooCommerce > Orders**.

## What you see on orders

- **Meta box:** the customer IP, country by IP, customer EU VAT number and taxes, plus the business name and address returned by VIES when available. Two links let you **Validate VAT and remove taxes** and **Get VAT details** for that order.
- **Orders list:** the EU VAT column, and a **Select Filter EU VAT...** dropdown to show only **Orders with EU VAT numbers**.

## Multilingual support

On WPML or Polylang stores, use the `[alg_wc_eu_vat_translate]` shortcode inside any text setting to show language-specific wording. See the [Shortcodes guide](https://wpfactory.com/docs/shortcodes-guide-eu-vat/).

## Advanced tools

The **Advanced** sub-tab carries **Debug** (logs at **WooCommerce > Status > Logs**), **Force VAT recheck on checkout**, and **Manual validation of VAT numbers** with the list in **VAT numbers to pass validation**. Reverse-charge wording is set by **VAT shifted text** on the **Compatibility** sub-tab. Full list: [EU/UK VAT Manager: Advanced Settings Reference](https://wpfactory.com/docs/eu-vat-advanced-settings-reference/).

## Reference links

- **Field ID used for EU VAT:** `_billing_eu_vat_number`.
- **Tool for adding EU country standard VAT rates:** **Tools > EU country VAT Rates**.
- **EU VAT report:** **WooCommerce > Reports > Taxes > EU VAT**.

**Note:** current versions do not include a "Session type" setting. If an older guide mentions choosing between a standard PHP session and a WC session, that option has been removed.

## If it does not work

- **No EU VAT box on the order:** **Meta box** is off, or open the **Screen Options** tab on the order page and make sure the box is ticked.
- **Column empty for an order:** the customer did not enter a VAT number; the value is stored in `_billing_eu_vat_number`.
- **Taxes not removed on a manual order:** enable **VAT validation for orders created manually from the admin side**, or use **Validate VAT and remove taxes** in the meta box.

## FAQ

### Where do I find a customer's VAT number in WooCommerce?

On the order edit page (with **Meta box** on) and in the orders list column. See [Show VAT Numbers in Admin Orders and Reports](https://wpfactory.com/docs/show-vat-in-admin-orders-and-reports/).

### Are these admin options Pro?

No. All Admin sub-tab options are free.

### Can I add the VAT number to invoices?

Yes, see [Add the VAT Number to PDF Invoices](https://wpfactory.com/docs/add-vat-number-to-pdf-invoices/).

### Get more control

The admin options are free. [EU/UK VAT Manager for WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/item/eu-vat-for-woocommerce/) Pro adds showing the field only for selected countries or user roles, payment methods for valid VAT only, and IP and company name checks. [See what Pro unlocks](https://wpfactory.com/item/eu-vat-for-woocommerce/).

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

- [Restrict the VAT Field and Payment Methods (Pro)](https://wpfactory.com/docs/restrict-vat-field-and-payment-methods/)
- [EU/UK VAT Manager: Free vs Pro Versions Compared](https://wpfactory.com/docs/pro-vs-free-versions-eu-vat/)
- [EU VAT Validation Options in WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/docs/streamline-eu-vat/)
- [VAT Number Field Options for WooCommerce Checkout](https://wpfactory.com/docs/eu-vat-pro-features/)
- [VAT Not Removed After Entering a Valid VAT Number](https://wpfactory.com/docs/eu-vat-not-removed-valid-number/)

 

[![EU VAT Manager for WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/EU-UK-VAT-Manager-for-WooCommerce.webp)](https://wpfactory.com/item/eu-vat-for-woocommerce/)