This issue can also occur when setting up a new Irish company. The issue is intermittent and doesn't affect all VAT numbers.

As a workaround, clear the Validate VAT Number check box:

• Click Settings click Company Preferences then click VAT and clear the Validate VAT Number check box
  
  

If required, you can re-select the Validate VAT Number check box after you save the record.

If you see this issue when setting up a new set of data for an Irish company, leave the VAT registration number clear and enter it once the company is created.

TIP: Any records affected by this issue still appear on the EC Sales list showing an invalid VAT number error. This error means you can't submit the EC sales list using Sage, however you can still generate, save and upload the EC sales list manually to the HMRC gateway.

[BCB:19:UK - Sales message :ECB]