VAT - private person or/and company is confusing

Hello,

Since long time I have been searching why some people succeeded not to pay VAT when placing an order in our webshop (even they should pay VAT)
I discovered that when the company field is empty and the VAT field is also empty NO vat is added.

I can't remember me where to change these settings. So that private persons always pay VAT.
But when a private person fill in the company field and leave the VAT field empty I have a problem !
and no VAT is added

Mostly you see in other registration forms something like "Private person: YES/NO "



I hope you understand what I mean.

I guess it is working now...
A new failure showed up now.

When entering an incorrect VAT number I get an error inside the same window (you see the error line + in the background the website) see attached picture

I Have the latest version of Hika 2.1.3

I just tried a correct VAT number from the Netherlands.
Even that is not working.

Also I found that I don't get an email anymore when receiving an order.
I can only get an email from Paypal.
Few days ago I installed an update (I guess since that I am facing these problems) I have 2.1.3 running now

After changing the "VAT number check " from online check to Format check it is working again.

So, is everything okay in the end ?