Speedia TeamWhether you need to find your own VAT number or verify a supplier’s VAT registration, you can use HMRC’s official VAT checker for UK businesses and VIES to validate eligible EU VAT numbers.
You cannot use the HMRC VAT Checker to search for a VAT number using only a company name. You need to obtain the number first.
Whether you are checking a new supplier, reviewing business expenses, or preparing a VAT return, confirming a company's VAT registration details can help you maintain accurate records and avoid errors.
In this blog, you will learn how to find a company's VAT registration number, why it's important, and what to do if the number is invalid.
A VAT number, or VAT registration number, is a unique number issued by HMRC to a business registered for Value Added Tax (VAT). It identifies the business for VAT purposes and usually appears on VAT invoices.
A UK VAT number normally contains nine digits, such as 123456789. For certain international transactions, it may appear with a GB prefix, such as GB123456789. Businesses in Northern Ireland may use an XI prefix for eligible EU transactions.
A VAT number is used when charging VAT, issuing VAT invoices and maintaining VAT records. It is different from a Companies House registration number.
A company's VAT number helps customers, suppliers and other businesses confirm its VAT registration details.
Checking the number can help you:
A valid VAT number alone does not automatically mean that every purchase qualifies for a VAT reclaim. The transaction and supporting records must also meet the relevant VAT rules.
There are several ways to find a company's VAT registration number.
You can find your business VAT number through your HMRC online account, VAT registration certificate or business records.
Sign in to your HMRC Business Tax Account. Open your VAT account to view your VAT registration details.
When you register for VAT, HMRC provides a VAT registration certificate containing your 9-digit VAT registration number, registration date and other VAT details.
Your VAT number should normally appear on your VAT invoices. You can also check previous VAT returns, HMRC correspondence and accounting records.
If you still cannot find your VAT number, contact HMRC's VAT helpline. You may need to provide business details to confirm your identity.
If you cannot find a company's VAT number, you should contact the business directly to request it, as it is a legal requirement for them to display it on invoices.
There are several possible explanations:
A business may not be registered for VAT because it does not meet the applicable registration requirements and has not registered voluntarily.
For most UK businesses, compulsory registration generally applies when taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 over the previous 12 months or is expected to exceed £90,000 in the next 30 days. Some businesses have different rules, so the threshold alone does not determine every case.
A business that has applied for VAT registration may still be waiting for HMRC to process its application. Ask the business to clarify its registration status and provide the relevant details when available.
A company website may not have been updated, or you may be looking at an old invoice. Contact the business to confirm its current VAT details rather than relying on outdated information.
A trading name may differ from the legal name associated with the VAT registration. Check the registered name and address carefully. If there is a discrepancy, ask the company to explain it before using the information.
If the HMRC VAT Checker says a number is invalid, don't immediately assume the business is fraudulent.
First, check for common errors:
An invalid result means the service has not confirmed the number as valid. It is a reason to investigate the details, not by itself proof of wrongdoing.
Not through the HMRC VAT Checker. The service requires a VAT number and does not allow you to search for a registration using only a business name. Check the company's invoices or website, or contact it directly.
Ask the company for its VAT registration number. Then enter that number into the HMRC VAT Checker to check whether it is valid and review the associated business details.
A VAT number is commonly shown on a business's VAT invoices and may also appear on its website or other business documents. If you cannot find it, contact the company.
No. A VAT registration number identifies a business for VAT purposes. A company registration number identifies a company registered at Companies House. They serve different purposes.
No. VAT and GST are tax systems used in different jurisdictions. A UK VAT registration number is not the same as a GST identification number used in countries such as India.
Ordinary GB VAT numbers should be checked through HMRC. VIES is used for EU VAT validation and supports Northern Ireland VAT numbers beginning with XI for relevant checks.
Ask the supplier to confirm whether it is VAT registered and explain why the number is unavailable. If the supplier claims to be VAT registered but cannot provide verifiable details, resolve the issue before relying on its VAT invoices or making a VAT reclaim.
If your business needs to register, you can apply through HMRC. Compulsory registration generally applies when taxable turnover exceeds the relevant threshold, although voluntary registration may also be possible. Check the official guidance for your circumstances.
Finding a company's VAT number in the UK usually starts with its invoices, website or finance team. Once you have the number, use the HMRC VAT Checker to verify its validity and compare the registered business details.
Remember that finding a VAT number and confirming VAT registration are two separate steps. A number printed on a document should not automatically be treated as verified.
If you need help managing VAT returns, bookkeeping or other accounting responsibilities, Speedia provides accounting support for UK businesses and individuals.
Visit Speedia to learn more about its accounting services or contact the team for support with your business's VAT and accounting requirements.