How to find the VAT Number for a company
  • Speedia TeamSpeedia Team
  • Publish date 05 Aug, 2026
  • Last updated date 17 Aug, 2026

If you need to find a company's VAT number in the UK, you can check its VAT invoices, visit its official website, or contact the business directly. If you already have a VAT number, you can verify that it is valid using the HMRC VAT Checker.

Checking a VAT number helps you confirm that a business is VAT registered, claim VAT correctly on eligible purchases, and reduce the risk of fraud or incorrect tax records while keeping your tax records accurate. Whether you're working with a new supplier, preparing VAT returns, or verifying business details, knowing where to find and validate a VAT number is essential.

In this guide, you will learn what a VAT registration number is, why it is important, how to find a company's VAT number, how to verify it, and what to do if you cannot locate one.

What is a VAT Registration Number?

A VAT registration number is a unique number issued by HMRC to businesses that are registered for Value Added Tax (VAT). It allows a business to charge VAT on eligible goods and services and identifies the business as VAT registered.

Under UK VAT rules, VAT-registered businesses usually display their VAT number on invoices and other official business documents, making it easy for customers and suppliers to verify their VAT registration.

Why is a VAT number important?

A VAT number helps confirm that a business is VAT registered and allows you to verify its details before making payments or claiming VAT. Here are some important reasons why it matters.

Checking a company's VAT number helps you:

  • Confirm the business is VAT registered.
  • Claim VAT correctly on business purchases.
  • Avoid VAT fraud and fake invoices.
  • Keep accurate tax and bookkeeping records.
  • Meet HMRC VAT requirements.
  • Build trust with new suppliers and customers.

How to find the VAT Number 

If you need to find a company's UK VAT number, you can use one of these methods: 

Check company invoices or receipts

The easiest way is to look at a recent invoice, receipt, quotation, or credit note. VAT-registered businesses usually include their VAT number on these documents.

Visit the company's website.

Many businesses publish their VAT number on their website. Check the footer, contact page, About Us page, or Terms and Conditions, where legal business information is often displayed.

Contact the company

If you cannot find the VAT number online or on any documents, contact the business by phone or email. A VAT-registered company can provide its VAT number when it is needed for a business transaction.

Verify the VAT number.

If you already have the VAT number, you can use the HMRC VAT checker to confirm that it is valid and registered to the correct business.

Check VAT Numbers for EU Businesses

If you are dealing with a business in a European country, you can use the VIES VAT validation service to check whether its VAT number is active and valid. This is useful when trading with businesses across Europe.

What if you cannot find a company's VAT number?

If you can't find a company's VAT number, it doesn't always mean something is wrong.

Some common reasons include:

  • The business is not registered for VAT.
  • The business is below the VAT registration threshold.
  • The company has recently applied for VAT registration.
  • The website has not been updated.

Conclusion

Finding a company's VAT number is simple when you know where to look. You can check VAT invoices, the company's website, or contact the business directly. If you already have a VAT number, use the HMRC VAT Checker to confirm that it is valid.

Verifying a VAT number helps you work with legitimate businesses, claim VAT correctly, and maintain accurate tax records. If you need expert support with VAT registration, VAT returns, bookkeeping, or accounting, Speedia can help UK sole traders, start-ups, and limited companies stay compliant with HMRC requirements.

Contact Speedia today for professional accounting and VAT support tailored to your business.

FAQs

1. Can I find a VAT number using a company name?

Yes, in some cases. Check the company's website, VAT invoice, or contact the business directly. If you already have the VAT number, you can verify it using the HMRC VAT Checker.

2. How do I know the VAT number of a company?

A company's VAT number is usually shown on its VAT invoices, website, or other official business documents. If you can't find it, ask the business directly.

3. Is a VAT ID the same as a GST number?

No. A VAT ID is used for VAT in the UK, while a GST number is used in countries such as India. They are different tax systems.

4. How do I get my VAT ID?

Register your business for VAT with HMRC. Once your application is approved, HMRC will issue your VAT registration number.

5. How do I know if a company is not VAT registered?

If a business cannot provide a valid VAT number or confirms it is not VAT registered, it may not be registered for VAT. You can also check any VAT number provided using the HMRC VAT Checker.

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