How do I find a VAT Number?
A VAT number serves as an identification number given by HMRC to businesses that have been registered for VAT in the United Kingdom.
Businesses that have successfully registered for value added tax will receive a unique VAT number that must be used on all invoices and financial records.
It’s a typical requirement for a business to verify the VAT number of a company they are transacting with.
If you need to find the VAT number of another company, it should be displayed on any invoice they have issued to you or you can use HMRC’s check a UK VAT number service which is available online or by phone.
A company can find their own VAT number on the registration certificate provided by HMRC, a previously issued invoice or submitted VAT return, or your bookkeeping software.
Made up of the letters GB followed by nine digits a VAT number serves as proof that your business is authorised to levy VAT on behalf of the government and is used by HMRC to keep track of and oversee payments made by businesses.
A VAT number is needed to reclaim the VAT paid on goods and services from other companies, which can potentially result in a VAT refund.
How do I verify a VAT number?
VAT number verification is a vital part of any business’s due diligence process ensuring that the VAT number you have been provided is authentic and the associated company details match those of the entity you’re intending to trade with.
Verifying a VAT number helps you check for any mistakes whether from your end or your suppliers’.
Errors can occur, and if you present incorrect VAT number information while reclaiming VAT, HMRC will reject your claim.
Another very important reason for checking a VAT number is to safeguard against fraud.
Fraudsters often establish fake companies at Companies House and use counterfeit VAT numbers to appear legitimate. These numbers might be entirely fabricated or could belong to a different company.
Use HMRC check a UK VAT number service
Checking a VAT number can easily be done through the check a UK VAT number online tool provided by HMRC.
You can utilise this service to verify the validity of a UK VAT registration number and obtain information about the business associated with the registered number, including its name and address.
It’s recommended that you keep evidence of the VAT verification process with the check a UK VAT number site giving you a reference number to your search results.
This is useful to refer back to in case of any tax discrepancies with the relevant company or business in the future.
You can keep the search results as proof that the UK VAT numbers you’ve verified are either valid or invalid.
Contact the HMRC VAT helpline
HMRC maintains an extensive record of businesses that are registered for VAT. If there are any uncertainties regarding a registration number, it is advisable to contact the HMRC VAT helpline on 0300 200 3700.
Use the online VAT Information Exchange System (VIES)
To verify the authenticity of European VAT numbers, you can access the VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) website, managed by the European Union.
Here, you can input both UK and EU VAT registration numbers in the respective fields to confirm if a supplier’s VAT number is valid.
If it is not, it is advisable to contact the supplier promptly before proceeding further with your transaction.
Find a company VAT number
Make sure to check the company’s invoices or receipts as VAT registered businesses are required to display their VAT number on them.
You can also visit the company’s website to find their VAT number, which is often located in the footer or on the contact us or about us pages.
If the above methods don’t work you can contact the company directly and request their VAT number.
What happens if a VAT number is invalid?
If a business or supplier registered for VAT provides an incorrect VAT number, it is crucial to reach out to them immediately to obtain the correct one.
This is vital as possessing an invalid VAT number may result in HMRC denying your VAT claims, which could leave you with a substantial financial burden.
How to find your company’s VAT number
Your HMRC issued VAT registration certificate includes your unique VAT identification number.
You receive your VAT registration certificate when you have successfully completed the registration process. It is important to store this certificate in a secure and easily reachable location.
Use your HMRC VAT online account
The VAT online account service provided by HMRC will include your VAT number and let’s you manage other areas of your VAT account like updating business details and setting up a direct debit for paying VAT.
Check your VAT returns or VAT software
If you do not possess a VAT registration certificate or are unable to locate it, you can refer to your VAT returns for the necessary information.
The VAT number can be found in a VAT return form you have already submitted one to HMRC.
If you use internet-based bookkeeping software to record your sales and purchases it is possible to include your VAT number in the software’s settings.
Call the HMRC VAT helpline
If you are having trouble finding your VAT number, you can seek help by contacting HMRC.
You can reach the VAT helpline at 1800 or 0300 200 3700, or send an email to [email protected] for general inquiries.
Alternatively, you can try using the live web chat feature on HMRC’s website for assistance.
What does a UK VAT number look like?
The structure of a VAT number in the UK is usually comprising of two alphabetical characters and nine numerical digits.
The typical VAT number format looks like:
- Two letters: The VAT registration number begins with “GB,” signifying that the company is officially registered in the United Kingdom.
- Nine numbers: Following the GB prefix there are nine digits. These numbers aren’t in any particular order specific and exclusive to your business.
An example of a UK VAT number could be represented as: GB123456789.
A company number and a VAT number are not to be confused. A company number is provided by companies house for limited companies, while the VAT number is given by HMRC for transactions only relating to VAT.
A unique taxpayer reference number or UTR number is generated for individuals who complete a self assessment tax return and not connected to a VAT number.
What is the VAT number used for?
For VAT registered businesses their VAT number is a fundamental part of dealing with their accounts and business transactions which include:
Filing VAT returns:
Your VAT number is essential for submitting VAT returns to HMRC which need to be submitted online to HMRC typically every three months.
A VAT return includes the VAT you have paid out (input VAT) and the VAT you have charged your customers (output VAT).
HMRC utilises your VAT number to help monitor your payments and ensure your business is paying the correct amount of tax.
Reclaiming VAT refunds from HMRC:
If your company pays value added tax on products and services from other businesses, you may be able to get a refund from HM Revenue and Customs.
Referred to as VAT reclaim, this procedure can help lessen your overall tax liability.
The VAT number of your own business and of the businesses you have purchased from must be recorded correctly under the making tax digital for VAT regulations for HMRC to be able to process your refund.
Invoice compliance and business correspondence:
According to HMRC legislation it is mandatory to include your VAT number on all invoices that you provide to your customers.
This serves as evidence that you are lawfully collecting VAT on behalf of the government and allows HMRC to confirm that your business is adhering to the rules and regulations concerning VAT.
Your VAT number is frequently necessary in commercial transactions and communications especially with suppliers who may request your VAT number for verification purposes.
Automatically incorporating your VAT number on all invoices, agreements, purchase orders, and other correspondence gives all involved parties the essential details for tax purposes and enhances the professionalism and organisation of your own business transactions.
