Where To Find A Business’s VAT Number – A Complete Guide 2025

Sometimes the little things in business can take up more time than you expect. Such as finding a Business VAT number.

But don’t worry, here we will show you exactly where you can find your business VAT number. And how can you assure if it’s the right one or not.

And what if your VAT number is invalid or correct? Yes, we’ll talk about that too!

Let’s get into it!

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What Is a VAT Registration Number?

A VAT Registration Number is like an ID number for the businesses that charge VAT. This number appears on your invoices when you charge VAT to your customer.

VAT number is not like sales tax. Sales tax is added only at the point of sale. VAT number, on the other hand, is applied at each step in the supply chain.

Because of your VAT number, you can also reclaim VAT on your business purchases.

Country	Country code	Format	Characters
United Kingdom	GB	123456789	9

How to Find Your Business VAT Number?

You might have misplaced your VAT number. Or maybe you are just setting up new accounting software and need it again.

No worries!

Here’s how you can find your VAT number:

Finding Your Own Business VAT Number:

1. VAT Registration Certificate: When you first registered for VAT, you should have received a certificate from HMRC or your country’s tax authority. If you have that certificate, you can easily find your VAT number on it. And that’s the quickest way to find your VAT number!
2. Invoices and Other Tax Document: Another method to find VAT number is also quite simple. Just check your past invoices. Your VAT number is legally required to be there. Also check any official letters you have received from the tax agency. You will find your VAT number there too.
3. Your Online Tax Account: You can also log in to your HMRC business tax account. You will find your VAT number and all your VAT details there.
4. Contact HMRC: If you are still stuck and need help, contact HMRC. You will definitely get your VAT number.

Finding Another Business’s VAT Number

Sometimes, you might need to find the VAT number of another business. Maybe because you are working with a new supplier or just want to double-check their details.

Here’s how you can do that too:

1. Check Their Invoices:

If the business has sent you invoices or receipts, check those as their VAT number should be there. It’s a legal requirement so it’s usually easy to find.

2. Use an Online Checker:

• For EU companies, try the European Commission’s VAT Information Exchange System (VIES).
• For UK companies, the UK government has an online tool to confirm VAT numbers.
• For other countries, check the relevant tax authority’s website.

And that’s it! Finding your VAT number or someone else’s is pretty straightforward once you know where to look.

How To Check That A UK VAT Number Is Valid?

Verifying a UK VAT number is important for ensuring proper tax compliance and avoiding potential issues.

You can check the validity of a VAT number using the following methods:

• HMRC Online Service: To check a UK Vat number, you can use the HMRC online service, as shown in the image below. Enter the 9-digit UK VAT number (with or without the “GB” prefix). The service will confirm if the VAT number is valid and provide the name and address of the registered business.

• HMRC VAT Helpline: Call the HMRC VAT helpline on 0300 200 3700. They have a database of VAT-registered businesses and can confirm if a number is valid. The helpline is typically available between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.

If A VAT Number Is Invalid Or Incorrect:

• Pause the transaction or payment.
• Contact the supplier or client to clarify the details, as it could be a simple mistake.
• Request a corrected invoice if necessary.
• Keep a record of your verification steps and any correspondence.
• If a supplier charges VAT without being registered, they are doing so illegally. Consider ending the business relationship or not paying the VAT portion.
• If you suspect fraud, consult the HMRC helpline for guidance.

Note: The VAT registration threshold was increased from £85,000 to £90,000 on April 1, 2024, and remains at this level for the 2025 tax year.

VAT Registration Is Generally Required In The Following Scenarios:

• When a business carries out the supply of goods or services taxed with VAT.
• When a business makes an intra-EU acquisition of goods.
• When a business receives services for which it is liable to pay VAT.
• When a business supplies services for which the customer is liable to pay VAT.

Who Needs A VAT Number In The UK?

Mandatory Registration:

• UK businesses must register if their taxable turnover in any 12-month rolling period exceeds £90,000, or if they expect to exceed this threshold within the next 30 days.
• Businesses based outside the UK that supply any goods or services to the UK must register regardless of their turnover, unless their supplies are primarily zero-rated.
• A business in Northern Ireland that brings in over £90,000 worth of goods from the EU over 12 months also needs to register.
• Similarly, a Northern Ireland business selling more than £8,818 worth of goods to EU consumers must sign up for VAT in those EU countries.

Voluntary Registration

Registering for VAT is optional even if turnover is below the threshold. Many businesses choose to do this anyway because it allows them to reclaim VAT on purchases. And it can make them look more credible to other VAT-registered companies and helps simplify accounting if they expect to grow quickly.

Check Out: Online Marketplace VAT Rules UK – A Complete Guide 2025

Obligations Associated with VAT Numbers

Once a business registers for a VAT number, several legal obligations come into effect:

1. Charging VAT: You must charge VAT on all eligible goods and services you supply (unless they are exempt or zero-rated). The correct VAT rate (Standard 20%, Reduced 5%, or Zero 0%) must be applied.
2. Issuing VAT Invoices: You must issue valid VAT invoices to your customers for standard and reduced-rate supplies. These invoices must include specific information, such as:
   • Your VAT registration number
   • Your business name and address
   • The customer’s business name and address
   • A unique sequential invoice number
   • The date of issue
   • The time of supply (tax point)
   • A description of the goods or services
   • The net amount chargeable
   • The VAT rate charged
   • The amount of VAT charged
3. Keeping VAT Records: You must keep detailed records of all sales (output VAT) and purchases (input VAT) for at least 6 years. These records are crucial for completing your VAT returns and may be inspected by HMRC.
4. Submitting VAT Returns: You must submit VAT returns to HMRC, usually quarterly, declaring the total VAT charged on sales and the total VAT reclaimed on purchases.
5. Paying VAT to HMRC: If your output VAT (VAT charged on sales) is more than your input VAT (VAT reclaimed on purchases), you must pay the difference to HMRC by the due date.
6. Complying with VAT Rules: You must adhere to all specific VAT rules and regulations, including those related to particular schemes (e.g., Flat Rate Scheme, Cash Accounting Scheme) if you choose to use them.

The Importance Of VAT Numbers

VAT numbers are critical for several business functions, especially those involving cross-border trade.

• Legal compliance: You must register for VAT if your business’s turnover exceeds the threshold set by the country where you are selling. In the UK, this is currently £90,000. Failure to do so can result in penalties, fines, and interest charges.
• Reclaiming VAT: As a VAT-registered business, you can reclaim the VAT you have paid on business-related goods and services (input tax), which can improve your cash flow.
• Cross-border trade: For businesses operating in a region like the EU, a valid VAT number is essential for transactions between countries. For example, it allows for the use of the reverse charge mechanism, which simplifies reporting for B2B sales.
• Invoicing and record-keeping: Displaying your VAT number on invoices is mandatory in many regions and provides transparency. It is also used when filing periodic VAT returns with the tax authorities.
• Business credibility: Displaying a VAT number on your invoices and website can enhance your business’s credibility and signal compliance to clients and partners.

Differences Between VAT Numbers and Other Registration Numbers

It’s important to distinguish a VAT number from other identifiers a business might have:

• Company Registration Number (CRN): This is assigned when a company is incorporated at Companies House in the UK. It identifies the legal entity and is used for company law purposes (e.g., filing annual accounts, confirming directorships). A CRN is distinct from a VAT number, as a business can have a CRN without being VAT registered.
• Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR): This is a 10-digit number assigned by HMRC to individuals (for Self-Assessment) and companies (for Corporation Tax). It identifies the taxpayer for income or corporation tax purposes. While a business will have a UTR for its main tax obligations, it will only have a VAT number if it is registered for VAT.
• Employer PAYE Reference: If a business employs staff, it will have a PAYE (Pay As You Earn) reference number, which is used for deducting income tax and National Insurance contributions from employees’ wages. This is specific to payroll and distinct from VAT.

Check Out: What is UTR Number and How to Find UTR number – 2025 Guide

How To Find Out If A Company Is VAT Registered?

To check if a company is VAT registered, the most reliable methods involve using official government tools or reviewing the company’s own documentation. For UK-based companies, you can use the official online tool provided by HMRC. After you enter the company’s nine-digit VAT number (which is often preceded by “GB”), the tool will verify if it’s active and will also display the business’s registered name and address. For companies in Northern Ireland or other parts of the EU, you should use the European Commission’s VIES system instead.

If you don’t already have their VAT number, you can usually find it on invoices, receipts, or other official business documents, as companies that are VAT-registered are required to show this information. Many businesses also post their VAT number publicly on their website, typically on the contact page or in the footer.

For a direct approach, you can simply contact the company and request their VAT registration details.

In cases where you have a VAT number but want to be certain of its validity, the HMRC VAT helpline is also available for UK businesses.

It is important to remember that not all companies are VAT registered, as it is only mandatory for businesses exceeding a certain taxable turnover threshold (currently £90,000 in the UK), though some register voluntarily.

Do All Businesses Have a VAT Number?

No, not all businesses have a VAT number. A business only needs a VAT number if it is registered for VAT.

• In the UK, VAT registration is mandatory only if a business’s taxable turnover exceeds the current threshold of £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period.
• Businesses trading below this threshold may choose to register voluntarily.
• Businesses based outside the UK supplying goods or services to the UK may have different thresholds or be required to register from the first sale.

Therefore, many small businesses and sole traders with low turnover operate without a VAT number.

Can a Business Trade Without a VAT Number?

Yes, a business can trade without a VAT number, provided its taxable turnover does not exceed the mandatory registration threshold.

If a business’s turnover remains below £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period, it is not legally required to register for VAT and can continue to trade without a VAT number. In this scenario:

• The business will not charge VAT on its sales.
• The business will not reclaim VAT on its purchases.
• It does not need to submit VAT returns to HMRC.

However, once a business anticipates or reaches the £90,000 turnover threshold, it is legally obligated to register for VAT with HMRC. Failure to do so can result in penalties.

Can a Business Have More Than One VAT Number?

In certain cases, a business may have multiple VAT numbers. For example:

• Businesses with multiple locations: While a business with multiple branches in the UK typically has one VAT number, specific corporate structures, such as international businesses or certain divisions, may require more than one
• International businesses: If a business operates in multiple countries, it may need a separate VAT number for each country, based on their tax regulations.

For UK-based businesses, this is more common among large corporations and multinational companies.

Common Problems When Searching for a VAT Number

While finding a business’s VAT number is usually straightforward, there are some issues that may arise:

1. Business Not VAT-Registered

Some businesses are not registered for VAT, particularly smaller ones with low turnover. If the business has not yet reached the VAT threshold, it will not have a VAT number.

2. Incorrect or Missing Information

If the VAT number is not properly displayed on an invoice or website, it can be difficult to find. In these cases, you may need to contact the business directly to request the number.

Are you looking for professional tech-savvy tax advisors and accountants in the UK to guide you? Contact us now!

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The Bottom Line

So now when you need a VAT number, you know where to look. It’s a quick and simple process with a powerful payoff. This small check saves you potential headaches down the line, freeing you up to focus on your business’s future growth.

We Can Help

If you need help with your VAT or any other accounting services, visit Accotax.co.uk. We offer a range of packages designed to fit your unique needs! We’re confident that our guidance will free you up to think about strategy and growth, not spreadsheets and deadlines.

So, what’s holding you back?

Reach out, get an instant quote and let us help you stay VAT compliant!

Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article on Where To Find A Business’s VAT Number – A Complete Guide 2025 including all the texts and graphics, is general in nature. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.