You can find a business VAT number on its VAT invoices, website or VAT registration certificate. If you need to check another business’s details, HMRC’s online VAT checker can verify a UK VAT number and show the registered business name and address.
This guide explains how to find a UK VAT number, search for one using a company name, and check whether the number is valid.
What Is A Business VAT Number?
A business VAT number, also called a VAT registration number, is a unique number issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) when a business registers for Value Added Tax (VAT).
Businesses use this number on VAT invoices and other relevant business documents. It helps customers identify the VAT-registered supplier and check its registration details.
And if you are VAT-registered, you can also reclaim VAT on your business purchases.
What Does A UK VAT Number Look Like?
Most are easy to spot. Here are the formats you’ll see.
| Type | Format | Example |
| Standard UK (Great Britain) | GB + 9 digits | GB 123 456 789 |
| Northern Ireland (goods) | XI + 9 digits | XI 123 456 789 |
| Branch Traders VAT (rare) | GB + 12 digits | GB 123 456 789 001 |
Spaces are optional. Some firms add them so the business VAT number is easier to read.
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:
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- Contact HMRC: If you are still stuck and need help, contact HMRC. You will definitely get your VAT number after completing the necessary security checks.
How to Find Company VAT Number UK
Sometimes, you might need to find business 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 UK companies, the UK government has an online tool to find VAT number UK status and confirm details.
- 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.
3. Official Business Websites
Most transparent businesses list their company VAT number in the footer of their website or on their “About Us” or “Contact” pages.
And that’s it!
Finding your VAT number or someone else’s is pretty straightforward once you know where to look.
How to Find a Company VAT Number by Name?
If you need to find a VAT number by company name, the most reliable method is using the official GOV.UK Check a UK VAT number service. While HMRC does not provide a downloadable list of VAT registered companies UK, this online tool allows you to verify if a business is registered and see their official name and address.
However, as discussed above, you can also:
- request the VAT number from the company
- search the company’s official website
- check invoices or contracts
- use commercial credit-check tools that link company data with VAT details
Common Problems When Searching for a VAT Number
When you try to find a VAT number, some issues might 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 company business 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.
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.
What to Do if a VAT Number Is Invalid or Incorrect?
If the online checking service flags your UK VAT number as invalid or completely incorrect, do not panic immediately. Because it could just be a human typo.
However, you do need to protect your accounts:
- 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.
What If The Business Is In Northern Ireland Or The EU?
Since the UK left the European Union, standard UK VAT numbers no longer appear in continental databases. If you are trading with an EU company, you’ll need to use the European Commission’s VIES VAT Validation system instead. For businesses in Northern Ireland that trade goods, their VAT number may start with an “XI” prefix to remain compatible with EU trading systems.
How Accotax Can Help
If you are unsure about a supplier’s VAT details or need help with your own registration, our specialist VAT accountants can guide you through the process.
Get in touch with us today if you need practical support with your business’s VAT and accounting requirements.
The Bottom Line
A business VAT number isn’t hard to find. Check the invoice, the website or your HMRC account, then confirm it on GOV.UK. If something looks off, don’t pay until it’s sorted.
And if you’re nearing £90,000 in sales, get ahead of VAT registration now.
Not sure where you stand? Speak to the Accotax team, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article on “Where to Find a Business’s VAT Number: A Complete 2025/26 Guide” including all the texts and graphics, is general in nature. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.
