When doing business in the UK, knowing how to find a company’s VAT registration number is essential. This number is a unique identifier issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to businesses registered for Value Added Tax (VAT).
You can find a company’s VAT number on official invoices and receipts, as UK law requires VAT-registered businesses to display it on these documents. Many companies also list their VAT number on their website, often in the footer or on legal pages. If these options don’t work, you can contact the company directly to request their VAT number.
Whether you are a supplier, customer, or business owner, knowing how to locate and verify a company’s VAT number helps you avoid fraud. It also ensures you can claim input tax correctly and meet legal obligations.
A VAT registration number is a unique identifier assigned to businesses that are registered for VAT in the UK. It’s used to track VAT transactions, ensure compliance, and confirm the authenticity of businesses. In the UK, VAT numbers typically start with ‘GB’ followed by nine digits (e.g., GB123456789).
Any business with a taxable turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £90,000 per year) must register for VAT and obtain a VAT number. Businesses below this threshold can register voluntarily, which can be advantageous for reclaiming VAT on purchases or enhancing business credibility.
There are multiple reliable methods to locate a company’s VAT number. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective options:
The simplest way to find a company’s VAT registration number is to look at any invoices or receipts you’ve received from them. UK law requires VAT-registered businesses to include their VAT number on all invoices and receipts. It’s usually found in the header or footer, clearly labelled as ‘VAT’ followed by the number.
Many businesses display their VAT number on their website, often in the footer, on the ‘About Us’ page, or within their terms and conditions. E-commerce businesses may also list it at checkout or on order confirmations.
Several online tools can help you find or verify a VAT number:
If you cannot find the VAT number online or on documents, contact the company’s customer service or accounts department. Explain your reason for requesting the VAT number; most businesses will provide it if it’s a legitimate request.
Some business directories, such as Companies House, provide company details, though they do not typically list VAT numbers. However, other commercial databases and business information services may include VAT numbers for larger or well-established businesses.
HMRC maintains a database of VAT-registered businesses. If all else fails, you can call the HMRC VAT helpline (0300 200 3700) for assistance. Be prepared to provide the company’s full name and location to help HMRC locate the correct record.
If you’ve searched all options and still can’t find a company’s VAT registration number, it’s possible the business isn’t VAT-registered. In the UK, businesses only need to register for VAT once their turnover reaches the threshold. Some smaller businesses may not be registered and therefore won’t have a VAT number.
If you’re searching for your own VAT number, you can find it in several places:
If you need to find a company’s VAT registration number, PHS Associates can provide expert assistance. The company registration number (CRN) is a unique identifier issued by Companies House when a business is incorporated in the UK.
We help you quickly locate and verify this number using official resources, saving you time and effort. Contact us at 0208 8611685 and email us at info@phs-uk.co.uk. Our support ensures you receive accurate, up-to-date information, enabling you to make informed business decisions confidently.
PHS Associates Acc & Co is led by a skilled team with expertise in Accounting, Taxation, Payroll, Business consultancy, and Company secretarial services.
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