How to Check If a Company Is VAT Registered UK

Unsure if a business is VAT registered? Learn how to verify a VAT number in the UK or EU, where to check, and what to do if it's not valid.

If you’re dealing with a business and want to confirm whether it’s registered for VAT, it’s important to check the VAT status. This ensures you're dealing with a legitimate operation and can also affect whether you can reclaim VAT on your own business purchases.

This guide explains what a VAT number is, how to check if a UK or EU business is VAT registered, where to verify the number, and what to do if it’s invalid.

What Is a VAT Registration Number?

A VAT registration number is a unique identifier issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) when a business registers for Value Added Tax (VAT). In the UK, it usually:

Has 9 digits
Starts with the prefix ‘GB’
Looks like this: GB123456789

Businesses must display their VAT number on invoices if they are VAT registered. You’ll typically find it on quotes, order forms, or company websites.

Do All Businesses Have VAT Registration Numbers?

No. Only businesses that are VAT registered have a VAT number. A business must register for VAT if its VAT taxable turnover exceeds the registration threshold, which is currently £85,000 per year.

Smaller businesses can choose to register voluntarily, which can give them a more professional image and allow them to reclaim input VAT.

Where to Check a Company’s VAT Number

If you want to verify whether a VAT number is valid, you can use the official HMRC or EU tools.

For UK Companies:

Use the HMRC VAT number checker:

Visit: HMRC VAT Checker
Enter the business’s VAT number
The service will confirm if the number is valid and return the business name and address if registered

For EU Companies:

Use the VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) by the European Commission:

Visit: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies
Select the member state and enter the VAT number
It will show if the VAT number is valid and may return the business name depending on local privacy rules

How to Find a Business’s VAT Number

You can usually find a company’s VAT number on:

Invoices and receipts
Their official website (often in the footer or legal section)
Contracts or quotes
Their letterhead
Companies House records (if it’s a limited company, though not always listed)

If a VAT number is not provided and the business claims to be VAT registered, you can request it directly.

When You Will Use Your VAT Registration Number

If you run a VAT-registered business, you’ll need to:

Include your own VAT number on all invoices
Quote VAT numbers when trading with other VAT-registered businesses
Include VAT numbers when submitting VAT returns to HMRC
Use it when reclaiming VAT on expenses

You may also need to check supplier VAT numbers for auditing, compliance, or cross-border trading purposes.

How Do I Check a VAT Number Is Valid?

To validate a VAT number:

Use the GOV.UK VAT checking tool for UK numbers
Use the VIES tool for EU numbers
Confirm that the format and structure of the number are correct
If you’re still unsure, contact HMRC directly

Always keep a record of VAT checks, especially for international transactions, as HMRC may ask for evidence that you verified the supplier’s status if you’re audited.

What to Do If a Company Is Not VAT Registered

If a company claims to be VAT registered but doesn’t display a number, or gives you an invalid one:

Ask them to confirm their VAT registration
Do not pay VAT unless they can prove they’re registered
Report suspected fraud to HMRC’s VAT fraud hotline at 0800 788 887

Knowingly paying VAT to a business that isn’t registered could mean you’re unable to reclaim that VAT later.

Final Thoughts

Checking a company’s VAT registration status is quick and easy – and protects you from errors or potential fraud. Whether you’re a business verifying supplier credentials or an individual checking a charge on an invoice, tools like the HMRC checker or VIES system give you instant access to the information you need.

Always ask for a VAT number when needed, and never assume a business is registered just because it charges VAT. If in doubt, verify it.