How to Find the VAT Number for a Company?

 If you're doing business with a company in the UK or any other country within the European Union (EU), you may need to verify its VAT (Value Added Tax) number. A VAT number is a unique identifier assigned to businesses registered for VAT, and it's essential for proper invoicing, compliance, and tax reporting.

There are several ways to find a company's VAT number, depending on the country, the business, and the availability of public records. Here's a guide to help you find a VAT number in the UK and EU.

1. Check the Company’s Invoice or Website

The simplest way to find a company's VAT number is to check any invoices, purchase orders, or official documents they have issued. VAT-registered businesses are required to include their VAT number on all invoices they send to customers.

Additionally, many businesses display their VAT number on their website, particularly in the contact section or the footer of the site. If you're unsure, you can reach out to the company directly and ask for their VAT number.

2. Use HMRC’s VAT Helpline

If you're looking for the VAT number of a UK business, you can contact HMRC's (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) VAT helpline. While HMRC doesn’t provide an online public directory of VAT numbers, they can assist in certain situations, particularly if you are a business that needs to verify the VAT status of a supplier.

You can call the VAT helpline on 0300 200 3700 or use HMRC's online services if you have a VAT-related query.

3. Use the VIES VAT Number Validation Tool

If you're dealing with a company based in the EU (including UK businesses with EU VAT obligations), you can use the VIES (VAT Information Exchange System). This is an online tool provided by the European Commission that allows you to check the validity of VAT numbers across EU member states.

  • To use the VIES system:
  • Visit the VIES website.
  • Select the country in which the business is based.
  • Enter the company’s VAT number.
  • If valid, the system will confirm the registration, along with the company’s details.

This tool is useful for cross-border transactions within the EU, ensuring that the VAT number provided is valid and the company is properly registered for VAT.

4. Check UK Company Registers

In the UK, you can use the Companies House website to find basic information about a business, including its company registration number. While Companies House does not always list VAT numbers, it is a good starting point for confirming the legal details of the business you're dealing with.

Here’s how to use Companies House:

  • Go to the Companies House website.
  • Enter the company’s name or registration number.
  • View the company’s profile, which may include VAT-related information.

If the VAT number is not available here, you can use the company details from this site to cross-reference or request the VAT number directly from the business.

5. Request the VAT Number Directly

If you can't find the VAT number through any of the public resources, it's always an option to ask the company directly. Businesses registered for VAT should be transparent about their VAT number, as it's an important part of their compliance obligations. You can send an email or make a phone call requesting their VAT number, especially if you need it for accounting purposes or to ensure the legitimacy of the company.

6. Third-Party VAT Lookup Tools

Several third-party websites offer VAT number lookup services. These tools often pull data from public registries and databases, providing a convenient way to search for VAT numbers. However, it’s essential to ensure you’re using a reliable and trustworthy service, as not all third-party tools offer accurate or updated information.

Some examples of third-party VAT lookup tools include:

  • Vatcheck.eu
  • Vatlive.com

These tools function similarly to the VIES system and can be used for checking VAT numbers from multiple countries.

Importance of Verifying VAT Numbers

When you're dealing with other businesses, particularly in cross-border transactions, verifying VAT numbers is crucial for several reasons:

Correct Invoicing: VAT-registered businesses need to include VAT on invoices when dealing with other VAT-registered companies or customers.

Avoid Fraud: Verifying VAT numbers helps ensure that the business you're dealing with is legitimate and properly registered.

Compliance: For businesses, ensuring that your suppliers are VAT-registered helps with proper VAT deductions and tax reporting.

Conclusion

Finding a company's VAT number can be straightforward if you know where to look. Start by checking invoices, official documents, or the company’s website. If that doesn’t work, you can use public tools like the VIES VAT validation service for EU businesses, or contact the company directly. For UK-based businesses, HMRC and Companies House can also provide helpful information.

Verifying VAT numbers is an essential step in maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance, especially when conducting business with VAT-registered companies in the UK and beyond.

AccountingFirms can assist you in managing your business and accounting problems as well as avail maximum tax relief possible.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains basic textual and graphic information regarding corporation tax reduction in the UK. It is not meant to discount any of the expert counsel.


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