How to Check if a Company Is VAT Registered

PHS Team

19 Mar, 2025

If your business works with other companies, it’s crucial to verify their VAT registration check status. Knowing whether a company is registered for VAT helps you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and accurately account for VAT on all transactions.

In the UK, businesses must register for VAT if they earn more than £90,000 a year, though smaller businesses can choose to register voluntarily.

To avoid costly mistakes, it’s smart to check if a company is VAT registered before making transactions. You can use the HMRC check if company is VAT registered tool to quickly verify a VAT number. 

An accurate VAT registration ensures you only pay or reclaim the correct tax amount, making it easier to stay on track when submitting a VAT return.

What is VAT Registration?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax applied to most goods and services in the UK. Businesses must register for VAT with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) when their taxable turnover exceeds the annual threshold, which is £90,000 per tax year. 

If you’re unsure, you can easily check if a company is VAT registered using HMRC’s online tool.

When registered, businesses receive a unique VAT registration number, typically starting with the letters "GB" followed by 9 digits (e.g., GB123456789). This number must appear on invoices, receipts, and official documents. Regular VAT registration check helps you stay compliant and make submitting a VAT return smoother and more accurate.

Why You Might Need to Check a Company’s VAT Status

Verifying a company's VAT registration is important for several reasons:

• Ensuring VAT Invoices: You can only reclaim VAT if the supplier is genuinely VAT registered and provides a valid VAT invoice. Use the HMRC check if company is VAT registered tool to confirm their status.
• Avoiding VAT Charges: Some scammers might pretend to be VAT registered to charge extra or trick customers. Always check VAT registration to avoid fraudulent practices.
• Claiming VAT correctly: If you incorrectly claim VAT from a non-registered business, HMRC could penalise you and reject the refund. Regular VAT registration check helps ensure your claims are valid and accurate.
• Maintaining Accurate Records: Knowing a supplier’s VAT status helps you keep your VAT records precise and compliant with tax rules.
• Building Trust in Business Relationships: Verifying VAT registration helps establish credibility with your business partners.

Checking VAT registration helps protect your business from financial loss and potential compliance issues.

How to Check if a Company is VAT Registered?

Verifying a company's VAT registration is important for confirming its legal status, compliance, and ability to charge VAT. 

Here are detailed steps on how to check VAT registration in the UK:

Check the Company Website

Many businesses list their VAT number on their website, usually in the footer, contact page, or terms and conditions. Look for phrases such as "VAT Reg. No." or "VAT Number," followed by a long numerical sequence. In the UK, VAT numbers are typically 9 digits long and may include a "GB" prefix.

Look at Their Invoices or Documents

If you need to check company is VAT registered, start by requesting a valid VAT invoice. A valid VAT invoice should include the VAT number, company name, address, and VAT amount charged. Ask for an invoice to verify their registration.

Use HMRC’s VAT Number Checker

Visit HMRC’s online VAT checker, then enter the company’s VAT number. Review the results to confirm if the number is valid and registered.

Search on Business Information Databases

Websites like Companies House provide public business records, though VAT details may not always be available. Still, it helps verify other company information.

Contact HMRC Directly

If you're unsure, call HMRC for assistance. They can verify VAT numbers and guide what to do next.

Ask the Company

You can directly ask the company for proof of VAT registration, such as their VAT certificate or a recent invoice with the VAT number.

Use the VIES System (for EU Businesses)

For companies in the EU, use the VIES (VAT Information Exchange System), select the country and enter the VAT number. The system will confirm if the VAT number is valid and provide business details.

What to Do if a VAT Number Is Invalid

If you find that a VAT number is invalid or cannot be verified using HMRC’s tool, it’s important to take the right steps to resolve the issue

• Double-check the Number: A common reason for an invalid VAT number could be human error, such as a typo or missing digit. Before taking any further action, verify that the VAT number you entered is correct.
• Contact the Company: If the VAT number is still invalid after double-checking, you should contact the company directly to confirm or request a corrected VAT number.
• Report Suspicious Activity to HMRC: If the VAT number remains invalid or the company is unresponsive, and you suspect fraudulent activity or tax evasion, you should report the matter to HMRC. This step is especially important when submitting a VAT return, as using an incorrect VAT number can cause delays or penalties.

If a VAT number is invalid, double-checking the number, contacting the company, and reporting suspicious activity to HMRC are essential steps to resolve the issue. 

Tips for Managing VAT in Your Business

To keep your VAT registration check processes smooth and compliant:

• Update your records if there are any changes to VAT rates or regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of all VAT-related documents (invoices, receipts, VAT returns) for audit purposes.
• Use the HMRC check if company is VAT registered or ask the business for proof of VAT registration.
• Set up an automatic VAT registration check reporting to avoid errors and ensure timely submissions to HMRC.
• Set up a separate bank account for VAT funds to keep your VAT payments and refunds separate from general business finances.
• Ensure you submit a VAT return by the deadline (quarterly or annually, depending on your registration).
• Stay informed about any VAT exemptions, reliefs, or allowances that may apply to your business.
• Stay updated with changes to VAT rates, regulations, and compliance rules.
• If VAT management becomes complex, consider getting advice from a tax professional or accountant.

Proactive management reduces the risk of errors and ensures you stay on the right side of HMRC regulations.

Use the HMRC check if company is VAT registered, the VIES system for EU businesses, or ask the company for proof. This ensures you only deal with legitimate, VAT-registered businesses.

If you need help with VAT registration check PHS Associates to make the process simple and stress-free. Contact us at 0208 8611685 and email us at info@phs-uk.co.uk. For handling everything, gathering documents, preparing your application, and submitting it to HMRC with complete accuracy.