How to Find a Company's VAT Number?

If you’ve spent any time trading with other companies, you’ve probably encountered the term “VAT number.” It’s essentially a unique identifier that HMRC assigns to UK businesses registered for Value Added Tax. This number is how HMRC keeps eyes on VAT payments and claims, and it’s how both businesses and clients can confirm that VAT is being handled properly.

From a business perspective, having your supplier’s VAT number isn’t just ticking a box, it’s about protecting your company from sending tax payments to the wrong place. For your clients, your VAT number on invoices gives them confidence that you’re operating within HMRC guidelines and that your invoices are genuine.

There are plenty of situations where you may need to find a company’s VAT number. Maybe you want to double-check an invoice before payment, confirm a supplier’s VAT registration, or ensure you’re eligible to reclaim VAT on expenses. This is especially crucial if you’re dealing with companies overseas, where compliance checks are a bigger deal.

In this guide, I’ll highlight four reliable places where you can find a company’s VAT number in the UK. This way, you can streamline your processes, avoid mistakes, and ensure the businesses you work with are reliable.

A UK VAT number, also called VAT registration number, is essentially the official stamp that a business is registered for Value Added Tax. Not every business needs one, only those with a taxable turnover above £90,000 are legally obligated to get registered. Smaller companies sometimes choose to register voluntarily, especially if it benefits their operations.

Having a VAT number isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It signals to clients and partners that your company is compliant and authorised to collect VAT on goods and services. For HMRC, it’s a useful tool for tracking that the business has reported and paid VAT correctly.

For your clients and businesses, a VAT number on an invoice offers extra confidence. It helps verify that the VAT being charged is legitimate and can be reclaimed if appropriate. Without it, you risk paying VAT you can’t reclaim or dealing with suppliers who aren’t properly registered. In short, a VAT number is a key marker of professionalism and compliance in the UK business landscape.

Standard UK VAT Number Format

The format of a UK VAT number is standardised. It typically consists of two letters followed by nine digits. Here's a breakdown of what a typical VAT number looks like:

• Two Letters: The VAT number starts with "GB," which indicates that the business is registered in the United Kingdom.
• Nine Digits: After the letters, there are nine numbers. These numbers are unique to your business.

For example, a UK VAT number might look like GB123456789 on legitimate invoices. If you’re dealing with international suppliers or clients, their VAT numbers might look different, but the underlying purpose is the same, it’s proof that the business is authorised to deal with VAT.

Making sure a company’s VAT number is legitimate isn’t just a formality, it’s a critical safeguard for your business and your cashflow.

1. To Verify supplier legitimacy

When you engage with a supplier, you need certainty that they’re authorised to charge VAT. A valid VAT number is proof they’re registered with HMRC and legally entitled to collect VAT. This reassures you that their invoices are compliant, and any VAT paid is properly recorded.

2. To Avoid fraudulent invoices

Unfortunately, fraudulent or misleading invoices with VAT charges do circulate, sometimes issued by companies that aren’t even registered. By checking the VAT number, you can identify inconsistencies early. If the number is invalid or doesn’t correspond to the business, it’s a clear warning sign.

3. To claim input VAT on business expenses

If your business is VAT-registered, you’re entitled to reclaim VAT paid on eligible expenses. HMRC, however, only permits this if the supplier’s invoice displays a valid VAT number. Failing to confirm this can result in losing out on VAT refunds you’re otherwise entitled to.

4. For Cross-border trade compliance (EU/International)

For businesses engaged in EU or international trade, VAT checks become even more critical. Systems like the VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) allow you to validate EU VAT numbers, helping you avoid errors in tax treatment on cross-border sales and ensuring your business remains compliant with international trade rules.

When you need to confirm a company’s VAT number, there are a few reliable places to look. Some are quick and straightforward, while others give you official confirmation. Here are the four best options:

1. Check the Company's Invoices or Receipts

A VAT-registered company is required to list its VAT number on invoices and receipts.

Typically, you’ll find this number near the company name, address, or registration details. It can also appear in the receipt alongside the tax summary. If you can’t spot it, double-check the small print, as some businesses include it in the footer.

2. Visit the Company's Website & Check Legal Documents

Many businesses display their VAT number on their official website. Check the footer, contact page, or the terms and conditions. For online transactions, you might see it at checkout or in confirmation emails.

Apart from the website, VAT numbers often appear on legal documents such as contracts, letterheads, or formal notices. If you’re already working with the company, these documents should be readily available and provide a clear reference.

3. HMRC Check VAT Number Service or VIES Database

For official confirmation, you can use online tools provided by tax authorities.

HMRC VAT Checker (UK):

You can use the government’s Check a UK VAT Number service to search for a company's VAT number. This allows you to check whether a UK VAT number is valid and linked to the right business details.

VIES Database (EU):

If you’re trading with companies in the EU, the VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) helps you confirm EU VAT numbers.

Both resources are free and offer assurance that the VAT number is legitimate and active, particularly useful when working with new or international partners.

4. Contact the Company or Accountant

If you’re unable to locate the VAT number through the above methods, the direct approach is often the simplest. Reach out to the company’s accounts team or accountant and request the VAT number.

Legitimate businesses will provide it without hesitation. If a company is unwilling to share this information or avoids your request, that could indicate they’re not VAT-registered or may not be fully compliant.

If you’re operating a VAT-registered business in the UK, that VAT number is pretty much your lifeline for anything official. It’s the unique identifier HMRC hands out once you’re registered, and you’ll be quoting it on your invoices, tax returns, and just about any official paperwork that crosses your desk.

Not everyone has their paperwork perfectly filed away, or let’s be honest, you can’t find it on your records, or simply aren’t sure where to check. Don’t stress. Tracking down your VAT number is usually easy, and there are multiple places it might be listed.

Let me show you exactly where to look, how to recover it if it’s missing, and what to do if you need to check whether a VAT number is valid. Keep reading and you’ll know exactly how to find your VAT number in just a few simple steps.

Why does Your Business Need VAT Registration Number?

1. To File VAT Returns

Your VAT number is essential for filing a VAT return with HMRC. It links your business’s tax records, allowing HMRC to verify that you’re reporting and paying the correct amount of VAT. Without it, you simply can’t complete the filing process.

2. Legal Requirements for Invoices

By law, your VAT number must be displayed on every invoice you issue. This confirms your business is authorised to collect VAT and assures clients of your compliance. It also demonstrates transparency and helps HMRC quickly confirm you’re following the rules.

3. To Use in Business Transactions and Communications

Your VAT number is often required in business transactions and communications. For example, when you deal with suppliers, they may ask for your VAT number to verify your business status. Including it on contracts, purchase orders, and other documents keeps your transactions professional and organised, and ensures everyone has the right information for accounting and tax purposes.

4. To Claim VAT Refunds and Credits

If your business pays VAT on purchases, you can usually reclaim it from HMRC, but only if you provide your VAT number on the relevant forms. This process helps you recover costs and manage your overall tax position more efficiently.

There are 5 places where you can find your Company's VAT Registration Number:

1. VAT registration certificate

2. Previous VAT returns

3. HMRC Online Account (Government Gateway)

4. Business Bank Statements & Letters from HMRC

5. Accounting Software

To find your company's VAT number, you can check below:

1. Check Your VAT Registration Certificate

Once you register for VAT, HMRC issues you a VAT registration certificate which you’ll usually receive it by post. Your VAT number is clearly listed on that certificate. If you’ve kept it on file, that’s the simplest way to check your VAT number.

2. Check Previous VAT Returns

If you don’t have your VAT registration certificate handy, don’t stress. Just refer to one of your previous VAT returns, the VAT number will be listed right there on the form you submitted to HMRC.

3. Check Your HMRC Online Account (Government Gateway)

If you have access to your Government Gateway account, you can easily find your VAT number online. Here’s a quick way to do it:

1. Visit the Government Gateway login page.
2. Sign in using your user ID and password.
3. Go to the “VAT” section of your account.
4. Your VAT number will be shown within your VAT account details.

This is especially handy if you’ve misplaced your registration certificate or need your VAT number in a hurry while you’re working remotely. No need to waste time searching through paperwork, your VAT number is right there in your online account.

4. Check Business Bank Statements & Letters from HMRC

At times, HMRC will include your VAT number in the official correspondence they send, like VAT return and payment reminders, or updates on your VAT account. It’s also smart to review your business bank statements. Any transactions or payments involving HMRC and VAT might show your VAT number in the payment reference.

5. Check Your Accounting Software

‍If you use online accounting software to track your financial transactions, your VAT number can be included in the software settings. For example, the image below shows the VAT number in FreeAgent accounting software.

What if I Can’t Find My VAT Number?

It’s not unusual for business owners to misplace their VAT number or forget where it’s stored. The good news is that there are simple ways to recover it if you can’t spot it in the usual places.

1. Contact HMRC

If you’ve checked your paperwork and still can’t find your VAT number, you can contact HMRC for assistance. You can call HMRC’s VAT helpline on 1800 or 0300 200 3700 or send an email to the VAT general inquiries mailbox at vatgeneralenquiries@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. You can also reach out to HMRC online through the live chat. They can confirm your number once they’ve gone through some security checks to verify your identity. Make sure you have details such as your business name, address, and company registration number to hand, as this will help them locate your account faster.

2. Ask Your Accountant

If you work with a small business accountant or bookkeeper, they will almost certainly have your VAT number on record. Since they handle your VAT returns and other financial paperwork, they can provide it quickly. This is often the easiest route if you already share your financial records with them.

How to Check If a VAT Number is Valid

Once you’ve got a VAT number in hand, verifying that it’s both authentic and currently active is really very important. Using an incorrect or invalid VAT number can cause problems for your business, especially if you’re reclaiming VAT. Thankfully, there are simple tools available to check validity.

1. Use HMRC’s VAT Checker - For UK Businesses

If you’re operating in the UK, HMRC offers its own online VAT number checker. You simply input the VAT number, and it’ll verify the registration status, as well as provide details like the business name and address. It’s a simple way to make sure any invoice you receive is legitimate and you’re not exposing your company to unnecessary risk.

2. Use VAT Information Exchange System (VIES)

The European Commission’s VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) is your go-to tool for checking VAT numbers across the EU and the UK. Just enter the VAT number and the country code, and the system will confirm whether it’s valid. This tool is especially useful if you’re working with international suppliers or customers and need that extra layer of assurance.

Finding a company's VAT number is typically pretty simple once you know where to check. You’ll find it on your VAT registration certificate, VAT returns, or in your HMRC online account. Still can’t find it? Just give HMRC a call or reach out to your accountant, they’ll have it handy. No need to stress.

If VAT still feels complicated, or you’re not totally sure about your responsibilities or how to handle the paperwork, it’s worth bringing in a small business accountant. They’ll handle the registration process, sort out your returns, and make sure you stay compliant.

Ready to take the stress out of VAT and accounting? Book a free consultation with our accountant today to discuss your VAT requirements and how to get the most out of it.

FAQs on Finding VAT Number in UK

What is the VAT Registration Threshold 2025?

The VAT registration threshold for the tax year 2024/25 is £90,000.

How Many Digits is a Company VAT Number?

A UK VAT number consists of 9 digits, usually starting with the country code (e.g., "GB") followed by the 9 digits unique to your business.

What does a VAT number look like in the UK?

‍A UK VAT number starts with “GB” followed by nine digits, for example GB123456789.

Are the Company Number and VAT Registration Number the Same?

No, the company number and VAT number are not the same. The company number is a separate registration assigned by Companies House, while the VAT number is issued by HMRC for VAT-related transactions. Each serves a distinct purpose in business operations.

Is my UTR my VAT number?

No, your UTR is not your VAT number. A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is used while paying your personal tax, while a VAT number is for VAT-registered businesses used to manage VAT submissions and payments.

Does every business have a VAT number?

No, not every business has a VAT number. Only VAT registered businesses, typically earning over the VAT threshold (£90,000), have one.

Do I have to pay for a VAT number?

No, registering for a VAT number with HMRC is free.

Is my VAT number on Companies House?

No, Companies House does not list VAT numbers. It only records company registration details.

Can I check a company’s VAT number online for free?

‍Yes, you can use HMRC’s VAT checker or the EU VIES tool to confirm a business’s VAT number.

Do sole traders have VAT numbers?

‍Only if they register for VAT. Being a sole trader does not automatically give you one.

How long does it take to get one after applying?

‍It usually takes around 2–4 weeks, though sometimes it can be quicker or longer depending on HMRC’s processing.

Where can I find a company’s VAT number?

‍You can check invoices, receipts, the company’s website, business directories, or use HMRC’s VAT number checker.