Check UK VAT number – New service for UK VAT verification

Since 01/01/2021 you can no longer use the European VIES website to check and validate UK VAT numbers. Currently in the official EU website new numbers for businesses established N.Ireland have been added. The new VAT numbers for Northern Ireland are starting with the XI prefix.

How to check if a VAT number is valid?

the British Government launched an online service for checking UK VAT numbers. This service is available in English and Welsh and you can check the validity of a UK VAT number. Another feature that this service provides is the name and registration address of the business the VAT number is registered to.

If you are already a UK VAT registered business, you can use this service to prove when you checked a VAT number. If you wish to have proof of your check, all you need to do is check the appropriate box beneath the search field in which case a new field will pop up asking for your own valid VAT number. To use this service you will need your own VAT number.

You can find this service in the government website by clicking  here.

After you insert the VAT number in the requested field you will then be informed if the number is valid or not along with the company’s registered name and address. UK VAT number can be 9 or 12 numbers sometimes with a GB at the start.

Are you unable to use HMRC’s online service?

In this case you can always call the HMRC VAT helpline on this number: 0300 200 3700

Are you looking to be registered for VAT in the UK? GVC can help you fulfil all your VAT obligations and resolve any BREXIT related issues so that you can focus on your expanding business. Please contact us by clicking below or schedule a call  with one of our VAT experts.

If you are a B2B company all of your suppliers should have a valid registration number and potentially a VAT number as well. You also need a VAT number if you wish to reclaim the VAT you paid to your suppliers. The VAT numbers are given by the HMRC and in UK they are 9 digits long with the GB prefix.

Find UK VAT numbers

How can you find UK VAT numbers? If you have the invoice of your supplier then the VAT number should be on the invoice along with the rest of the company’s details. You can also contact your suppliers directly and request their VAT number. If you wish to find out a company’s VAT number and you already have their details such as location and name you can also perform a search here.

Last update: 29/07/2021