Checking VAT numbers

You may need to check that someone’s VAT registration is valid for various reasons, e.g. if a customer is EC resident but outside of the UK you should not charge them VAT or if a supplier charges you VAT you may want to make sure it is genuine.

You can check the validity of a VAT number by visiting this website or phoning Direct Gov on 0845 010 9000.

5 comments ↓

#1 Lisa Bowyer on 08.21.09 at 3:25 am

You have validated the vat number I am checking but you do not tell me the name of the company. How do I know that the company have given me THEIR vat number?

#2 admin on 08.21.09 at 3:40 am

All the website does it confirm that the VAT number is valid. It is not possible for the website to confirm the identity of the business.

#3 D Jackson on 10.28.09 at 7:54 am

this leaves it open to abuse.recently someone charged 15%VAT on a invoice to my friend Vat No supplied. Then on the next invoice said he was dropping the 15% tax to 5%. If you can’t check if someone is entitled to charge VAT anyone can rip you off for 15% on top of the price and you have know way of checking.
There are a lot of dodgy people out there be careful !!!!

#4 pratik sureka on 11.01.09 at 7:09 am

vat no-19331965074
pls inform us that vat no is valid or not.

#5 Libor on 01.13.10 at 3:38 am

Hi, I know a new format of VAT number has been introduced in Britain starting with GB1…. My colleague is trying to test a validation software but we cannot find a sample VAT number to test. can anyone help?

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