Last updated Jan 15, 2025 and written by Aditi Mohan

How to Find VAT Number by Company Name

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VAT plays a large part in a business’ life, in fact, even if you yourself aren't registered for VAT, you may find yourself searching for VAT numbers more often than you think! You need another company’s VAT number in order to invoice them, report your VAT transactions, and handle any payments. It’s an essential number for business owners, accountants and even customers but how do you find a company’s VAT number? 

What is a VAT number? 

A VAT number, also known as a VAT registration number or VAT identification number, is a unique identifier used for all Value Added Tax purposes within the country it was issued. It is crucial for tracking the tax amount a business pays and collects from purchases and sales, which is also known as VAT taxable turnover. Essentially, VAT numbers allow relevant authorities to track VAT transactions within a country’s tax system. 

Why a VAT Number is Important?

VAT numbers are essential for a country’s tax efficiency, but they are also similarly crucial for businesses. VAT numbers are needed for the following purposes:

  • Filing VAT returns: You’ll need a VAT Number when filing tax returns on behalf of your company. 
  • Legal requirement for invoices: When issuing an invoice you’ll need to add the VAT number of the company you are charging.
  • In business transactions: Supplying a VAT number to partners or clients adds to your business’ credibility and trust. 

How to Check a UK Business VAT Number?

There are a few ways to check a business’ VAT number for its legitimacy.

For example, you can:

Using HMRC Online VAT Number checker. 

The HMRC provides a search tool which allows anyone to find a business’ VAT number by searching a company name. This tool is free to use and you can also use it to find the name and address of the business the number is registered to.

Call the HMRC VAT helpline 

If you prefer a more offline method to find a company’s VAT number, you can also call HMRC. Their customer service representatives can help you find a business’ VAT number. 

Use the VIES website

If you’re looking to verify the VAT number for a European company, you can use the VIES website. This checker simply varies a company’s VAT legitimacy for all EU countries. It does not include any UK territories except Northern Ireland.

Finding a Company’s VAT Number by Name

There are ways to search for a VAT number, whether that is by a company’s name, searching their website or more. In this section, we’ll give you tips on how to check a VAT number by company name.

The first, and most straightforward method of finding a company’s VAT number is through their website. Often this can be found in the header or footer of a company’s site. Equally as easy, you can find a VAT registration number on a company’s invoice, similarly placed on the header or footer of most invoices. It is often clearly labelled as “VAT” followed by the number. Secondly, you can use HMRC’s VAT number service or check the company’s VAT registration service. If all else fails, you can directly contact the company and ask for their VAT number. 

Key Takeaways 

Keeping VAT information organised is key for any business. Whether that's for filing your returns, organising invoices or in your business transactions, staying on top of VAT details will help ease your tax burden.

Registering your company for VAT? We can help! Get in touch today to work with us. We can help simplify the VAT registration process helping your company be VAT-ready in no time!