How to find VAT numbers by company name

A VAT number is a unique code given to businesses registered to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) in the UK. It is used to track VAT transactions and typically looks something like this: GB123456789.

If you run a business in the UK, there are times when you’ll need to find another company’s VAT number. For example, if you’re issuing an invoice, reclaiming VAT, carrying out due diligence, or simply verifying that a supplier or company is genuinely VAT-registered. Knowing where to locate this information is essential for staying compliant and protecting your business.

Discover six ways to find another company’s official VAT number.

1. Check the company’s website

Most VAT-registered businesses display their VAT registration number on their website – usually in the footer, on a ‘Terms and Conditions’ page, or on a ‘Contact Us’ page.

For example, you can find ours at the bottom of the 1st Formations homepage.

For e-commerce businesses, VAT numbers often appear in the checkout area or on invoices and order confirmations.

2. Review previous correspondence

If you’ve worked with the company before, its VAT number should be easy to find. Check past communications such as quotes, order confirmations, or emails – where it’s often included in the signature – or official letters, typically found in the letterhead or footer.

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3. Look at previous invoices

If the company has sent you an invoice, its VAT number should be clearly displayed. UK law requires it to appear on all VAT invoices.

Want to ensure your invoices are correctly formatted? Check out our blog for a complete guide on how to create an invoice, including examples of what a professional invoice should look like.

4. Contact the company directly

If you cannot find a company’s VAT registration number online, call or email the company to ask for it. They should be happy to provide it, especially if you explain you need it for invoicing or accounting reasons.

5. Use third-party lookup tools

Some websites offer a VAT check by company name. Examples include VAT-lookup.co.uk and https://vat-search.co.uk/

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Remember to be cautious – these tools can be helpful, but may not be up to date. Double-check any information you find using official sources, like the HMRC VAT number checker below.

6. Use the HMRC VAT number checker

Once you’ve found a company’s VAT number, check it is valid by using HMRC’s official tool, the VAT Registration Number Checker.

This tool lets you confirm whether a VAT number is valid and see the name and address associated with it. You need the VAT registration number to use this tool – you can’t search only by using a company name.

Can I find a VAT number through Companies House? 

You can’t find a company’s VAT number through information and filing history on the Companies House register. A VAT number is tied to a company’s tax affairs with HMRC, not Companies House.

What if you still can’t find a company’s VAT number?

If you have exhausted your search and the company has not responded, it is possible that it is not VAT-registered.

In the UK, businesses only need to register for VAT once their turnover reaches the VAT threshold, which is currently £90,000 in a 12-month period. If their income is below this, they may not be registered and therefore won’t have a VAT number.

Are you registered for VAT yet?

UK companies are not automatically registered for VAT.

If you’re setting up or have already started a business and are thinking about VAT registration, 1st Formations can help. It doesn’t matter if your turnover does not exceed the £90,000 VAT threshold. You can still register voluntarily to give the impression of a solid, well-established business.

Learn more about the benefits of voluntary VAT registration, or contact our friendly team to find out more.