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UK VAT number check made simple on GOV.UK and VIES
HMRC assigns a UK VAT number to every VAT-registered business in the UK. It acts like an official ID, appearing on invoices, Tax returns, and other financial paperwork. For anyone trading with that company, checking the number is more than routine admin, it's a safeguard against fraud and costly mistakes.
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You can stay in compliance with HMRC regulations, minimize filing errors, and steer clear of unauthorized suppliers with a quick UK VAT number check, as provided by the official GOV.UK VAT checker is the leading resource for UK businesses. You must use the VAT Information Exchange System (VIES), provided by the European Commission, if you are working with companies located throughout Europe. Choosing the right platform ensures more reliable results and faster validation.
Why It's worth checking VAT numbers
Checking a UK VAT number is not just about ticking a compliance box. It protects your business by:
- Preventing payments to fake or dissolved companies.
- Ensuring VAT claims aren’t rejected during submission.
- Keeping invoices legally valid and audit-ready.
If HMRC audits your business, proof that you verified supplier VAT numbers can make a huge difference. Since Brexit, UK VAT numbers and EU VAT numbers are validated separately by the government: UK for the UK, and VIES for EU member states. Using the wrong tool may produce an “invalid” result, even when the number is correct.
What a UK VAT number looks like
A typical UK VAT number starts with the prefix ‘GB’ and consists of nine digits. Some branch traders may use twelve digits.
For instance, branch traders GB123456789 and GB123456789001.
A VAT number is probably invalid if it doesn’t adhere to this format. Early error detection can reduce the number of rejected filings, save time, and avoid HMRC fines.
check our detailed guide on What is a VAT number, and why do businesses need one
How to check a VAT number on GOV.UK
HMRC provides a free online tool for verifying UK VAT numbers. Here’s how to use it:
- Go to the official GOV.UK VAT number checker.
- Enter the VAT number exactly as shown, including the GB prefix.
- Review the result – the tool will confirm if the number is valid and display the registered business name and address.
- Save a record – HMRC recommends keeping proof of checks (such as a screenshot or PDF) in case of future audits.
The process is quick and usually takes less than a minute.
How to check a VAT Number on VIES
The VIES VAT checker validates EU VAT numbers, but it no longer includes UK numbers.
Steps:
- Visit the official VIES tool.
- Select the issuing country from the dropdown list.
- Enter the VAT number carefully.
- Review the validation result.
Note: The VIES database may be temporarily unavailable, which can result in an “invalid” message even if the number is correct. Re-check later or confirm directly with the supplier if you are in doubt.
GOV.UK vs VIES: which one to use?
- GOV.UK → UK VAT numbers only.
- VIES → EU VAT numbers only.
Since 2021, UK VAT numbers no longer appear on VIES. If your business trades in both the UK and the EU, you’ll need to use both tools depending on where your supplier is registered.
Common problems with VAT checks
Even with official tools, some issues may occur:
- Wrong format, such as missing “GB” or too many digits.
- New VAT numbers have not yet been updated in the database.
- Temporary outages on GOV.UK or VIES.
- Post-Brexit confusion arises when users attempt to use UK VAT numbers on the VIES system.
Most problems are minor and can be resolved by correcting errors or checking again later.
Why skipping VAT checks is risky
Not running a VAT check might save a minute, but it can cause bigger problems later. HMRC may reject VAT claims if a supplier’s number is invalid. You could also face penalties for issuing invoices with incorrect details.
Beyond compliance, VAT validation builds trust. Suppliers, clients, and partners are more likely to work with you if your paperwork is reliable. For online sellers and fast-scaling businesses, skipping checks can quickly lead to financial and reputational risks.
Best practices for VAT validation
Make VAT checks part of your standard workflow:
- Run checks before large or unusual transactions.
- Save a copy of every check for audit protection.
- Train your team on using GOV.UK and VIES correctly.
- Contact suppliers if results don’t match their details.
- Re-check VAT numbers for long-term business partners.
These habits keep your records clean and your business compliant without adding much extra work.
Where VAT checks matter most
VAT number validation is critical in:
- E-commerce – Platforms like Amazon and eBay require sellers to provide valid VAT details.
- Accounting firms – Avoid client filing errors by confirming VAT numbers in advance.
- B2B contracts – Quick checks ensure new suppliers are legitimate.
- Cross-border trade – Businesses dealing in both the UK and the EU must use GOV.UK and VIES appropriately.
To make managing VAT easier, use Swift VAT Pro, an HMRC-recognized online VAT return software. It helps businesses verify UK and EU VAT numbers, submit VAT returns online, and ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations. Swift VAT Pro saves time, reduces errors, and keeps your VAT records audit-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Your Questions – Answered ,We’re here to help you with anything VAT-related.
1. Why should I perform a UK VAT number check before trading with a business?
Checking your UK VAT number is a must before doing business with any company. It helps verify that the industry has a valid HMRC registration and is authorized to charge VAT. By confirming a VAT number, you can shield your company from possible fraud and prevent circumstances in which HMRC might deny VAT reclaim claims.
It also strengthens your compliance and due diligence records, which may be reviewed during audits. Using official tools like the GOV. The UK VAT checker, also known as VIES for EU numbers, allows you to verify the validity of a VAT number quickly.
Maintaining documentation of these checks demonstrates your proactive approach to compliance, reduces the likelihood of financial penalties, and ensures that your business transactions are safe and compliant with the law, particularly when working with foreign or new suppliers.
2. How can I check a UK VAT number on GOV.UK?
Checking a UK VAT number on GOV. The UK is straightforward and free. First, go to the official GOV. UK VAT Number Checker: Enter the number exactly as it is provided, including the GB prefix. The tool will immediately indicate whether the number is valid and display the registered business name and address.
Keeping a screenshot or a PDF for your records is advised, especially if HMRC performs an audit. For businesses that regularly deal with multiple VAT numbers, using a reliable online system can simplify record-keeping and reduce errors.
Frequent checks help you maintain confidence when dealing with new or foreign suppliers by ensuring that invoices are accurate and compliant, thereby avoiding problems with VAT claims. Your company’s financial interests and reputation are safeguarded by precise verification.
3. What is the difference between GOV.UK VAT check and the VIES system?
The GOV. UK VAT checker and VIES serve different purposes. GOV. The UK is designed to validate UK VAT numbers only, while VIES (VAT Information Exchange System) verifies VAT numbers of EU member states.
Since Brexit, UK VAT numbers are no longer listed on the VIES, so businesses operating in both regions must use the appropriate platform, depending on the supplier’s location. GOV. VIES guarantees that the EU provides instant confirmation for UK businesses and is valid for cross-border transactions within the EU.
By using the right system, delays, rejected VAT claims, and compliance errors can be prevented. Knowing which tool to use and keeping track of all checks improves your company’s verification process. It provides legal protection in the event of audits or disputes related to VAT compliance.
4. What common issues occur when validating a VAT number?
Companies may use official tools to confirm VAT figures. A common problem is entering numbers incorrectly, such as by adding extra digits or failing to include the GB prefix. When newly registered numbers are not instantly reflected in the database, temporary “invalid” results could happen.
There may be brief outages in the UK and VIES systems, which could cause confusion and temporary disruptions.
If users attempt to verify UK VAT numbers on the EU platform after Brexit, they will encounter errors because UK numbers cannot be verified on the VIES platform.
By checking the format, waiting for updates, or using the appropriate tool for the area, the majority of these issues can be readily fixed. Maintaining proper records of checks also helps address any issues that arise and ensures smoother compliance management for your business.
5. Can I reclaim VAT if a supplier’s VAT number is invalid?
No, if the supplier’s VAT number is invalid, you cannot claim VAT. For HMRC to accept claims, the supplier must be registered for VAT in a manner that is appropriate. If you attempt to claim VAT from an invalid number, your claim may be denied, and penalties may be incurred.
Whether using the GOV.
For UK VAT checks and cross-border transactions, it is essential to verify VAT numbers before filing returns using the EU’s VIES system. Keeping records of these checks is evidence of proper planning in the event of an audit.
Frequent supplier VAT number verification guarantees correct VAT submissions, lowers administrative errors, and shields your company from financial risk while upholding HMRC regulations.
