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Check a VAT number with HMRC

Check a customer's or a supplier's UK VAT number with HMRC, see the name and address HMRC holds beside yours, and keep HMRC's consultation number as evidence.

Check a VAT number with HMRC

You can ask HMRC whether a customer's or a supplier's UK VAT number is registered, and see the business name and address HMRC holds for it. Each check is kept with the customer or supplier. When your organisation is VAT registered, HMRC also gives you a consultation number: HMRC's own record that your business checked that number. Keep it as evidence that you checked, for example before you reclaim VAT on a supplier's bill or account for VAT under the reverse charge.

Before you begin

  • Sign in with the correct Organization selected.
  • You need permission to edit customers (or edit suppliers) to make a check. Anyone who can view the customer or supplier can see the checks already made.
  • The customer or supplier needs a UK VAT number saved on it: nine or twelve digits, with or without GB (or XI for Northern Ireland) in front. HMRC's check doesn't cover VAT numbers from other countries.

Check a number

  1. Open the customer (Contacts → Customers, then select the customer's name) or the supplier.
  2. In the VAT number card, select Check with HMRC.

You can also select Check with HMRC beside the VAT number in the Edit window. It appears there once the number is saved. If you change the number, save it first, and then check it.

A check is only made when you ask for it. Saving a customer or supplier never checks the number.

What the result shows

  • HMRC holds a VAT registration for the number. The card shows the name and address HMRC holds beside the ones you hold. Where the name differs, or HMRC's postcode isn't on any of your addresses for the business, it is marked. HMRC's details never replace yours. If HMRC's are right, update the customer or supplier with Edit Details.
  • HMRC has no VAT registration for the number. The check is still kept, as a record that you asked. The customer's or supplier's details stay as you entered them. Check the number with them.
  • Consultation number. When your organisation is VAT registered, the check is made in your organisation's name, and HMRC's consultation number is shown with it. When your organisation isn't VAT registered, the check is made without your name, and the card says there is no consultation number.

Earlier checks are listed under Earlier checks. A check is never changed or deleted.

If the check can't be made

What you see What to do
Checking VAT numbers with HMRC isn't available yet Use HMRC's own "Check a UK VAT number" service on GOV.UK for now.
This customer (or supplier) has no VAT number to check Add the number with Edit Details, then check it.
HMRC checks UK VAT numbers only The number saved isn't nine or twelve digits after GB or XI. Correct it if it's a UK number. Nothing was sent to HMRC.
Your organisation's VAT number isn't one HMRC can read Your organisation is VAT registered, so the check is made in its name. Correct your own VAT number in your organisation's VAT registration details (VAT registration and territory).
HMRC doesn't recognise your organisation's VAT number HMRC doesn't hold your organisation's number as a registered business. Check the number in your VAT registration details. Nothing was recorded.
HMRC asked for checks to wait HMRC is receiving too many checks. Wait for the time it gives, then check again. Nothing was recorded.
HMRC didn't answer the check HMRC's service may be busy or unavailable. Nothing was recorded. Try again in a few minutes.
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