Verify any UK VAT number against HMRC's official database. See the registered business name, address, and Companies House record.
Enter a UK VAT number and we run two levels of verification: checksum validation instantly checks the number's mathematical structure using the official Modulus 97 algorithm, then HMRC live verification queries HMRC's official VAT database to confirm the number is actively registered and returns the business name and address.
We then automatically search our database of 5.7 million UK companies to find the matching Companies House record - so you can view directors, filing history, SIC codes, and more.
A UK VAT number is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned by HMRC to businesses registered for Value Added Tax. It follows the format GB followed by 9 digits (e.g. GB 123 4567 89). Government departments use a GD prefix, and health authorities use HA.
Once you have confirmed a number, use our free company search to pull the matching Companies House record, or the SIC code lookup to identify the classification code for a business.
HMRC provides a free VAT number verification service through its online portal and API. This tool uses that same HMRC API to give you instant results. You can also check directly at gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number, though the manual portal only confirms validity, not the business name or address. For businesses needing to verify numbers regularly, HMRC's VAT number validation API is free to use with no rate limits for standard business verification.
An invalid VAT number on a supplier invoice has serious implications. You cannot reclaim the VAT - HMRC can deny your input tax claim if the supplier's number is not genuinely registered. You may be liable for the tax if HMRC determines you knew or should have known the number was fake. And the supplier may be committing fraud - report suspected VAT fraud to HMRC's fraud hotline on 0800 788 887. A number can fail validation because of a typo, because the business has deregistered from VAT, or because it is a deliberately fabricated number.
VAT registration is compulsory once a business's taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. New companies must register within 30 days of the end of the month in which they crossed the threshold. Many new companies register voluntarily before reaching the threshold, particularly if their customers are VAT-registered businesses who can reclaim the VAT. Voluntary registration can be applied for from day one of trading.
HMRC provides a free VAT number verification API used by tools like this one. You can also check directly at gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number. The manual portal confirms validity but does not return the business name or address.
You cannot reclaim the VAT on purchases made using an invalid VAT number. HMRC can deny your input tax claim, and in cases of fraud, may hold you liable for the tax. Report suspected VAT fraud to HMRC on 0800 788 887.
VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any 12-month period. New companies must register within 30 days of the end of the month in which they crossed the threshold. Voluntary registration is available from day one of trading.