How can I find out if someone is VAT registered?

by **zippy_brown** on Fri Dec 14, 2007 6:12 am

I am a sole a trader (not VAT registered) and recently purchased a commercial vehicle from another sole trader. His invoice included VAT but did not give details of his VAT number. When I questioned this and asked him for it he refused. I am now convinced he is not VAT registered and simply using this as a way of increasing the price. Is there anywhere that would tell me if an individual/company is registered for VAT.
Thank you in advance.

by **3pic** on Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:17 am

There are no online ways to check this information, something to do with the data protection act!.

If the seller had provided you a VAT No. you can check the validty of it via this website (http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/vieshome.do?selectedLanguage=EN) - but of no use to you on this occasion.

The best way is to call the HMRC National helpline on 0845 010 9000 (or 02920 501 261) and ask them to confirm if the trader is registered with them. If not, they'll likely investigate themselves.

If you've already paid then your only recourse is to write and demand a proper VAT invoice and if not provided to refund the VAT previously paid with a threat to report to HMRC.

A VAT registered business doesn't have to provide a proper VAT invoice if the value of the sale is below Â£250 but if over that samount then it is mandatory.

The trader is either dodgy and charging VAT to keep it or they are VAT registered and paying the VAT over, but not issuing correct VAT invoices - either way, I'd check it out

by **wamstax** on Sat Dec 15, 2007 3:04 am

If you haven't paid it yet then merely pay the net amount and say that you will account for the VAT when he/she produces a valid VAT invoice or number
regards and hope this helps
bill@wamstaxltd.com

by **Sheiky Baby** on Sat Dec 22, 2007 3:05 pm

The only thing I can think of doing is trying Customs Confidential (0800 595 000).

The problem here is the legislation states that you are only required to produce your VRN at the request of another registered trader. Since you're not registered they don't have to provide you with the VRN.

Phoning the Advice Service is useless - although they can verify VRN's, they cannot say whether or not someone is registered for VAT. Even if you have all the address details for the trader, they will more than likely advise they can only verify VRN's provided to them.

by **leedsCIMAstudent** on Fri Jan 18, 2008 7:36 am

3pic, that link you provided seems pretty useful.

I've tried my own VAT number in it, and the name and address (in the yellow results box) come up blank - is this intentional for data protection?

by **mmllmm** on Sat Nov 19, 2011 12:05 am

I found a website ( http://vatnumber.info/ ) where you can verify several VAT numbers at once.
direct link: http://vatnumber.info/en/vies_mass_vat_numbers_validation.html
List of VAT numbers you can copy from a text file, ods or xls and paste into the VIES form. For many it can be very helpful.

by **Generix** on Thu Nov 24, 2011 10:57 am

zippy_brown wrote:I am a sole a trader (not VAT registered) and recently purchased a commercial vehicle from another sole trader. His invoice included VAT but did not give details of his VAT number. When I questioned this and asked him for it he refused. I am now convinced he is not VAT registered and simply using this as a way of increasing the price. Is there anywhere that would tell me if an individual/company is registered for VAT.
Thank you in advance.

If you are not VAT registered there is no requirement to provide you with a VAT invoice