If you are trying to check an invoice from new customer, verify a supplier, or check a competitor, you might hit a common brick wall: HMRC does not have an official public search tool to find a VAT number by company name.
The official GOV.UK tool only works if you already have the number and want to check if it’s valid.
So, how do you find the number in the first place without calling them up or digging through old paperwork?
While there is no "official" database, there are several trusted methods and third-party tools that can help you find a UK VAT number using just a company name.
1. Use Third-Party VAT Lookup Tools
Since the government doesn't provide a "search by name" function, several third-party websites have stepped in to fill the gap. These sites scrape public data or use algorithms to match company names to VAT numbers.
The user-recommended tools below are popular starting points:
- VAT-Lookup.co.uk: This is a widely cited tool that allows you to search for a UK business by name. It aims to provide the VAT number associated with the company entity.
- VATNumberFinder.com: Another resource designed to help locate these elusive numbers.
⚠️ Important Caveat: These are unofficial tools. Data may not always be real-time or 100% accurate. Once you find a potential number using these sites, always verify it using the official HMRC checker (see Step 4) to ensure it is valid and belongs to the company you think it does.
2. Check the Website Footer and Policies
UK law (specifically the Electronic Commerce Regulations) requires VAT-registered companies to display their VAT number on their website.
- Footer: Scroll to the very bottom of their homepage. It is often listed in small text next to the Company Registration Number.
- Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy: If it’s not in the footer, check the "legal" pages. Search the page (Ctrl+F) for "VAT" to find it instantly.
- "About Us" Page: Sometimes listed under corporate details.
3. Validating the Number (Crucial Step)
Once you have found a number using a lookup tool or website, you must check it is accurate.
- Go to the official HMRC VAT Checker.
- Enter the 9-digit number you found.
- Check the result: HMRC will confirm if the number is valid and, crucially, tell you the registered name and address of the business holding that number.
If the name on the HMRC checker matches the company you are researching, you have a confirmed match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find a VAT number on Companies House?
No. Companies House registers corporate details (directors, accounts, registered office), but it does not display VAT numbers. You can find the Company Number there, but you cannot use the Companies House website to find a VAT number directly.
What if I can't find a number?
If you cannot find a number on their website, invoices, or via lookup tools, the company may not be VAT registered. In the UK, businesses only legally need to register for VAT if their taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 (as of April 2024). Smaller businesses may trade legally without one.
Is it legal to search for a company's VAT number?
Yes. A VAT number is not private data; it is business information. Companies are legally required to provide it on invoices and typically must display it on their websites.
