Check VAT Number

BOS_Kicked

Sorry if this is in the wrong Forum, but couldn't really see a more relevant one.

Looking to find out if anybody knows how I could check that a VAT number supplied to me is correct for the company issuing the invoice.

I've checked the VAT number and it is authentic - the issue is that it is authentic, but for a different company. Is there a way to check all companies registered to operate as part of a VAT grouping as the only info I can find is the 'parent'?

Any information would be much appreciated.

Stevie_Palimo

Contact customs and excise

wealdroam

Stevie_Palimo wrote: »

Contact customs and excise

Or maybe Revenue & Customs:

VAT: general enquiries

.

BOS_Kicked

Yeah - HMRC was my first port of call but they just cut you off saying they are too busy and can't deal with your inquiry (all automated). They don't even give you the option to hold the line and wait!

I'll call back later, unless anybody knows of a web resource.

wealdroam

I guess you've already tried:

VAT Information Exchange System

BOS_Kicked

Hi Wealdroam - yes that's the site that I got the info from about it being a legitimate VAT number, but registered to another company. I want to find out if the company i'm dealing with is part of a group of companies using this number, or just chancing it.

wealdroam

So the real question is " is the company I'm dealing with part of group xyz?"

Can Companies House help?

BOS_Kicked

The company in question isn't a limited company so I can't see any details at companies house. The 'holder' of the VAT registration is a limited company.

I don't know if a group xyz exista at all, but it is my understanding it would need to for the sharing of a VAT registration - is this correct?

My terminology might be a little off, but hopefully the above will be clear!

unholyangel

BOS_Kicked wrote: »

The company in question isn't a limited company so I can't see any details at companies house. The 'holder' of the VAT registration is a limited company.

I don't know if a group xyz exista at all, but it is my understanding it would need to for the sharing of a VAT registration - is this correct?

My terminology might be a little off, but hopefully the above will be clear!

Is it possible that the "company" is just a trading name of the limited company?

Is there any possibility of giving us some details and perhaps we could have a look? If they have a website, it should state on the website what their identity is/who the contracting party are etc.

BOS_Kicked

I've now spoken to HMRC who are next to no use. They can confirm that the VAT number is genuine and who it is registered to, but are not willing/able to discuss if they are part of a VAT group.

They just say that the only company that should be asking for VAT using that number is X. If another company is giving me that number and are claiming to be part of a VAT group, then I should ask for evidence of this association.

I forgot to ask, but I assume that the only way one company can use another company's VAT number is as part of a VAT group that would have to be declared/approved by HMRC.

Sorry unholyangel - i've confused things by introducing the term 'trading name' - that's just me not understanding the terminologies. All companies involved are either limited or non-limited companies in their own right and I can find them all at company check. Just can't find anything official linking them, though some do share registration addresses and director(s).

Stevie_Palimo

Rather than all the hassle and time spent here faffing around just ask the question outright as it would be much quicker and easier as opposed to all this private investigating ?