Can one check if a company is VAT registered?

[535dman]

I've had a few companies down to quote on various work like blinds, curtains etc and they add VAT to their price although they use a page out of a woolworths style invoice book! How can I check if they are indeed VAT registered?

[Plotloss]

Ask them for their VAT number

[Terry Tibbs]

phone the vat man and ask

phone general info number on web site, give vat number (which has to be quoted on invoice) and they'll tell you

[ginettag27]

Try the link on this page, it seems to enable you to check VAT numbers across EU member states..

http://www.out-law.com/page-2683

It takes you to.. http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/vieshome...

[535dman]

Thanks guys. The scenario is that I dont know their company VAT number and wanted to check if they are VAT registered by checking their Ltd company name.

I've been watching these guys come and give quotes for work using these estimate pads rubber stampted with their company names.

If i call the HMRC number and give them a company name will they be able to check this? The guy who came today to quote on blinds was adding the VAT and then asked me to pay him cash and he'd do away with the VAT all together - this is what got me thinking - he's probably not even VAT registered and was a way for him to grab the deal!

[ginettag27]

alarm bells! alarm bells!

You can call HMRC and get them to tell you if a company is registered for VAT...

Links and phone numbers here...

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Ta...


Of course if they give you an invoice and are VAT registered, the invoice _must_ have the VAT registration number on it.

Edited by ginettag27 on Thursday 7th February 09:37

[Simpo Two]

A VAT invoice must have a VAT number on it. If they don't have a number they can't charge it.

[535dman]

Busted W*nker admitted he wern't VAT registered when I offered to pay VAT with a valid reciept! My doubt was right!