How to obtain VAT number of a company if they won't tell you.

[malvolio]

Jeez, where is the problem? If you 've paid them money you have invoices? If they've charged VAT and shown it as such on the invoice, you can tell how much you've paid. If they aren't VAT registered, or have not issued a valid VAT invoice, you claim if back from the VAT man as a reduction in your output tax in your next VAT100 and let the VAT man worry about prosecuting them to recover the fraudulent amounts. One or more of their directors will end up in prison, but why should you care.Ignore the number, that is irrelevant. Phone your VAT office and tell them what's been going on.

[threaded]

Seriously, are the VAT ever that helpful? Isn't there something about that I should have checked there was a VAT number on the invoice before I paid it? And because I didn't then it's tough luck.

I would much prefer to get their VAT number.

[malvolio]

OK, have fun, do it your way.

But talk to the VAT people anyway - they are helpful (much more than Hector ever is) and will be interested: you've merely cocked up, the other guys have broken laws that have big teeth.

[threaded]

I have talked to the VAT help line. They wouldn't tell me the VAT number, and implied that because I didn't check then it is my fault.

If I could only get the VAT number then there is no problem for me.

[ASB]

I have talked to the VAT help line. They wouldn't tell me the VAT number, and implied that because I didn't check then it is my fault.

If I could only get the VAT number then there is no problem for me.

firstly they are legally obliged to give you a VAT invoice on demand - but you know that. Of course being obliged and complying as you have noticed are two different things.

Strictly you are not allowed the reclaim without a VAT invoice, there is some guidance on HMRC website about this. There is also a concession which does allow to claim it in most circumstances. Again you can find details form the website.

[oraclesmith]

In my humble opinion, if they're up to something they probably don't actually have a VAT number !

They could give you a completely bogus number and you wouldn't know any different, would you ? Certainly the VAT people aren't going to believe you got this (probably bogus) number from them if you haven't got hard evidence such as a letter from their admin or directors.

FACT : You still haven't got correct VAT invoices if the originals don't show the VAT number. They also need a VAT breakdown.

In my opinion, you should WRITE to your VAT office explaining the situation and the lengths you have gone to to get your records straight - ask them what you need to do next. This will go on your file and they will have to write to you giving you some guidance. Don't claim it on your VAT return yet. Explain that you haven't claimed this bit of VAT yet and that you need HMRC to tell you, in writing, whether you can claim it.

I guess it depends how much we're talking about as to whether you want to just avoid the hassle and forget about claiming the VAT back. You might not be able to claim the VAT back in any case if you inform the VAT people, but if you DO knowingly and incorrectly claim VAT then you will catch some of the fallout from any investigation into this companies activities as well as attract unwanted attention to yourself.

If you're that determined to find out their VAT number yourself, don't they have other customers to ask? Or letterhead or website etc which has their VAT number on. Even if you get it, it's a bit irrelevant really because you can hardly just write it on their invoices using a ballpoint, can you ?

[MikeP]

I would much prefer to get their VAT number.

No VAT number, no VAT. Ergo, just pay the invoice less VAT.

[oraclesmith]

I think threaded has already paid the invoices ...quote

"And any VAT I've paid I shall just have to take the hit on 'cause I can't reclaim it?"


Also....

"If I could only get the VAT number then there is no problem for me."

Errr.... no actually. You still havent got valid VAT invoices as the company had not provided the VAT number on the originals. I doubt any VAT inspector will be happy with the original invoices being amended by customers in any way ie. with the newly acquired VAT number.

Act quickly. If the VAT investigates this company for VAT fraud, they will probably trace all their customers to see if they are too are (fraudulently) claiming the VAT back on invalid VAT invoices. If HMRC believe that threaded acted in good faith by paying the VAT on these invoices, then they may concede that VAT can be claimed back, but it might take some time and correspondence with them. In my opinion, write to them now and get in quick before the poo hits the fan.

http://www.taxationweb.co.uk/article...cle.php?id=130

[Asterix]

Single-minded

Stop asking the same question and look at it from a different angle.
1. Is this a proper company ie legally registered in Companies House ?
2. If the answer is yes, then invest £10-20 and get their accounts. Not 100% sure if the VAT no is shown in there. Unlike Co. Ho. there isn't a central register with all Vat nos as there is with Reg nos

[Robot]

VAT Numbers.

They could give you a completely bogus number and you wouldn't know any different, would you? "

Example - VAT registration number shown on invoice is 223 4567 74

To verify the VAT no

Lay the formula out as follows:-

V
A
T

N
o

2 * 8= 16
2 * 7= 14
3 * 6= 18
4 * 5= 20
5 * 4= 20
6 * 3= 18
7 * 2= 14
Totals 120

Subtract 97 from the total sum until you have the last two digits of the VAT number.

120 – 97 = 23 – 97 = 74 the last two digits of the VAT number is 74.

Try it, Customs say it will work with all VAT numbers !!!!