How to check a UK VAT number

The online service for checking a UK VAT number is available at: www.gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number.

This service can be used to check:

if a UK VAT registration number is valid; and
the name and address of the business the number is registered

Reclaiming pre-trading VAT

There are special rules that determine the recoverability of VAT incurred before a business registered for VAT. This type of VAT is known as pre-registration input VAT. There are different rules for the supply of goods and services, but VAT can only

Are we unpaid tax collectors?

Business owners often refer to VAT as if it were a cost to their business regardless of their VAT position; whether they are registered for VAT or not.

If you are not registered for VAT, you do not have to add VAT to your sales and you cannot

Correcting errors in VAT returns

Where an error on a past VAT return is uncovered businesses have a duty to correct the error as soon as possible. As a general rule, any necessary adjustment can be made on a current VAT return. To do this, the errors must be below the reporting

VAT reverse charge for builders

There are special VAT reverse charge rules for certain building contractors and sub-contractors. The rules, which came into effect on 1 March 2021, makes the supply of most construction services between construction or building businesses subject to

Check a VAT number

The check a UK VAT number service is available at: www.gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number.

This service allows users to check:

if a UK VAT registration number is valid; and
the name and address of the registered business.

The service also allows UK

VAT boost to charitable donations

The government is looking to introduce a new relief that would provide a VAT boost to charitable donations. The new VAT relief would be designed to encourage businesses to donate everyday items to charities without creating a VAT liability. A 12-week

VAT retail schemes

VAT retail schemes are a special set of schemes used by retail businesses to account for VAT. The schemes are used by businesses that sell a significant amount of low value and/or small quantity items to the public with different VAT

Paying VAT on goods from EU to Northern Ireland

There are special procedures for moving goods in and out of Northern Ireland. Under the Northern Ireland Protocol, all Northern Ireland businesses continue to have access to the whole UK market.

There is specific guidance published by HMRC that

Spring Budget 2024 – VAT registration threshold changes

The taxable turnover threshold that determines whether businesses should be registered for VAT will increase from £85,000 to £90,000 from 1 April 2024. The taxable turnover threshold that determines whether businesses can apply for deregistration