Company VAT Numbers?

nikebee · 20 Aug 2009 at 14:43

Elo...

Don't mean to cause a stir here, but I've been under the impression that when you sell goods the company should include a VAT number on any invoices sent to customers?

I bought some bits and bobs for the company that employs me through OcUK and the accounts department have asked for the VAT number... but there wasn't one on the invoice (I ordered over the phone) and I've gone through 5 years worth of invoices and purchases that I've had with OcUK and can't see a VAT number on any of them :confused:

So two things really, if some kind soul knows the VAT number for Esnet Ltd (OcUK) could they post it here... and can anyone verify if what I've been told is correct?

Like I said, it's more of a heads up to Mark/OcUK if the VAT issue is true... it could be misconstrued as VAT fraud.

Been a very happy customer for over 5 or 6 years now and if it's better I ring up OcUK and have a chat, I will do

platypus · 20 Aug 2009 at 14:50

They're not required to include a VAT number, no.

Moredhel · 20 Aug 2009 at 14:51

You need to email and request a VAT receipt. I've done it several times with no issues.

mattyfez · 20 Aug 2009 at 14:52

Just call them up and ask.

I would imagine you are just looking at sales receipts, a VAT receipt is what your after, which you dont normaly get unless you have a business account or unless you ask for one at the time of sale.

nikebee · 20 Aug 2009 at 14:53

a quick google suggests

Under UK law...any REGISTERED ot Limited company (with a turnover or profit or 65000 GBP) has to include their VAT registration details on any company documentation (stationary) they send out

It is usually printed at the bottom under the dividing line (if the dividing line exists)

Mind you that is a "Yahoo Answers" quote so may be a load of tosh

I think I found Esnet Ltd on Company House
http://wck2.companieshouse.gov.uk/7b5585b21994512c5e32889f024ed537/compdetails

nikebee · 20 Aug 2009 at 14:54

mattyfez said:
Just call them up and ask.

I would imagine you are just looking at sales receipts, a VAT receipt is what your after, which you dont normaly get unless you have a business account or unless you ask for one at the time of sale.

Yeah, will do.

mattyfez · 20 Aug 2009 at 14:55

Not the case with sales receipts, like in a petrol station, you have to ask for an extra VAT reciept to claim tax relief on fuel used for business etc.

tb2000 · 20 Aug 2009 at 14:57

I always thought that you had to show the VAT number on the invoices if you were VAT registered. I know that my dad's car/motor repair business (before he retired and closed it down) was VAT registered (had to be) and he always had the VAT number on the invoices.

nikebee · 20 Aug 2009 at 14:58

tb2000 said:
I always thought that you had to show the VAT number on the invoices if you were VAT registered. I know that my dad's car/motor repair business (before he retired and closed it down) was VAT registered (had to be) and he always had the VAT number on the invoices.

That's exactly what I thought.

The company I work for has to include the VAT number on any invoices.

platypus · 20 Aug 2009 at 15:09

They're not required too by law, a lot do simply for convenience.

WillyNelson · 20 Aug 2009 at 15:16

Just phone them up & ask.

Simples.

rick827 · 20 Aug 2009 at 15:31

Yeah they're not required to provide a VAT receipt, just a cash/sale receipt unless you request one. If they refuse after you ask for it you can report said company to HMRC

Participant · 20 Aug 2009 at 15:33

I thought the only time you had to do it was if your were invoicing another EU country.

nikebee · 20 Aug 2009 at 17:12

Phoned OcUK up earlier and they gave me the VAT number and are resending the invoice out as well

OcUK/Esnet VAT number is GB 747 9639 69 for anyone that's interested.

Thread may as well be locked now.
Cheers