# How to check a supplier's VAT number in Sage 200

Look up the supplier's VAT number with the HMRC Check a UK VAT number service, then save it in Sage 200. Check the name and address match the supplier.

Checking a VAT number means confirming the VAT registration number on an invoice is valid and belongs to the business that sent it.

## Before you start

- Sage 200 Purchase Ledger

## The Sage 200 way

Where to find it: Purchase Ledger > Purchase Accounts > Enter New Account (or Amend Account Details) > Trading tab

1. Open Purchase Ledger > Purchase Accounts > Enter New Account, or Amend Account Details for an existing supplier.
2. On the Trading tab enter the supplier VAT number. This is the supplier VAT registration number.
3. Set the Default VAT code you want for this supplier.
4. Check Country Code. It is the supplier country for VAT purposes and is used when Sage 200 calculates EU VAT. It defaults from your company details.
5. Check the number yourself with HMRC. Use the GOV.UK Check a UK VAT number service. It tells you if the number is valid and shows the name and address it is registered to.
6. Compare the name and address from HMRC with the supplier invoice before you save the account.

## Limits in Sage 200

- The Sage 200 help describes the VAT number field but not a check against HMRC. Treat the field as storage only.
- The GOV.UK service needs the VAT number. You cannot search it by business name.
- A VIES check inside Sage 200 is sold as a third-party add-on (Codeless Platforms).

## Good to know in Sage 200

- You cannot use the GOV.UK service for a business that has applied for VAT and is waiting to hear back from HMRC.
- If you are VAT registered you can also use the GOV.UK service to prove when you checked a number. You need your own VAT number to do that.

## The Pulsify way

1. Forward the supplier's invoice to Pulsify.
2. Pulsify flags a supplier VAT number that is missing or differs from the one on the supplier record in Sage 200.
3. Check the number yourself with the HMRC Check a UK VAT number service.
4. Fix the supplier record or query the supplier, then approve.

Pulsify connects to Sage 200. We set up the connection for you.

What Pulsify does not do here:

- Pulsify does not look a VAT number up with HMRC. The HMRC check is a step you do yourself.
- Pulsify flags a mismatch or a missing number. It does not say if the number is registered.

## Common mistakes

- Assuming Sage 200 validates the VAT number you type. The field stores it and the Sage 200 help describes no check.
- Leaving Country Code wrong. It is the supplier country for VAT and feeds EU VAT calculations.

## Common questions

### Where does the supplier VAT number go in Sage 200?

On the Trading tab of the supplier account. Open Purchase Ledger > Purchase Accounts > Enter New Account or Amend Account Details. Enter the VAT number and the Default VAT code. Country Code is the supplier country for VAT.

### Does Sage 200 check that a VAT number is real?

The Sage 200 help describes no check. Use the HMRC Check a UK VAT number service on GOV.UK. It shows if the number is valid and the name and address behind it. A VIES check inside Sage 200 is a third-party add-on.

### Can I find a supplier's VAT number by name on the HMRC service?

No. You need the number first. You can usually find it on the supplier's invoice, receipt or website. Then enter it on the Trading tab and check it on GOV.UK.

## Sources

- https://desktophelp.sage.co.uk/sage200/professional/Content/PL/EnterNewSupplierAccountTrading.htm
- https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number
- https://www.codelessplatforms.com/solutions/vies-vat-api-sage-200-integration/

Source: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/check-a-suppliers-vat-number-in-sage-200/ (last checked 2026-10-19)