# How to check a supplier's VAT number in Sage 50

Look up the supplier's VAT number with the HMRC Check a UK VAT number service, then save it in Sage 50. 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 50 Accounts (UK)

## The Sage 50 way

Where to find it: Supplier record (Suppliers module); Settings > Company Preferences > VAT tab > Validate VAT Number

1. Ask the supplier for their VAT registration number. It is on a VAT invoice.
2. Enter the number on the supplier record in the Suppliers module.
3. Tick Validate VAT Number in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT if you want Sage 50 to check the number you type. Sage staff describe this setting as a format check for the country on the record.
4. Check the number with HMRC. Use the GOV.UK Check a UK VAT number service. It shows if the number is valid and the name and address it is registered to.

## Limits in Sage 50

- Validate VAT Number checks the format for the country on the record. The Sage replies read do not say it looks the number up with HMRC.
- The setting can reject a valid number in some countries. Sage staff say to clear the box, save the record and tick it again.
- The GOV.UK service needs the number. You cannot search it by business name.

## Good to know in Sage 50

- The format error reads: The format of the VAT Number entered is invalid for the selected country.

## 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 50.
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 50. 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

- Treating a number that passes the Validate VAT Number format check as proof the supplier is VAT registered.
- Switching Validate VAT Number off to get past an error and never checking the number with HMRC.

## Common questions

### Does Sage 50 check a supplier's VAT number?

There is a Validate VAT Number option in Settings > Company Preferences > VAT. Sage staff describe it as a check of the number's format for the country. It does not tell you the business is registered. Use the GOV.UK service for that.

### Why does Sage 50 say the VAT number format is invalid?

The Validate VAT Number option does not recognise the format for the country on the record. Sage staff suggest clearing the option, saving the record and ticking it again. Check the format with HMRC first.

### How do I confirm a supplier's VAT number is real?

Use the HMRC Check a UK VAT number service on GOV.UK. Enter the number. It shows if it is valid and the name and address it is registered to. Compare those with the invoice.

## Sources

- https://communityhub.sage.com/gb/sage-50-accounts/f/general-discussion-uk/115565/why-is-my-irish-customer-s-vat-number-rejected-by-sage-50-pro-but-vies-says-it-s-correct
- https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number
- https://communityhub.sage.com/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/524/Sage-50-Accounts-_2D00_-CIS-_2D00_-Handout.pdf

Source: https://www.pulsify.tech/how-to/check-a-suppliers-vat-number-in-sage-50/ (last checked 2026-10-19)