When you upload a cost item in Dext, we automatically check the supplier’s UK VAT number against HMRC’s records. This helps confirm whether the VAT number is genuine and matches the supplier details on your document.
If you’re unsure about any result, the safest option is to confirm the VAT number and registered business name directly with your supplier.
Important: This article applies to UK customers only. VAT number verification is checked against HMRC’s official records.
What the VAT verification messages mean
Message shown in Dext | What it means |
Verifying VAT number with HMRC | HMRC is checking the number. Usually takes only a few seconds. |
⛔️ VAT number - Not a valid VAT number issued by HMRC | The number format isn’t valid. Check again or confirm with the supplier. |
⛔️ VAT number - Not registered or active with HMRC | The number looks valid, but isn’t currently registered. Confirm with the supplier. |
✅ VAT number - Valid & registered with HMRC *️⃣ Supplier name - No supplier name provided | The VAT number is valid, but no supplier name was entered. Add a name for full verification. |
✅ VAT number - Valid & registered with HMRC ✅ Supplier name - Exact match to VAT number registration | Both VAT number and supplier name exactly match HMRC’s records. |
✅ VAT number - Valid & registered with HMRC ℹ️ Supplier name - Near match to VAT number registration | VAT number is valid, and the supplier name is a close match (e.g., shortened spelling). |
✅ VAT number - Valid & registered with HMRC ⚠️ Supplier name - Does not match the HMRC record for this VAT number | VAT number is valid, but the supplier name differs. Check with the supplier if unsure. |