Voluntary VAT Registration Issue

Hi, I recently applied for VAT, my application was approved by a letter in the post dated 03/05/2024 (the starting date is of course different). The letter provided me with my VAT number, I now need to set up an account on HMRC to access my VAT information and filing. I can start this process but when it asks me for a VAT number all it says is the number is in the wrong format? I’m unable to call your helpline as you’ve closed it as your overwhelmed. I understand if you have a delay in your system and it must update internally but it’s now been 2 weeks since the application was approved. I’m hoping I’m missing something. Please advice me on how to continue, thank you for your time.

The VAT number is 9 digits (111-1111-11) but you should enter the number without any spaces or underscores/hypen (111111111) HMRC do have trouble with their own VAT database, https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number but check this link first to see if your number is coming up on the HMRC VAT number checker. If it is not showing as valid on this link, then the issue lays with HMRC and you will need to call the VAT helpline for assistance as its not something you can fix. The VAT helpline for general enquires is still open, for now, and you will just need to be patient and once you are through to someone, they should be able to help. If your VAT number does show up on the VAT number checker then the issue more likely rests your side, either you are typing in the VAT number wrong or might be worth trying a different browser.

Thank you for the reply Jay. I've checked with the link you mentioned and it's not showing. I've managed to talk to someone at HMRC and they've given me an email address. I've sent an email describing my issue and details of my company so now I just have to wait and see. Hopefully this gets sorted soon, it sounds like a major flaw with HMRC's internal system.

Hi,

We will need to look at this urgently to resolve this issue. If the phone lines are busy please use the Webchat option to contact one of our advisors.

VAT: general enquiries

Thank you.