Paid VAT to supplier but invoice still says "VAT number applied for" after 4 years

What should I do now? I have contacted supplier who said that he will get VAT number over to me and I'm still waiting after 3 weeks. However, my suspicion is that he is only now applying for VAT number after me paying him over £2000 in VAT in 4 years. Where do I stand?

 

Hi. Sometimes Registration applications can take a few weeks for these to be processed. If the supplier needs to be accounting for VAT during this time then there is a procedure for doing this. Please see the guidance below: Who should register for VAT (VAT Notice 700/1) I would contact the supplier to progress chase the VAT number and when the supplier does receive the VAT number threy should be detailing this on a VAT invoice to you. Ultimately this is a civil matter between yourself and your supplier.  Thank you

Is there any way I can check that a VAT number has been applied for?

Hi wolfeyc,
There is no way you can find out this information.
You can only check the validity of a VAT number once it is provided to you
Please see here:
Check a UK VAT number
Thank you.