Is it a bad idea to display your VAT number on your website?

[Karimbo]

I've seen a few websites that display their VAT number on the footer of their website. I generally keep it hidden and show it on the invoices and official paperwork.

 

[japancool]

I generally keep it hidden

Why?

 

[Karimbo]

I thought it could be used by someone to import stuff VAT free using a VAT number found online (to produce a EORI by adding 0000 at the end).

 

[Ozzy]

We do, including our company registration number, etc. Generally if someone is going to commit fraud they will, hiding your VAT number won't change that.
Someone did try to import using our VAT number in the past, we simply replied to HMRC and said not us and that was the last we heard of it.

 

[paulears]

It never occurred to me not to, and when people don't, it's actually quite annoying if you need it. I wonder sometimes if we have got so used to trying to keep private that we make it more difficult than it need be?

 

[Mr D]

I thought it could be used by someone to import stuff VAT free using a VAT number found online (to produce a EORI by adding 0000 at the end).

Someone can always use it from your documents. Or even make up a number and it turns out to be yours...

 

[DontAsk]

Just like companies that don't show required info on their website, I would avoid, like the plague, any company that didn't show it's VAT number if I knew it was registered. I don't think it's a legal requirement but it would ring alarm bells as to what else they are hiding.

 

[lesliedocherty]

I thought it was a legal requirement to display it ?

 

[STDFR33]

If you sell or advertise goods or services on the internet, it’s mandatory to display your VAT number under the E-commerce regs 2002

 

[DontAsk]

If you sell or advertise goods or services on the internet, it’s mandatory to display your VAT number under the E-commerce regs 2002

If you mean the eCommerce directive, it no longer applies in the UK since Brexit, and there was never a requirement to display your VAT number.