How can I check if a company is VAT registered?

[vigarc]

I'd like to know how I can check if a company is VAT registered. Does anyone know how I go about this please?

I have recently made a payment to a UK based company by debit card over the telephone. I was told that they would forward me an invoice for VAT purposes but this invoice has never materialised despite several requests for it to be sent to me. They are also unwilling to inform me of their VAT registration number.

I am now querying if this company is actually VAT regsitered but I don't know how to challenge this.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

 

[dp0848]

Try the VAT help line on 0845 010 9000

 

[vigarc]

Yeah; I've asked them for thier VAT number but they are unable to provide it for me. The problem is that this company uses a call centre to take messages, and the call centre staff don't hvae their VAT details. All of my messages are being passed on but not acknowledged.

 

[vigarc]

They do have a very big website but no mention of their VAT number, or even their address or telephone number; just an email address. I've done some research on this company and it appears that other people are also querying the nature of their business. The Companies House business search information states that their last return is now overdue by 4 months.

Alarm bells!