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How to Verify a Business Registration Number

Tap each step to see it in order.

  1. Go to your official tax authority website

    Most countries' tax authorities offer a public tool to check a business's registration status, and many don't even require you to log in.

  2. Find the business status lookup tool

    Look under a "lookup" or "verification" section for a tool that checks status using a business registration number.

  3. Enter the registration number

    Type in the registration number of the business or trading partner you want to verify.

  4. Check the tax registration type

    The result will typically show whether the business is registered as a standard taxpayer, a simplified/small-business taxpayer, or a tax-exempt entity.

  5. Check whether it's active, suspended, or closed

    The same lookup usually shows whether the business is currently operating normally or has suspended or closed operations.

  6. Why this matters

    Checking a trading partner's status before exchanging invoices helps you avoid disputes and problems claiming input tax credits later.

Why it's worth checking before you do business

Working with a partner who turns out not to be properly registered, or who has already closed, can lead to invoice disputes and tax-credit headaches down the line. A quick, free lookup on your tax authority's website is a simple way to avoid that risk.

Consider checking invoicing steps too

If you're about to start exchanging electronic invoices with a newly verified partner, it's worth also getting familiar with your own country's e-invoicing system β€” checking a business's status and understanding how to issue invoices correctly go hand in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I look someone up with just the registration number?

Yes β€” entering just the registration number is usually enough to see basic status information, including tax type and whether the business is active or closed.

Can I check several businesses at once?

Some tax portals offer a bulk lookup feature that lets you enter multiple registration numbers at the same time.