How to verify if a VAT TRN (Tax Registration Number) on a tax invoice is valid

The UAE Federal and Emirate governments just implemented Value Added Tax this year to help increase the revenue and sustain the country's economy.

VAT will apply at a rate of 5% on most products and services.

The TRN or Tax Registration Number is the identification number provided to businesses or traders registered under the UAE Federal Tax Authority. 

Supplier's TRN should reflect on invoices or quoted to consumers.

In order to verify if  businesses are VAT registered and authorized to collect tax, Federal Tax Authority website provided a tool for consumers and registered companies to verify the supplier's TRN online. 

Follow these easy steps to verify the TRN online:

1. Go to the Federal Tax Authority website.

2. Click Getting Help and then choose TRN Verification.

3. Under TRN Verification, put the supplier's TRN and enter the security code as displayed. 

4. Click Validate.

5. If the TRN is invalid, the below message will appear:

6. If the TRN is valid, you will get a message that the TRN is available in the system with the legal name of entity in both English and Arabic.

Take note that even if you are not registered with FTA, as a consumer, you can still validate the TRN on the FTA website.