What is the difference between a company number and a VAT number?

Do you want to set up as self-employed? If so, you need not only a company number but also a VAT number for entrepreneurs. Have you ever wondered why these two numbers are virtually identical, but serve different purposes? Or how you can obtain them?</p>Do you want to set up as self-employed? If so, you need not only a company number but also a VAT number for entrepreneurs. Have you ever wondered why these two numbers are virtually identical, but serve different purposes? Or how you can obtain them?

Your business number

Previously, all data was recorded in the commercial register, and company numbers did not correspond to VAT numbers. Today, they are all centralised at the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE), and all former VAT and company numbers now have the same combination of digits.

Your business unit is assigned a unique company number when it registers with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises. In 2024, any registration, modification or deletion in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises cost 105.50 euros, one business unit included (but the rate is indexed each year).

Your business unit (address) is the place where at least one of the company's activities is carried out, or from which you carry out your activity. In principle, all business units must be registered with the CBE.

What is the purpose of a company number?

All self-employed people must have a company number. Its purpose is to enable the public authorities and your suppliers and customers to identify your company.
The company number must always appear on:

• all official documents: deeds, invoices, advertisements, letters, orders, etc.;
• vehicles used for itinerant trade, by employers in the construction sector or by cleaning companies;
• buildings and stalls used for your business.

Always mention it on your website. It is used as identification and inspires confidence in your (potential) customers and suppliers.

How to mention your company number? 

If you are not subject to VAT, simply stating your company number is sufficient. For example, 0123.456.789.
VAT liability is required whenever your company (regularly) supplies goods or services, as described by the VAT Code.
However, certain sectors are exempt from VAT registration. To find out if your business qualifies for this exemption, click here.

Your VAT number

Your company and VAT numbers are virtually identical. The only difference is that the VAT number is preceded by "BE", e.g. BE 0123.456.789.
If you are not subject to VAT, you do not need a VAT number. Otherwise, don't forget to have your VAT number activated by your accredited business counter.

What is the purpose of a VAT number? 

Your VAT number must be quoted wherever your company number appears (see above). For example, it must also appear on the invoices issued to your suppliers. This will ensure that you are in good standing with the VAT authorities. As your VAT number corresponds to your company number, you only need to mention your VAT number.

State your VAT number correctly

Make sure you quote your VAT number in the format VAT BE 0123.456.789.
Do you run a company? If so, you must also mention the commercial court and, if applicable, the division of the register of legal entities in charge of your file. Example: VAT BE 0123.456.789 RLE Antwerp, Mechelen division.

Article republished with the permission of Liantis.be