TRN Number Verification: How to Find and Verify Tax Registration Numbers in UAE

Verifying Tax Registration Numbers (TRNs) is critical for UAE tax compliance. Invalid TRNs on invoices prevent VAT input recovery and create corporate tax documentation issues.

What is a TRN?

Tax Registration Number (TRN) is a unique 15-digit identifier issued by the Federal Tax Authority to businesses registered for:

• VAT
• Corporate Tax
• Excise Tax

Format: 15 digits (e.g., 100012345678903)

Why Verify TRNs?

For Buyers

• VAT Recovery: Cannot reclaim input VAT with invalid supplier TRN
• Audit Defense: FTA requires valid TRN documentation
• Fraud Prevention: Identifies fake tax invoices

For Businesses

• Customer Validation: Ensure customer TRNs are genuine
• Compliance: Proper record-keeping requirements
• Risk Management: Avoid transactions with non-compliant entities

TRN Verification Methods

Method 1: FTA Mobile App

1. Download "UAE Tax" app from App Store/Google Play
2. Open app → Navigate to "TRN Verification"
3. Enter 15-digit TRN number
4. View verification result

Result Shows:

• Business name
• TRN status (Active/Inactive)
• Registration type (VAT/Corporate Tax/Excise)

Method 2: FTA Website

1. Visit tax.gov.ae
2. Click "Services" → "TRN Verification"
3. Enter TRN number
4. Complete CAPTCHA
5. View results

Method 3: EmiraTax Portal

1. Login to emar.tax.gov.ae
2. Access "Verification Services"
3. Select "TRN Lookup"
4. Enter TRN and verify

Verification Checklist

When verifying supplier TRNs:

• TRN is 15 digits
• Status shows "Active"
• Business name matches invoice
• Registration type includes VAT (for VAT invoices)
• Verification screenshot saved for records

Common Issues

Issue: TRN shows "Invalid" Causes:

• Typo in TRN number
• Business deregistered
• TRN not yet in system (recently registered)

Issue: Name mismatch Causes:

• Using trade name vs legal name
• Business name change not updated
• Wrong TRN provided

Best Practices

For Finance Teams

Monthly: Verify all new supplier TRNs before first transaction

Quarterly: Re-verify existing supplier TRNs (check for deregistration)

Annually: Full supplier database TRN validation

Documentation

Maintain TRN verification records:

• Screenshot of verification result
• Date of verification
• Verified by (employee name)
• Retention: 5 years (VAT), 7 years (Corporate Tax)

Bulk TRN Verification

For businesses with many suppliers:

Process:

1. Export supplier list with TRNs
2. Verify in batches (max 50/day via portal)
3. Flag invalid TRNs for follow-up
4. Update supplier master data

Professional Service: Our team offers bulk TRN verification services

Red Flags

Watch for these warning signs:

Supplier refuses to provide TRN TRN verification shows different business name TRN status inactive/suspended Recently registered business with high-value transactions No TRN on tax invoice

Contact FTA

If verification issues persist:

FTA Contact Center: 600 599 994 Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-4pm, Fri 8am-12pm Email: info@tax.gov.ae

Professional Support

We provide:

Supplier TRN Verification: Bulk verification services System Integration: Automated TRN checking in AP systems Training: Finance team training on verification procedures Compliance Audit: TRN documentation review

Call: +971 42 500 251

Ensure every transaction involves verified, compliant suppliers with proper TRN validation.