VAT Registration

What is VAT?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a tax that's charged on most goods and services that VAT-registered businesses provide in the UK. It's also charged on goods and some services that are imported from countries outside the European Union (EU), and brought into the UK from other EU countries. VAT-registered businesses add VAT to the sale price of most goods and services they provide. You cannot charge VAT on sales or claim VAT on expenses unless your company is registered for VAT.

Do I need to register for VAT?

You normally have to register for VAT if your sales are over £83,000 for the last 12 months or are expected to be more than £83,000 for the next 12 months. Below this limit, you will still be making taxable supplies and purchases, but will be exempt from accounting for it and registration.

There are penalties for non-registration and late registration.

You can also register for VAT on a voluntary basis which has the following advantages:

• If most of your customers are themselves VAT registered then they can reclaim VAT on your charges and you can reclaim VAT on your own costs
• If you sell zero-rated items and buy standard-rated items you would receive a VAT refund from HMRC
• If you have not yet sold anything or don't sell anything during a VAT accounting period, you may still be able to claim VAT back on your purchases

If you are starting up your business then VAT registration can allow you to claim VAT on various office and computer expenditure which can provide much needed cash flow advantage to your business while you are just starting up.

Cost and ordering

Our charge for the application is £75.00 + vat. Ordering is simple, just click on the VAT Registration button and add on to your company formation application. We may require additional information from you to complete your application and will contact you by email once the company is formed. Your VAT application will be submitted electronically one your incorporation is accepted and information gathered.

NB We do advise members of the public to seek the advice of an accounting professional before registration for VAT unless they have a basic understanding, we cannot advise you of your specific circumstances but only in general matters. You can have a free consultation with a local accountant by ticking the appropriate option on the order form.