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Businesses selling goods and services which are subject to VAT must register for VAT when their turnover reaches the registration threshold. But for some businesses, registering for VAT before the threshold on a voluntary basis can have benefits. In this article we explain who should register for VAT, as well as the benefits and disadvantages of registering early voluntarily.
You can register for VAT if you are in business as a:
One of the (false!) myths of VAT is that only limited companies can register. The basis for VAT registration is actually the turnover of the business (the amount it makes from sales) rather than its legal structure. So, whatever type of business you run, you can register for VAT if you want or need to.
Our video explains VAT for beginners, if you’re just starting out.
Putting aside voluntary registration for now, it’s essential that you register once your VAT taxable turnover reaches the threshold. To check, look at your VAT taxable turnover for the last 12 months. This is the total amount of your sales for things which are subject to VAT.
Like any business decision, making a voluntary VAT registration has its pros and its cons. The significance of each one depends on you and your business. The benchmark for most businesses considering voluntary VAT registration is tax efficiency, in the form of VAT refunds.
This is because businesses can claim back the VAT they pay on purchases, if the amount they pay is higher than the amount the collect on their sales. We’ll explain this in more detail, including HMRC’s terminology.
Businesses can pay VAT on purchases all the time, even if they don’t register for VAT. Usually this is because their suppliers are VAT registered, and so charge VAT on their sales.
If the total amount of VAT it pays on its purchases is more than the amount of VAT that it collects from customers on its sales:
The key here is that businesses only charge VAT on their sales if they register for VAT. After registration, the business essentially collects the VAT from its customers on behalf of HMRC. The business pays this on to HMRC in the form of a VAT bill.
If the total amount of VAT it pays on its purchases is less than the amount of VAT that it collects from customers on its sales:
Consider what it is that your business sells, and the things that it needs to pay for. If you regularly pay out more VAT than you would collect as a VAT registered business, it might be useful for you to make a voluntary registration. This is because you would be able to reclaim the difference from HMRC.
If you did register for VAT voluntarily, and your sales mean you regularly collect more VAT than the amount that you pay out, it might be better for you to wait until you have to register. This is because registering would mean that you have to pay the difference to HMRC.
Top tip: VAT can be a complex area, so look at how voluntary registration would affect your business on a long-term basis, rather than for what seems like a quick win.
Some businesses decide that registering for VAT early is suitable for them because of other reasons.
There’s a lot to remember when you run a business, and it can be difficult to keep track of everything, especially when you’re busy. If you realistically expect to reach the compulsory threshold, registering for VAT voluntarily ensures you don’t miss your deadline. Nobody wants to receive penalties!
Not being VAT registered does make it obvious that turnover is below the registration threshold. For some customers VAT registration is a sign of prosperity, and therefore stability.
It might even attract buyers who are keen to offset VAT bill against their purchases. As a smaller business, voluntary VAT registration can boost your profile when competing against larger contenders.
Once you register for VAT, you may be able to reclaim the VAT on purchases you made before registering.
Voluntary registration for VAT may be a good idea, but it can also have disadvantages.
Compliance is essential, so you might find the extra work isn’t worth it. That said, bookkeeping software (like our very own Pandle!) can considerably ease the burden.
To talk to one of the team about our online accounting services (including VAT), call us on 020 3355 4047, or request a call back.
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Read MoreThe number of monthly transactions you have entered based on your turnover seem high. A transaction is one bookkeeping entry such as a sale, purchase, payment or receipt. Are you sure this is correct?
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It is unlikely you will need this service, unless you are voluntarily registered for VAT.
Are you sure this is correct?
Call us on 020 3355 4047 if you’re not sure.
You only need this service if you want us to complete the bookkeeping on your behalf.
Would you prefer to complete your own bookkeeping?
Call us on 020 3355 4047 if you’re not sure.