Businesses in the UK have to register for Value Added Tax (VAT) when their annual taxable turnover surpasses the £90,000 threshold set by HMRC or will cross the threshold in the next 30 days. However, if you believe it is fruitful and gives an impression of a professional business, you may also voluntarily register for a VAT number.
The VAT registration process is not only obligatory but also can be promising for your business. VAT-registered businesses can regain VAT refunds on eligible purchases and expenses, and it also enhances their business standing with customers and suppliers.
VAT registration can be tricky and time-consuming for businesses, especially those unconversant with UK VAT regulations. BusinAssist offers VAT number registration services for companies/businesses. Our VAT registration service streamlines the proceeding for UK and non-UK residents, catering to diverse lines of businesses such as eCommerce, import/export, Information Technology (IT) businesses, and many more.
We’re here to help you with your VAT registration! Just send us your details, and we’ll take care of the application and submit it to HMRC for you. We keep you informed throughout the proceeding and respond to any queries or clarifications by HMRC on your behalf. After your registration is approved, you will receive the VAT registration number by post.
Unleash Your Business Compliance with BusinAssist!
Our Packages
Our services come with four affordable packages curated to meet the needs and requirements of all business types. The VAT registration process in the UK differs based on the business and company directors or business owners' location, business activities, to where or from goods are imported and exported.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a VAT number for my company?
BusinAssist takes three business days to apply for a VAT number for your business, but HMRC processing time may be 30 to 90 days.
What is the VAT threshold?
In the UK, the VAT threshold is £90,000. It increased from £85,000 on April 1st, 2014. If your business' annual turnover exceeds £90,000, you must register for a VAT number.
How often do I file for VAT return?
Businesses/Companies that are registered for VAT are obligated to file their VAT returns every quarter, which means they must do so every three months. The deadline for filing returns is 1 month and 7 days after the completion of each quarterly accounting period.
What identification documents do I need to provide when registering for a VAT number?
We require the following documents for only 1 x Director / Owner of the business:
- Photo ID (passport, driving licence, national ID card)
- 2 x proof of residential address
- Selfie with the business owner holding their photo ID
- Selfie with the business owner holding a sign saying, "I am applying for a UK VAT number for my business called xxxLtd"
Can I use BusinAssist’s address as my principal place of address to receive my VAT number?
Yes, you can use the address allocated to you as your principal place of business for VAT registration. However, we cannot guarantee whether the address will be accepted or not by HMRC.
What happens if my VAT number application gets rejected?
We charge a non-refunded fee of £25 inc VAT to appeal to HMRC in an attempt to change their decision. The amount is payable to us for each appeal lodged. We do not guarantee that the appeal will be successful.
Does this service work for sole traders?
Yes, our VAT registration number service works for sole traders.
Can I cancel my VAT registration?
You can cancel your VAT registration if your annual taxable turnover falls below the £90,000 VAT threshold.
What is the cancellation and refund policy for the VAT registration service?
You can cancel your order and claim a refund at any time before we submit your application to HMRC. If we have provided you with assistance before submitting your application, we may charge a discretionary fee of £12 for our time spent on helping you, before refunding the balance of the payment to you.
However, once your application is submitted to HMRC you cannot claim a refund. If you need to apply for a VAT number again, you must pay our fee in full.
To read all of our terms and conditions click here. To read our privacy policy click here.
How it works
Choose a package based on the nature of your business
We have four packages catering to the needs of various businesses and business owners.
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Provide necessary information
For us to apply for a VAT number on your behalf, we will need the following documents:
Your Tax ID number in your country or NI Number in the UK is required (if you do not have one, please write N/A at checkout).
1 x photo ID
2 x proof of your residential address
Selfie holding your photo ID.
Selfie holding a sign saying, “I am applying for a VAT number for my company xxxLtd.”
The above-mentioned documents are required for only one director of the business.
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Prepare and submit your VAT application process
Once your VAT application is submitted to HMRC, it usually takes between 30 and 90 days to process it.
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Receive a reference code from HMRC in your email within 5-7 working days
HMRC will require information about the business. We will contact you, forward the information to HMRC on your behalf and answer any queries they may have.
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HMRC will send you a VAT Registration Number and Certificate of VAT Registration by post
If HMRC rejects your application, we can appeal, for an additional fee of £25 inc VAT for each appeal lodged.
Who needs to register for a VAT number?
Businesses must register for a VAT number if:
Annual taxable income exceeds the £90,000 VAT threshold.
If you expect your sales to exceed the VAT threshold in the next 30 days.
Your company exclusively sells VAT-exempt products or services but purchases goods or services worth more than £90,000 from EU VAT-registered suppliers for use in your operation.
You can voluntarily apply for a VAT number even if your company's annual turnover is less than the £90,000 threshold.
For compliance and to avoid penalties, it is essential to register within 30 days after the month ends if your taxable turnover exceeds the threshold.
What are the implications of voluntary VAT registration?
Registering for a VAT number voluntarily has implications, both positive and negative. Voluntary registration requires careful consideration since it may impact your business'' cash flow and pricing.
Negative implications of voluntary VAT registration include:
Impact on pricing:
As a VAT-registered business, you will be required to charge VAT on goods and services, making your business less competitive than the competitors. Non-VAT-registered businesses may charge less, attracting more customers.
Risk of penalties:
VAT-registered businesses must file VAT returns every quarter of the year. If you miss a deadline or make an error in your returns, HMRC may impose penalty charges.
Administrative burden:
As a VAT-registered business, there is additional paperwork and record-keeping requirements. Detailed records of sales and purchases must be maintained to make it easier to file correct VAT returns.
Strained cash flow:
Charging VAT on sales may strain a business's cash flow since it requires customers to pay upfront, which may take time.
Cost of compliance:
You may need to invest in accounting software to manage VAT-related tasks efficiently, which can be expensive.
Register for the VAT number today and stay compliant.
Provide us with the necessary details, and we will take care of the rest!
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