Tax & payroll

UK VAT Registration | HMRC Value Added Tax

An application to register for Value Added Tax with HMRC to obtain a VAT number — when you reach the threshold, or when the number becomes necessary for your invoices, contracts and UK-market sales.

From£99

Mandatory versus voluntary registration

Mandatory registration is linked to exceeding the taxable-turnover threshold in the legal period (the threshold is updated by government — we check the figure in force on your file at application time). Voluntary registration is sometimes sought before the threshold if clients require a VAT invoice or if reclaiming input tax makes sense for your activity.

How registration works step by step

Assess whether registration is mandatory or voluntary now
Gather activity description, expected sales and documents
Submit the registration application to HMRC
Follow the application until the number issues or further information is requested
Initial guidance on invoice wording and return deadlines

Information to have ready before filing

Accurate description of the activity and revenue sources
Dates of expected or actual start of supplies
Approximate sales figures if available
Company bank-account details when requested
Any prior tax registrations linked to the directors if asked

What we deliver within the £75 fee

An initial assessment of whether registration fits now, preparing and submitting the registration application, and following the application status until the number issues or HMRC asks for more information. Ongoing monthly/quarterly return preparation is not included automatically — that is managed with an accountant if you wish.

After the VAT number is issued

You must use a correct invoice format, charge the rate in force, and file and pay returns on time. Delay or inconsistent figures cost penalties. If you sell via Amazon, OSS/IOSS models or UK stock, treatment may differ — do not copy another seller’s setup without review.

Common HMRC refusals or delays

Vague activity descriptions, inconsistency between management location and declared sales, or gaps in bank and address evidence. We prepare the file legally and completely to reduce these points, and prepare a clear HMRC file aligned with their requirements.

FAQ about this service

My company is new with no sales — should I register?

Not always. If you are not near the threshold and do not need the number contractually, postponing may be better. We weigh the benefit against the return-filing obligation.

How long until the number is issued?

From weeks to longer under manual review. The path is not instant like a certificate of incorporation.

Does registration include monthly VAT accounting?

No. The service is registration and initial guidance. Ongoing management is a separate accounting engagement.

What is the current VAT threshold roughly?

The threshold is updated by government (it was around £90,000 in earlier periods). We confirm the figure in force when you apply — do not rely on an old number from an article.

I sell to clients outside the UK?

Zero-rated or reverse-charge rules may apply depending on the nature of the supply and place. Registration remains a separate decision from international supply rules — consult an accountant if your model is mixed.