Registering a company for VAT is a form, and the form is easier than the decision behind it. Most of the process is gathering references you already have, and the part worth getting right is the effective date of registration, because that date decides which invoices carry VAT and how far back you can reclaim on things bought before you registered.
What a limited company needs to hand
The company registration number, the business bank account details, the company's Unique Taxpayer Reference, the annual turnover, and an estimate of taxable turnover for the next twelve months. You will also be asked for information about Self Assessment, Corporation Tax and PAYE. An individual or a partnership registers on a different set: National Insurance number, an identity document such as a passport or driving licence, bank details, the UTR if there is one, and the same turnover figures.
Online, and when you cannot use it
Most registrations go through the VAT online service, and you do not have to finish in one sitting. Some cases have to go by post on form VAT1: applying for a registration exception because turnover went over the threshold temporarily, joining the Agricultural Flat Rate Scheme, a limited liability partnership registering as the representative member of a VAT group, registering divisions of a body corporate separately, a local authority or parish council, and an insolvency practitioner registering a business.
What arrives, and what to do the same week
HMRC sends a nine-digit VAT registration number, which must be included on all invoices you raise; details of how to set up your business tax account; when the first return and payment are due; and confirmation of the effective date of registration. HMRC will also sign the business up to Making Tax Digital for VAT unless it is exempt. Sign up for the VAT online account as soon as the number arrives, and reissue any invoices you raised gross while waiting so the customer can reclaim.
Questions people ask about register my company for vat
How do I register my company for VAT?
Usually online through the VAT online service, with the company number, bank details, UTR and turnover figures to hand. A small set of cases must register by post on form VAT1.
What happens after I register?
You receive a nine-digit VAT registration number, confirmation of your effective date of registration, and details of your first return and payment. HMRC also signs you up to Making Tax Digital for VAT unless you are exempt.
Can I charge VAT before the number arrives?
You cannot show VAT on an invoice without the number. You can increase your prices to account for the VAT you will owe, then reissue the invoice showing the VAT once the number arrives.