Introduction
It’s understandable that tax issues can be intimidating for anyone. That does not have to be the case. For new business owners looking to start a business in the UK, knowing important terminologies and procedures like the VAT threshold can help you easily navigate the region’s tax system. VAT registration can offer significant benefits to businesses of all sizes; however, there is a significant amount of administration involved.
In this article, we’ll look at the UK’s Value-Added Tax (VAT) registration procedure and when your company is legally required to collect it. In addition, we will discuss the benefits of registering for VAT.
So let’s begin!
What is VAT?
VAT is an abbreviation for Value Added Tax. The registration process involves listing your company with the government as being active in production and sales. This tax is levied by the Central Government on the sale of goods and services when they are eventually sold to final consumers. It is levied and paid by the producers of the goods and services, but it is ultimately levied on consumers who purchase the goods and services when they pay for them. After registering for VAT, a company can reclaim any VAT paid on company purchases.
Why is VAT Registration Important?
VAT registration is now mandatory, and it is critical for all manufacturers who are solely involved in the production of goods and services. VAT Registration refers to the process of registering with the government as a company eligible for VAT refunds.
Because both taxes are related to the sale of goods and services, a person may become confused between VAT and sales tax. However, sales tax is only collected once, when the end user purchases the goods or services. VAT, on the other hand, is levied at various stages of production, which is why it is referred to as a multipoint tax. VAT Registration can now be completed online, which is gaining popularity in the UK among business startups, entrepreneurs, and freelancers because it is simple and time efficient.
When do you need to be VAT Registered?
If you are just starting a new business in the UK, you may not need to register for VAT right away. This is because VAT registration is only required once your taxable turnover reaches the registration threshold.
However, some businesses choose to register for VAT voluntarily before their turnover reaches the threshold in order to be more tax efficient in their VAT reclaim.
What is Voluntary Registration?
Many small businesses with less than the VAT registration threshold choose to become VAT registered voluntarily before they are legally required to do so.
What are the Benefits of Being VAT Registered?
VAT Registration in the UK has many advantages which are:
- Legal Security
If a company has VAT registration, there is more legitimacy associated with the company, and business owners will be more comfortable carrying on their business. There would be a sense of legal security.
- Set the Limit
The company can easily set off the difference between the VAT paid to the supplier and the VAT paid to the company by the customers. A product’s VAT must be paid to the government only once. So, if the company has already paid VAT, it can deduct it from the amount given to the company by the customers.
- Strong Image
When a company’s turnover reaches the VAT registration threshold of £85,000, VAT registration becomes mandatory, providing a clear picture of the company and helping to define its brand image as an established company.
- Refund
VAT registration entitles the company to VAT refunds, which it can use to offset taxes paid in the UK if it purchases assets from them.
- Update
When a company has completed VAT registration, it is able to check their VAT status online using only their VAT number. The benefit to the company is that there is no need to go through all of the company’s documents and receipts to determine when VAT was previously paid.
So There You Have It!
If you’re considering becoming VAT registered in the UK, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional financial advisor who can help you create a list of the benefits and drawbacks specific to your business model.
Choosing to register for VAT should not be done on a whim; make sure you think it through and make decisions you won’t be sorry for later. Since our inception, Icon Offices has assisted numerous businesses in successfully registering for VAT. If you have any questions about what we’ve covered or how we can assist you, please contact us!