As a business, you are probably charged VAT on most of the goods and services you buy. That means charging your customers VAT, keeping VAT records and paying the VAT you’ve collected to HMRC.
What are the different VAT rates?
There are three rates of VAT that can be applied, depending on the goods or services provided:
Businesses add VAT to the price they charge when they provide goods and services.
This applies to both business and non-business customers. For example:
- A flower wholesaler will add VAT to the amount they charge a florist
- A beauty salon will include VAT in the price they charge to their customers
There are some goods and services that are exempt from VAT (such as dental services) while non-business activities (such as hobbies) are also outside the scope of VAT.
How will I know when to register for VAT?
If you’ve just started in business or have a relatively low turnover, you’re not required to register for VAT. This means you can’t reclaim the VAT you pay when you purchase goods and services.
You will need to register for VAT if your business grows and annual sales of taxable goods and services exceed the £85,000 VAT threshold.
Registering for VAT means you need to charge your customers VAT. But if your customers are VAT registered businesses they can reclaim the VAT you have charged. It also means you can reclaim any VAT you pay, so reducing your costs.
Rather than paying HMRC all the VAT you collect from your customers, you first deduct the VAT you have been charged on the business supplies you have bought.
Even if you are under the VAT threshold, registering for VAT might boost your profits and can give your business the appearance of being bigger and more established.
I’ve already registered for VAT, what next?
Once you’ve registered for VAT you will need to start keeping VAT records – details of the VAT you have been charged and the VAT you have charged your customers.
If your business is VAT-registered, you should charge VAT on the goods and services you provide, and reclaim the VAT you pay when you buy goods and services for your business.
Follow these simple steps to get started
- Check with your accountant or HMRC what rate of VAT applies to the goods/services you sell
- Find out which accounting scheme will be best for your business
- Use HMRC approved accounting software to help handle records, invoicing and online returns
If you haven’t registered for VAT, keep track of your taxable turnover so you know when to register.
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