In the UK, there is no compulsion upon businesses of all sizes to register for VAT. The companies that cross the threshold set by the HMRC will only need to register for VAT. Furthermore, the registration process will also be optional for small businesses, entrepreneurs and freelancers.
When voluntarily registering for VAT, you must know the advantages and disadvantages. The threshold setup can have significant benefits. This article will cover information on whether or not you should voluntarily register for VAT.
VAT, or Value Added Tax, is one of the essential elements. Almost all businesses can register for VAT. Some specific businesses that can register for VAT include sole traders, partnerships, associations, limited companies and clubs.
One of the most common myths regarding VAT registration is that only limited companies can register for it. If your business has more turnover than the threshold, it can register for VAT. However, they must also keep a check on the legal structure.
Yes. Businesses of all sizes can register for VAT irrespective of business turnover. When businesses reach a turnover of £85,000, they must register for VAT. This is compulsory for VAT registration. On the other hand, businesses registering for VAT, even when they’ve not met the turnover threshold, are referred to as voluntary VAT registration.
The process for voluntary VAT registration is the same as that of regular businesses. Most businesses prefer registering for VAT online, considering all the benefits that it has to offer. When you register for VAT online, you need to create an account. In this account, you will be maintaining the track record of your VAT.
Sometimes the online registration procedure will fail. Therefore, in this situation, you will need to register for VAT offline. You can mail all respective documents to the authorities. Your business must register under the separate VAT numbers division if it needs a registration exception.
When you want to register for VAT voluntarily, you must know that it comes with various benefits. Many small businesses register for VAT voluntarily even when they have not crossed the threshold. Usually, they register for VAT even before they are legally obliged.
Registering for VAT voluntarily can bring significant benefits to the business. Some of the common benefits of voluntary VAT registration include the following:
Businesses that voluntarily register for VAT will have a significant number of benefits. However, they must also perform the same duties as those of businesses registered for VAT. Therefore, some of the responsibilities of the businesses that voluntarily register for VAT include the following:
Note: Businesses that are charging VAT must charge the correct amount. The failure to do so can lead to extra penalties that will eventually prove to be damaging in the long run.
Businesses registered for VAT should also comply with the Making Tax Digital policy. This is an initiative by the HMRC to digitise the process of VAT returns. As per the MTD policy, businesses must maintain their digital records online. They must also use any efficient Making Tax Digital Software to record the data.
The Making Tax Digital policy is not compulsory for all voluntary VAT registered businesses. Nonetheless, the businesses that meet the turnover threshold must comply with the policy rules. There is an exemption for businesses that follow complex models. The current threshold for VAT registration is around £85,000. However, this may be subject to change depending on the situation.
Therefore, businesses that register for MTD will also need to register for VAT. Nonetheless, businesses that voluntarily register for VAT may or may not choose to register for MTD.
While voluntary VAT registration can bring benefits, there will also be some significant disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages will be that the product’s price will appear to be expensive or more for the end-user.
Voluntary VAT registration can bring a wide range of responsibilities to businesses. It can often be difficult for small businesses to manage these. As a result, there will be an extra workload on business administration.
Voluntary VAT registration can be beneficial. Taking the help of an accountant or software will help to streamline the entire process. You must ensure that you comply with all the rules and regulations set by the authority. If you’re a small business, you must use the software. It will help to reduce the burden and ensure that all tasks are performed with complete ease.
Get the best advice on tax savings, accounting services, payroll, self assessment, VAT and more, whether you want to call us directly, request a call back or chat online with our experts, rest assured that we will always give you the best advice.If you have any questions, or would like to speak to us in person, please do get in touch. We're here to help.
dns accountants
DNS House, 382 Kenton Road,
Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 8DP
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