When must I register for VAT?

You must register when your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any 12-month period, or if you expect it to exceed this threshold in the next 30 days.

Can I register voluntarily?

Yes — you can register voluntarily even if below the threshold. This allows you to reclaim VAT on purchases, which benefits some businesses.

What is the Flat Rate Scheme?

A simplified VAT scheme where you pay a fixed percentage of your turnover to HMRC instead of tracking VAT on every purchase. We'll assess whether it suits your business.

How do I charge VAT to customers?

Once registered, you add VAT to your invoices at the appropriate rate (usually 20%) and report it to HMRC through your VAT returns.

What records do I need to keep?

You must keep VAT invoices, receipts, and a VAT account. Under Making Tax Digital, records must be kept digitally.

Can I backdate my registration?

Yes — you can request a voluntary registration start date up to 4 years in the past, which allows you to reclaim VAT paid during that period.

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VAT Registration

Whether you've crossed the £90,000 threshold or want to register voluntarily to reclaim input VAT, we handle the full HMRC application — including scheme selection so you're on the right footing from day one.

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Quick answer

Who needs VAT registration?

A business must register for VAT when taxable turnover exceeds the VAT threshold in any rolling 12-month period, or when it expects to exceed the threshold in the next 30 days. Some businesses also register voluntarily before they reach the threshold so they can reclaim VAT on purchases or trade with VAT-registered customers more easily. VAT registration means charging VAT where required, keeping digital VAT records, submitting VAT returns, and following Making Tax Digital rules. The right registration date and VAT scheme matter, because mistakes can create penalties or cash-flow problems later. Businesses should review turnover regularly, especially after winning larger contracts, adding new sales channels, or expanding into VAT-taxable services. Choosing the right scheme at registration can also simplify future returns.