How to register for VAT (Value Added Tax)
VAT stands for Value Added Tax, and it is a tax paid on goods and services. As an international business owner, you may need to register for VAT if operating in the UK. If you do, there are certain requirements you must meet in order to be registered.
In this blog, we will discuss the steps required to register for VAT.
When does an international company need to register for VAT?
Currently, an international business needs to register for VAT in the UK if it meets any of the following conditions:
- If the business is based outside the UK but sells goods or services in the UK and exceeds the UK’s VAT registration threshold.
- If the business is based in another EU country but makes acquisitions of goods from the UK exceeding a certain threshold.
- If the business is based outside the EU but sells and delivers goods directly to consumers in the UK that exceed the UK’s distance selling threshold.
What is required to register for VAT?
In order to register for VAT, you will need to provide documents and information about your business. These include:
- company name
- address
- contact information
- number of employees
- type of business activity
- description of goods or services sold
- expected revenues.
You will also need to provide the details of the person responsible for submitting the VAT return forms. Additionally, you may be required to submit financial statements such as balance sheets and profit/loss statements.
How do I submit an application?
Once you have collected all the necessary documents and information required, you can submit your application online or via mail depending on where your business is located.
If submitting online, make sure that you follow all instructions carefully as any mistakes could result in delays in processing your application or even rejection of your application altogether.
Once your application has been submitted and accepted by the relevant authority (e.g., HMRC in the UK), you will receive an email confirming that your application has been received and processed successfully.
When will I receive my VAT number?
Once your application has been accepted by HMRC or other relevant authorities, they will assign a unique number called a “VAT number” which serves as confirmation that you are registered with them and can legally charge customers value added tax on their purchases from you. The time it takes to receive this number varies depending on where your business is located but usually arrives within 4-6 weeks after submission of the application, although this can vary.
How we can help
Registering for VAT can be a complicated process depending on where your business is located around the world; however it isn’t impossible!
By following these steps outlined in this blog – collecting all necessary documents & information about the company; submitting them either online or via mail; waiting for an assigned unique number called a “VAT number” – it should be relatively straightforward to get registered with HMRC or other relevant authorities so that customers can purchase from you legally and securely with confidence knowing that their taxes are being charged appropriately!
If you have any further enquiries, please get in touch with a member of our International Services team on 01293 227670.
