The Basics of VAT
You may also find our Flat Rate VAT Scheme Guide helpful (this is the scheme most Limited Company - Contractors, Freelancers, Interim Managers and Consultants use).
VAT is complicated, the technicalities and jargon used by some accountants can make even the very clever minded slightly confused, so we've aimed to create a jargon free, back to basics guide to VAT. Let’s start at the beginning…
Firstly, what is VAT?
Essentially, if you are VAT registered you need to add 20% (2011 rate) on top of whatever you sell, to make things a little more complicated there are certain things that are zero rated like: food, books, newspapers and magazines, young children's clothing and footwear but I wouldn't worry about these for now.
When do I 'HAVE TO' register for VAT?
We say 'have to' as there are times when you might actually want to register for VAT even when you don't 'have to' but more about this later.
If in the previous 12 months your turnover has reached the VAT threshold amount of £73,000 (2011) or you expect it to reach £73,000 in the next 30 days then you must register for VAT. All the required VAT registrations forms are available at the HMRC website but one thing to remember is that the VAT threshold amount can change, so make sure to check the HMRC website each year to make sure you are in or out VAT registration.
Should I register for VAT even if my turnover won’t hit the threshold?
Well, strangely enough it could be a good idea, registering and having a VAT number may help give your company the appearance of being larger than it is. Also when quoting for work some companies mandate that suppliers must be limited and be VAT registered.
However, this may make you less competitive for example: if you aren't VAT registered currently and sell a product for £100, then this is all your customers will pay. If you then become VAT registered, you'll have to charge VAT on top and will have to charge £120.00 or soak up the difference yourself and reduce your profit margin.
Before registering for VAT it’s probably best to have a chat with an accountant (who will invariably quote you a price plus VAT).
Can you be VAT registered and not be limited?
Yes, some businesses feel that having a VAT number adds a certain credibility and prestige to their company.
How does being VAT registered affect your Limited Company?
The day you register with HM Revenue and Customs for VAT is the day you must start charging VAT on all your goods and services i.e. whatever you sell. The VAT rate is currently 20% (2011).
After registering for VAT, some people get slightly confused as to when they should start charging VAT, so just to be clear it is the day you register for VAT that you start charging interest and not the day you receive your certificate-as it can take up to 30 days to receive your certificate (and you don’t want to wait this long to start charging VAT).
Whilst waiting on your VAT certificate, within this time you will need to raise your invoices as a total figure including the sale amount and the VAT amount, then once you have received confirmation of your VAT number you can add this to your invoices and separate the sale and VAT amounts and re-issue to your customers. Your customers will then be able to reclaim the VAT which you have charged.
Every quarter you must then submit a VAT return to HMRC (this can now only be done online). This must show all your output tax-this is the total VAT your company has charged your customers on products and services which you have provided.
You also include the VAT charges you have incurred on purchases for your company such as supplies, equipment, stock etc, this is known as input tax. One of the main advantages of registering for VAT is that some of the VAT cost you are charged when buying goods to run your company can be noted in your quarterly VAT return report and possibly reclaimed, i.e. you may get a VAT refund. This is not true for all VAT scheme visit out Flat Rate VAT Scheme Guide for more information.
Once the form is submitted HMRC will then review your VAT form and should your outputs exceed inputs, you must then pay the difference to the government, however if your inputs exceed the outputs your company is then entitled to a refund.
What are the benefits of being VAT registered?
You may be thinking, why would there be benefits to charging extra costs to my customers? But there is always a silver lining…
- Being VAT registered means you can reclaim the input tax you have been charged when buying goods for your company-There are some goods and expenses which you will incur where you have not been charged VAT. There is no VAT on insurance, finance, credit, education, training and fund raising events, the majority of other goods you will be charged VAT.
- Being VAT registered adds more credibility to your business, making it appear larger than it possibly is.
- Some companies only deal with VAT registered companies-this will give your company more opportunities to deal with more suppliers.
- Customers/clients that are VAT registered can reclaim the VAT you charge them-not necessarily an advantage for you but again it creates a more professional image and the customer may then be more inclined to use you again in the near future knowing you are both VAT registered and that they can possibly reclaim their input tax also.
Hopefully we’ve now covered for you all the basics of VAT, however should you have any further questions please do not hesitate contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: rachel@sjdaccountancy.com.
You may also find the following guides helpful:
SJD Accountancy
SJD Accountancy are the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors; we've been acting for contractors across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 clients.
We are the only National specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well.
SJD have also won every relevant industry award possible, including:
- Best Contractor Accountants - Contractor UK 2011 - 2007
- Accountant of the Year - The British Accountancy Awards 2011
- Best Professional Team of the Year - UK Customer Experience Award 2011
- Customer Commitment Award - Institute of Customer Service 2011
- National Chamber of Commerce Award 2010
- Medium firm of the Year - Finalist Accountancy Age 2010
- Excellence in Customer Service - Finalists National Customer Service Awards 2009
- Sunday Times Best Small Companies - Award 2009 - 2007
- Small firm of the Year - Accountancy Age 2007 & 2004 and finalists in 2010 and all years since 2003
- Deemed PCG accredited accountants and fully MSC compliant
We offer all clients:
Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
All inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns.
All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market. And most importantly, in a recent survey 98% of our clients rated SJD as 'better than other accountants' - we are working hard to convince the other 2%!
If you have any question about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or e-mail rachel@sjdaccountancy.com.
Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!
You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:
Take home pay calculator - How much could you be taking home
Contractor FAQ - All your frequently asked questions and their answers
First time Contracting or Freelancing? - A summary of the alternatives along with pros and cons
Choosing an accountant - For a full review
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting - Download a FREE copy of our guide
Limited or Umbrella? Can't decide? - We help you decide which is best for you
Guide to Contracting - All the best guides to contracting in one place
Expenses Guide - Know exactly what you can claim
Umbrella company guide - Everything you ever wanted to know about umbrella company services
IR35 Guide - A great plain English guide to IR35.
