Does a new company need to be registered for VAT VAT registration comes with a number of pros and cons. Hopefully these pointers should help you decide whether VAT registration is best when you form your new company. You can register for VAT anytime before you hit the threshold in the UK. A good accountant is always recommended as they will be able to cover these points when forming a new company and more.
What turnover is projected? The projected turnover is above all the biggest factor in deciding whether a company needs to go VAT registered. VAT registration is mostly decided by turnover. Year three turnover is worth considering, not just year one. 70,000 pounds is the current VAT threshold. If at best you will only ever turn over 20,000 pounds, VAT registration, might not be worth considering. However if you are going to be near the threshold in year one, and grow, you will be in year two! However, if you hit the threshold almost in year one, you most likely will in year two. It makes sense in this scenario to be VAT registered from the start.
Consider your client base
One important thing to consider when registering a new company is your client base. Consider a lot of businesses expect to be charged VAT. But they can claim it back, so has no cost to them. Turnover in many cases says a lot about a company. Companies may choose to only do business with those which are VAT registered. While on the back you have the price sensitive home customer, who can’t claim VAT. Being VAT registered may make you more expensive than competitors that aren’t VAT registered. Also, with regards to turnover above- the last thing you want to be doing is upping the price because you have to become VAT registered at a later date.Accountant fees for your company
Chances are your new company won’t be flush with cash – so registering for VAT might be a bill that you can do without. It is possible to do your own VAT returns online. Although expert advice from an accountant is invaluable for new companies. An accountant will know exactly what you can and cannot claim back. Something you might not be sure on yourself.
What about if you get a VAT inspection?
A good accountant is invaluable should a VAT inspection arise. The proportion of VAT billing
What are your outgoings and how much can you save from being VAT registered?
Yes, it is correct that you can save money by being VAT registered. VAT is 17.5% at the time of writing and is added on top of the price of the product or service. You can not claim this back if your not VAT registered. But as a VAT registered company, you can claim this money back against anything you owe on your VAT return.Talk to an accountant My points above are just some things to look at when registering your company. While the above advice should be beared in mind, its always recommended you seek the advice of a good accountant when setting up a company.
For guidance with company formations, check out Optimum Formations, who expertise in UK company formations.
