UK VAT Registration

VAT registration is mandatory once your UK taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. Voluntary registration is available at any turnover level and is often advantageous for B2B businesses.

HMRC typically processes VAT registration applications within 2–4 weeks. You will receive your VAT registration number and VAT certificate upon approval.

Voluntary VAT registration allows you to reclaim VAT on business expenses (input tax), appear more credible to B2B clients who can reclaim your charged VAT, and access VAT-registered supplier networks. It can significantly reduce your net business costs.

The standard UK VAT rate is 20%. A reduced rate of 5% applies to certain goods and services (e.g., domestic energy). A zero rate (0%) applies to most food, children's clothing, and books. Some services are VAT-exempt. We advise on the correct rate for your business.

HMRC's Making Tax Digital requires all VAT-registered businesses to keep digital records and submit VAT returns using compatible software. We advise on MTD compliance as part of our registration service.

Yes. Non-UK resident companies selling to UK customers or importing goods into the UK may be required to register for VAT regardless of their UK turnover. We advise on whether your business model requires UK VAT registration.

A VAT return reports the VAT you have charged customers (output tax) and the VAT you have paid on business expenses (input tax). VAT returns are typically filed quarterly with HMRC. The difference is either paid to or reclaimed from HMRC.