VAT is the Value Added Tax which is added to goods and services as a means of a consumption levy on the value being added to a chain. This is a tax charged at each stage between the producer and the consumer of a good or service, so in effect, the charge flows downstream. There are a few items that carry a lower price, like some fuels. Other things like food, periodicals, clothes for kids and some medically-based items carry no charge at all. A business making less than £67,000 annually does not have to register for the VAT 9 digit number. This is nice for the new business on the block, making the cost of goods or services much less than a VAT Registered competitor. If you do startup a business and register for your VAT number you first have to evaluate what it is you are selling and see where it falls in the VAT cost breakdown. As we discussed before some items carry a lesser charge, some no charge at all.
Charging your customers using the VAT system is easy. Take the net price of what you are charging, whether a service or a good, and multiply it by the VAT rate for that service or good. Take that and add it back to the net price giving the consumer the gross price they are paying. They would have to be sure that VAT is shown on a separate line item. When a startup pays their own bills, like utilities, they should not expect to find a separate line item for VAT. But when paying for a contract such as a carpenter or cleaning service, they should breakdown the cost of VAT on your receipt. These VAT registered businesses must also show their 9-digit VAT number at the bottom of all receipts.
Will you get a VAT inspection? This will happen at some stage and does not necessarily mean that you have done anything wrong. You will need to ensure you have all your records available when you are inspected and be able to answer questions about specific entries. If you have an accountant who does your bookkeeping and completes your VAT Register UK returns, then you can elect to have your records inspected at their premises - often saving yourself stress and worry. If the inspector comes to your premises, then be careful that they do not spend time quizzing your staff about the business. Be businesslike, efficient and helpful but try to ensure they get everything they need and can leave as soon as possible.
VAT can be a burden on some businesses as they grow, particularly those that cannot immediately pass on the additional 17.5% to customers because of their local competition. Hairdressers commonly have a problem here and have to decide as they grow whether to increase their charges or absorb VAT. In any case, there is an administrative burden that cannot be ignored. This cannot be avoided but you can have good or poor systems and get good or bad professional advice. Make sure you are well informed and deal with the VAT issue efficiently.
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