How do I register for VAT?

Register online with HMRC when your turnover exceeds £90,000. Sign in via Government Gateway, provide business details, turnover, and bank account, then submit. HMRC will issue your VAT certificate and number.

What are VAT payable dates?

Quarterly returns are due one month and seven days after the period ends. Monthly returns follow the same rule. Annual Accounting Scheme returns are due two months after the annual period.

How do I submit a VAT return accurately?

Use HMRC-approved MTD software. Record all sales and purchases, track input and output VAT, reconcile figures, and submit by the stated deadline.

What are common VAT penalties and how can I avoid them?

Penalties include late submission, late payment, inaccurate returns, and failure to keep digital records. Avoid penalties by keeping accurate records, reconciling regularly, filing early, and correcting errors promptly.

When is VAT registration mandatory?

VAT registration is mandatory when taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period or is expected to within 30 days.

VAT Advice & Services | UK VAT Specialists

We provide SMEs in Surrey and South East with practical VAT advice and services to ensure HMRC-Compliant decisions and reduce unnecessary tax

Stay complaint with VAT. We prepare and file accurate VAT returns, track payment deadlines, and make sure you meet HMRC rules.
Maximise VAT efficiency. We identify reclaim opportunities, recommend the right VAT scheme, and reduce penalty risks.
Strategic VAT guidance. We advise on registration and complex VAT issues to protect your business and support growth.
Tailored to your business. Our VAT specialists adjust their support to fit your sector, size, and trading model.
Making Tax Digital Compliance. We set up approved accounting software and ensure your VAT submissions meet HMRC’s MTD rules.
Integrated tax planning. We link VAT advice with corporation tax, PAYE, and other UK tax obligations to give you a joined-up approach.
Partial exemption advice. We help businesses that supply both taxable and exempt goods or services calculate and recover the correct VAT.
Accurate VAT record-keeping. We set up systems for invoices, expenses, and digital records to keep your VAT returns correct and compliant.

VAT registration and de-registration
Preparation and submission of VAT returns
Regular updates on VAT payable dates and compliance changes
HMRC dispute resolution and VAT investigations
VAT planning and optimisation for better cash flow
Advice on partial exemption and sector-specific VAT challenges

VAT for start-ups

VAT can feel daunting when you’re just getting a start-up off the ground. The biggest question is when and how to register. Our VAT advice helps you understand the £90,000 threshold, whether voluntary registration makes sense, and which scheme will keep admin simple without increasing costs.

We provide support with:

Deciding when registration is required or beneficial
Choosing between the Flat Rate and standard schemes
Setting up digital record-keeping to meet HMRC rules
Avoiding common VAT errors that new businesses make
Understanding how VAT fits into wider tax obligations

VAT for construction

VAT for Construction

VAT in construction has unique challenges, from the domestic reverse charge to CIS interaction. Errors here are common and can be costly. Our VAT advice keeps your returns compliant and your records in order.

We provide support with:

Applying the domestic reverse charge correctly on invoices
VAT registration and ongoing compliance for contractors and subcontractors
Record-keeping that aligns VAT with CIS reporting
Responding to HMRC queries or disputes

VAT for retail & hospitality

In retail and hospitality, VAT often comes down to applying the right rate on the right item. We help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your systems compliant.

We provide support with:

VAT treatment of food, drink, and accommodation

Handling tips, service charges, and staff incentives

Correct use of reduced and zero-rated items

VAT record-keeping for point-of-sale systems

Reclaiming input VAT on common sector costs

VAT for professional services

Law firms, consultancies, and agencies often deal with complex expenses and recharges. Our VAT advice ensures you treat them correctly and keep records ready for HMRC.

We provide support with:

Deciding when VAT applies to disbursements and recharges

Input VAT recovery on client-related expenses

Maintaining digital records under Making Tax Digital

Preparing accurate VAT returns to avoid penalties

VAT for charities

Charities face VAT rules that mix exempt, zero-rated, and standard-rated activities. Our VAT advice ensures you meet HMRC requirements and claim reliefs where possible.

We provide support with:

Applying VAT correctly to fundraising and trading activities

Partial exemption calculations for mixed income

Claiming available VAT reliefs

Preparing for and managing HMRC reviews

An invaluable partner

There is always someone experienced available and I would recommend them 100%

Amira Yehia

Director

Our accounts are in safe hands

We get on with our business, knowing that our accounts and book-keeping are in very safe hands

Helen Francis

Director

Helpful, friendly and jargon free

They are helpful, friendly and jargon free. We have much better control of the business

Trish Carver

Director

What is VAT registration?

VAT registration means registering your business with HMRC for Value Added Tax (VAT). Once registered, you normally charge VAT on your taxable sales, keep VAT records and submit VAT returns to HMRC.

Is it worth a small business being VAT registered?

It depends on your business. VAT registration could help you reclaim VAT on eligible business costs and might make sense if you mainly sell to VAT-registered businesses. However, it adds record-keeping and reporting requirements, and charging VAT could make your prices less competitive if your customers are consumers or businesses that cannot reclaim VAT.

What months are VAT returns due?

VAT returns are usually due every three months, but the exact dates depend on your VAT accounting period. Most businesses submit their VAT return and pay any VAT due one month and seven days after the end of their VAT period.

For example, if your VAT quarter ends on 31 March, your return and payment are normally due by 7 May.

How do you work out VAT returns?

You calculate the VAT you charged on your sales and deduct the VAT you are entitled to reclaim on eligible business purchases and expenses. The difference is the amount you pay to HMRC or, in some cases, the amount HMRC owes you.

How much can you turnover before being VAT registered?

You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period. You also need to register if you expect your taxable turnover to exceed £90,000 in the next 30 days.

You can register voluntarily before reaching the threshold.

What happens if we don’t file our VAT returns within the due period?

HMRC uses a points-based penalty system for late VAT returns. You receive a penalty point for each late return. Once you reach the penalty threshold for your accounting period, you receive a £200 penalty. Further late returns can result in additional £200 penalties.

Late VAT payments have separate penalties and interest charges.

Get expert VAT advice today

David Howard’s VAT specialists and accountants are ready to guide your business through all VAT requirements.

Supporting clients across Surrey and the South East, including Weybridge, Guildford and Kingston.

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4.7 Stars

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Expert VAT advice and services

Trusted VAT experts for UK businesses

Why Choose David Howard for VAT services?

Stay complaint with VAT. We prepare and file accurate VAT returns, track payment deadlines, and make sure you meet HMRC rules.

Maximise VAT efficiency. We identify reclaim opportunities, recommend the right VAT scheme, and reduce penalty risks.

Strategic VAT guidance. We advise on registration and complex VAT issues to protect your business and support growth.

Tailored to your business. Our VAT specialists adjust their support to fit your sector, size, and trading model.

Making Tax Digital Compliance. We set up approved accounting software and ensure your VAT submissions meet HMRC’s MTD rules.

Integrated tax planning. We link VAT advice with corporation tax, PAYE, and other UK tax obligations to give you a joined-up approach.

Partial exemption advice. We help businesses that supply both taxable and exempt goods or services calculate and recover the correct VAT.

Accurate VAT record-keeping. We set up systems for invoices, expenses, and digital records to keep your VAT returns correct and compliant.

What VAT services do we offer?

VAT registration and de-registration

Preparation and submission of VAT returns

Regular updates on VAT payable dates and compliance changes

HMRC dispute resolution and VAT investigations

VAT planning and optimisation for better cash flow

Advice on partial exemption and sector-specific VAT challenges

Try Our free VAT calculator

Who can we help with VAT advice and services?

VAT for start-ups

VAT for construction

VAT for Construction

VAT for retail & hospitality

VAT for professional services

VAT for charities

Experience that spans decades

An invaluable partner

Our accounts are in safe hands

Helpful, friendly and jargon free

Frequently asked questions on VAT

What is VAT registration?

Is it worth a small business being VAT registered?

What months are VAT returns due?

How do you work out VAT returns?

How much can you turnover before being VAT registered?

What happens if we don’t file our VAT returns within the due period?

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