Re-registering for VAT

[VectraMan]

Although I never closed my company down when I took a permanent job, I deregistered from VAT (and PAYE) nearly 4 years ago. I need to get registered again (and rejoin the FRS).

Logging onto online.hmrc.gov.uk it still shows my VAT account with the old number, but the certifcate shows de-registered. What I don't know, and can't find out is if I need to reactivate my old VAT number, or if I need to reapply and get a new number, and how I would go about it. There's no obvious way I can see in the online system of doing either.

Before I spend half the day trying to phone them up, does anyone know the answer?

[FarmerPalmer]

It was a few years since I re-registered (same scenario - took a permanent job, kept the company, and after a few years came back to the dark side).
I think I called the number for the VAT office on the letter I received from de-registration, and they re-registered my company.
I beleive that you can do it online now :

https://www.gov.uk/vat-registration/how-to-register

My company received a new VAT number when re-registering.

[VectraMan]

Thanks. Predictably the online registration doesn't let me register as it think I'm already registered.

[Maslins]

I'm not aware of any way of reviving the old VAT registration. Just do it as a completely new VAT registration.

Only side thing I would say is if you're a FreeAgent user and have been all this time, unfortunately the software makes it nice and easy for you to register, then de-register...but if you later re-register, it can't deal with it. Had this a couple of times now where someone had planned to close down the company, got part way there (inc de-registering for VAT) then plans changed. Only way to deal with it on FreeAgent was to get a new FreeAgent account Thankfully a fairly rare occurrence.

[BrilloPad]

Why not start a new company?

For a start, it will remove any IR35 issues...

[VectraMan]

Why not start a new company?

For a start, it will remove any IR35 issues...

There is that. I have about £40 left in the company account. Is it going to be worth me shutting it down to claim entrepreneurs' relief?

[pr1]

There is that. I have about £40 left in the company account. Is it going to be worth me shutting it down to claim entrepreneurs' relief?

no, because that process costs ~£1000 I think