VAT Registration

[Diestl]

I'm about to start my first contract in a few weeks, I've set up as Ltd company and Nixon Williams are getting my Bank Acc and VAT set up. I had to insist on using a Ltd company to the agent as she was trying to hard sell the umbrellas the agency use.

Everything is on track however the VAT registration wont be done in time for the contract start date (I think), and the agent is saying due some regulations or compliance it has to be in place before the contract starts.

Also the agency pays out weekly using time sheets, is this OK or should I be invoicing using my company letterhead? One more thing the agency says they require 2 references due to same regulations.

thanks

[Cowboy Bob]

Everything is on track however the VAT registration wont be done in time for the contract start date (I think), and the agent is saying due some regulations or compliance it has to be in place before the contract starts.

If I recall, I believe that you can't invoice until it's in place. If you can wait to invoice until you have your VAT number then you should be sweet. You can invoice when you want - there's no time limit. Sounds to me like they're still trying to get their kick-back from the brolly...

[Back In Business]

You can invoice - you just have to say VAT pending, and then re-invoice the agency once your VAT number turns up. It's a bit of a pain but most agencies/companies are OK with this.

If you can be without the cash for a while then it's easier to wait it out like CB said,

[Bluebird]

VAT reg is currently taking "up to 13 weeks" - and thats if HMRC don't ask any questions !!!

[The Lone Gunman]

You should be able to invoice them ex of VAT and then do a VAT invoice once you have a number.

Make sure you put a note on the original invoice.

Something like
"VAT to be charged at 17.5% = nnnnn. Invoice to follow"

[Back In Business]

Mine went through in less than 2 weeks - well to the point that I had a VAT number in hand.

[Diestl]

VAT reg is currently taking "up to 13 weeks" - and thats if HMRC don't ask any questions !!!

Accountant at Nixon Williams told me 2-3 weeks, I don't know where you got that from.

[gables]

I've recently (last week) spoke to the VAT man and was told I'd be looking at 8-12 weeks.

Don't you just invoice ex VAT and then when you have your number start then? Unless of course the VAT registration date is back dated, but I thought the registered date will be when the number is issued.

[Diestl]

Mine went through in less than 2 weeks - well to the point that I had a VAT number in hand.

When did you register?

[foritisme]

I registered about a year ago - took 2 months.