VAT registration slowing me down

[Red 7]

I received my VAT reg a couple of weeks ago, the application process took 9 weeks plus a few more days for confirmation of acceptance on the FRS.

During this time I gave an agency the choice of :

a. Invoices with no VAT element - on the proviso that VAT-only supplementary invoices would be issued on registration.

b. Invoices + VAT with "VAT Registration Applied For" in place of the VAT No.

note : I did not give them an option of 'Don't pay me until C&E get their act together'

They went for option a and paid everything net of VAT.

When I received my registration, I issued 9x VAT-only supplementary invoices, each one referencing the invoice number of the applicable net invoice. Hey presto, they paid the lot in one go. I was pleasantly surprised.

It was pretty painless, but I did get a little concerned that the agency would drag their heels in paying 9 weeks of back-VAT. They played fair in my case.

[LordF]

I applied for VAT 5 weeks ago and still no response. Agency is happy to receive invoices excluding VAT and then receive VAT only invoices once I have the VAT details.

However Cater Allen have taken 5 weeks to process bank account application and still no bank account to receive the monies into. So my agency is sitting on 5 weeks worth of invoices.

LordF

[unisign124]

HI Everyone,
First post so be gentle!!

Ditto;

I have 5 weeks of unpaid invoices at the agency waiting for Cater Allen to provide me with a bank account.
I have used up all my personal money but the bank keeps promicing a few more days.
Surely the bank could have employed more people to process the paperwork more quickly.Our prison system is providing "highly skilled contractors" to keep our railways running smoothly.....he said sarcasticly!!
Still awaiting vat reg as well.

[kingshuk]

I have used up all my personal money but the bank keeps promicing a few more days.

Try HSBC. They will open an account for you in 1 or 2 days if you have a decent credit history.

On the VAT side though unfortunately we can't choose another provider Almost 2 months over since I sent my forms and still waiting.

[coronasan]

Try HSBC. They will open an account for you in 1 or 2 days if you have a decent credit history.

HSBC took over 3 weeks for my business account and I have been a First Direct customer of theirs for 10+ years.

[Lewis]

I recently got a Bank of Scotland account in under a week

[bellymonster]

I second HSBC, they created the account in 1 hour (ready to receive payments) and I had all cheque and paying in books within a couple of days.

They are also free for life if you opt for the direct account.

I was waiting for Cater Allen but despite cancelling procedures over 3 weeks ago they still have not returned my cheque.

Still waiting for VAT registration since mid April (probably got a few weeks yet).

[timh]

I have 5 weeks of unpaid invoices at the agency waiting for Cater Allen to provide me with a bank account.
I have used up all my personal money [...]

Jesus. Try to learn from that!

[Langkawi]

Since this post of mine has resurfaced I'll offer an update.

After much consultation with their 'legal team' the pimps have agreed to accept invoices before my VAT registration comes through but won't pay out any VAT until the registration comes through!

Doh!

Its taken them two weeks to get to exactly what I suggested in the first place. Its good to see that they are earning their cut!

Cheers,
Alan

[bellymonster]

My previous post mentioned that I'd not had mt cheque back from Cater Allen.
Just noticed they decided to cash it today.

When I checked with them the woman said the account had been created even though it clearly said on the record that I had canceled the request.

What ever happened to customer service....