pre VAT registration expenses on Flat Rate Scheme

[predo]

Ok quick one - HRMC says that I can claim VAT back on pre registration expenses even if I am on the flat rate scheme. Two things I want to clarify

1. it doesn't need to be usual £2000 capital expenditure - can be any amount pre registration
2. does it need to be EXACTLY before registration date or is it entire first period before 1st return.

I'm about to send off my vat registration application to SJD and wonder if I need to buy laptop work work now (as in today or tomorrow) or can it be within next couple of weeks before VAT registration comes through?

ta

[northernladuk]

I generally find the best people to ask this of are SJD.

[malvolio]

I generally find the best people to ask this of are SJD.

True, but they may point out that you don't start on FRS, you start under conventional VAT for at least one quarter then ask if you can move to FRS. During which period you can sort out all the set up VAT costs you've incurred which will more than likely outstrip the usual benefit of using FRS. After all, you want to recover all the vat you 've laid out, not 72.5% of it

As for purchases and set up costs, buy what the hell you like, get VAT receipts and expense them back once the company has some money in it.

Look, it's not just random you know. Although sometimes you have to wonder if people really understand what they're doing and why

[predo]

True, but they may point out that you don't start on FRS, you start under conventional VAT for at least one quarter then ask if you can move to FRS. During which period you can sort out all the set up VAT costs you've incurred which will more than likely outstrip the usual benefit of using FRS. After all, you want to recover all the vat you 've laid out, not 72.5% of it

As for purchases and set up costs, buy what the hell you like, get VAT receipts and expense them back once the company has some money in it.

Look, it's not just random you know. Although sometimes you have to wonder if people really understand what they're doing and why

thanks, thats exactly what I wanted to know. I'll speak to accountant about this as well but its always better to be prepared and know how this should work rather than rely on accountant to tell you the "truth".... :-)