Best Invoice and Expenses App & Flat Rate VAT

[Coopsinbristol]

Good afternoon,

I am just moving into the world of contracting after 13 years of permanent employment which is very exciting.

I've got everything setup and ready to go and many of these threads have been hugely helpful in providing direction.

I just have two questions which I hope someone might be able to advise on:
1) Can anyone recommend an App for iPad / iPhone that's good for tracking mileage, expenses (included electronic receipts) and ideally one that can also support the production of invoices. There seems to be a lot out there and so I thought it would be better to go for one based on recommendation
2) I am applying for Flat Rate VAT and just wanted to check what rate I would pay to HMRC for VAT as a Business Programme Manager / Delivery Lead. There was IT contractor at 14% and Business Management Consultant at c13% on Gov website and I wanted to make sure I choose the right one so as not to cause issues in the future.

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help with these two questions.

Regards

[northernladuk]

Freeagent has both Crapple and Android apps which does what you want and regarding VAT are you doing Business Management Consulting or are you an IT contractor?

[Coopsinbristol]

Thanks for your response, I'll take a look.

Re VAT I am going to be a contracting Project / Programme Manager fucussed on Business Change which wouldn't be IT Contractor so assume it's Business Management Consulatancy.

I just felt this was a very broad category so wanted to make sure that the nature of work I am doing correctly fits into this category.

[northernladuk]

Well only you know what you do so but hard for us to comment. Most business change projects/programmes are not consultants. You are just running a programme. That programme often looks at IT as well. Personally it sounds like you are selling project management skills not business consultation but that's only on what you've put.

You've also got to look beyond the one gig you are in. Will you always do this or could your next gig be an IT programme.

I would have a chat to your accountant and sew what their thoughts are.

[uk contractor]

Due to HMRC cutbacks it takes 6-8 weeks to register for Flat rate VAT right now!

[diseasex]

I'm using quickfile.co.uk.
It's great.