VAT Registration

**Lowery** · 22 January 2007, 20:40

Originally posted by 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.

One more thing the agency says they require 2 references due to same regulations.

thanks

The VAT registration does NOT have to be in place before the contract starts. You can invoice for the owing VAT when your ltd co gets registered.

With regards to the references. Have you opted in or out of the agency regulations? Legally that agency has to confirm references if you opted in to the agency regulations. If you are outside and you have already secured the postion then I would pass them directly to the client instead.

**Diestl** · 22 January 2007, 21:08

I haven't signed the contract yet but have been offered the gig, if I start arguing with the agent about this, can they decide to not give me the contract? I could always use an umbrella for this one then next gig use Ltd.

**Back In Business** · 22 January 2007, 21:08

You'll need to fill out the agency time-sheets and then send them an invoice on your preferred stationary. Your time-sheets need to be approved by the client - they don't need to see you invoice - your agent would be pretty peed off if they did.

Your VAT number will come through in a few weeks - the certificate takes a bit longer.

**Lowery** · 22 January 2007, 21:20

Stick to your guns and go with your Ltd Co. You are perfectly within your rights to operate a Ltd Co and don't let the agent tell you otherwise (remaining professional of course).

**VectraMan** · 22 January 2007, 21:24

Originally posted by Diestl

I haven't signed the contract yet but have been offered the gig, if I start arguing with the agent about this, can they decide to not give me the contract?

Probably, but they've no grounds for refusing on the VAT front. It's a pain in the arse, but you should put "VAT registration pending" on the invoices and then send VAT only invoices when the registration comes through (with your proper VAT number on it). From the agent's point of view they get to hang on to some money for a bit longer, so they're not losing out.

I'm on my third contract, and I've never had to give any references.

**Maxamus** · 25 January 2007, 11:53

its been 2 weeks since i put in for my VAT registration and im still waiting for my VAT number....

IR are useless

**boredsenseless** · 25 January 2007, 12:48

Originally posted by Maxamus

its been 2 weeks since i put in for my VAT registration and im still waiting for my VAT number....

IR are useless

It takes up to 13 weeks, says so on the website and the registration form, 2 weeks hardly makes them useless does it?

**Maxamus** · 25 January 2007, 13:23

Originally posted by boredsenseless

It takes up to 13 weeks, says so on the website and the registration form, 2 weeks hardly makes them useless does it?

13 weeks!!!!!

...to issue you with a vat number. WTF !

**Diestl** · 25 January 2007, 13:52

I've decided to go with a Umbrella for the first few months, as my Bank Account wont be set up in time (waiting on new passport). I'm surprised that my take home pay is so high with umbrella (80%).

VAT Registration