Choosing the right VAT scheme
VAT applies to just about every business transaction. There are different ways to account for this tax, and you may be able to claim some of it back. Here are the basics.
Tax at the point of sale
VAT stands for Value Added Tax. As the name suggests, it’s collected any time value is added to a product. Businesses generally have to pay VAT to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) when they sell or hire out goods or services. There are some exceptions, such as sales outside the UK. But for many businesses, VAT applies to every sale.
It doesn’t matter if your customer is another business or a consumer. However, as a business, you can reclaim the VAT that you pay on business expenses – so long as you’re VAT registered.
When should you register for VAT?
It’s compulsory to register for VAT once your earnings pass a threshold amount. That threshold can change from year to year and once you pass the threshold, you have 30 days to register.
If your business earns less than the threshold amount, registering for VAT is optional, but there are some good reasons for doing so.
Advantages of registering for VAT:
You can reclaim VAT paid for business purposes Business supplies such as computers, desks, chairs and utilities have VAT applied to them. You’ll need to pay VAT on those business supplies at the time of purchase, but you can reclaim it from the government when filing taxes.
It looks professional
Being VAT registered makes you look more professional to other businesses. It can also hide the fact that your turnover may be lower than the compulsory VAT threshold.
Disadvantages of registering for VAT:
You’ll have to charge more You’ll need to add VAT to your prices. It shouldn’t make you more expensive than your competitors, though, as most of them will have to do the same. And if you sell to VAT-registered businesses, they’ll be able to claim the VAT back.
You’ll have to do more accounting You’ll need to pass on the VAT you’ve charged to the government and submit quarterly VAT returns.
Choosing a VAT scheme
Once you’ve registered for VAT, you’ll need a system for telling the government:
how much VAT you’ve charged
how much VAT you’ve paid
Standard VAT accounting method
The usual method is to keep a detailed VAT record of all purchases and sales. This can be a manual logbook, or you can use Xero to capture VAT data automatically. The information is then used to complete a quarterly VAT return. Xero does simply and efficiently without you having to visit the HMRC site and keying in the return yourself.
You must file the return with HMRC and pay any VAT that’s due. You may get money back if you had a lot of business expenses and not many sales.
Other VAT accounting methods
There are three alternatives to the standard VAT accounting method:
Annual accounting VAT scheme This is just like the standard VAT accounting method, except that you don't fill in quarterly returns. Instead you have an annual VAT reporting and payment deadline. Some businesses keep this the same as their corporation tax filing date, for simplicity.Once you complete the VAT return, you start making quarterly interim payments for the VAT you estimate that you’ll owe. This method allows you to budget more carefully and because payments are spread throughout the year, it’s often better for cash flow. However, you may end up over-paying or under-paying HMRC at times, so you may be required to make a final balance payment or apply for a refund. Businesses with annual turnover above £1.35 million can’t use the annual accounting scheme.
Flat rate scheme Under this scheme, you simply pay a percentage of your total turnover as VAT. The actual amount you pay depends on the type of business you run – different industries have different flat VAT rates.You'll still have to charge VAT on your invoices, but you don't have to account for the VAT details of every purchase or sale. Only smaller businesses, with annual turnover up to £150,000, can use this VAT scheme. Check with HMRC to find out whether yours is eligible.
Cash accounting scheme With cash accounting, you account for VAT on the date you’re paid as opposed to the date you send the invoice. This can be especially helpful if you have slow payers, since you won't have to pay VAT before you’ve been paid.
However, this option isn’t well suited to businesses that buy a lot of items on credit. You can't reclaim the VAT until payment has been complete. As with the standard VAT accounting method, you still have to complete your returns every quarter. Businesses with annual turnover above £1.35 million can’t use the annual accounting scheme.
Get the right VAT advice
VAT is relatively straightforward but there are some pitfalls. It's a good idea to talk to your accountant to help you choose the best VAT scheme for your situation.
Different accounting schemes suit certain types of businesses. Consider looking for an accountant with other clients in your industry as they’ll know the pros and cons. And be aware that the size of your business can also affect your choice.
VAT accounting is a legal obligation
You’re required to register for VAT once you pass the earning threshold. And then you’re obliged to maintain your VAT accounting records.
HMRC can charge significant fines to businesses that fail to accurately account for VAT. Late filing, late payment and incorrect information can also be heavily penalised. Make sure your returns are accurate and on time.
VAT is not the Mammoth problem
Running your business is scary and VAT can seem to be a big scary monster to contend with. But it is not the biggest problem you will face. Your accountant can help keep you compliant. Xero can automate data capture and reporting. And, with reconynge as your bookkeeper, your tax filings will be streamlined.