HMRC have advised that their VAT registration helpline will close on Monday 22nd May. With only 5 days’ notice given, this is very unhelpful for those businesses that are chasing outstanding registrations. HMRC are quoting 40 business days for a new VAT registration, and they will not accept enquiries within that period. It’s only after the 40 days have expired that you can contact them by email, and they’ll respond within 5 days.
This means that you may have to charge VAT but can’t because the VAT number might not come for 2 months! Our suggestion is:
- If you are selling to VAT-registered businesses: Invoice net of VAT with an advice notice that the VAT element will follow in due course. Once the VAT number has been allocated, a VAT-only invoice be issued to each customer covering the VAT on all invoices sent in the period between VAT registration date and receipt of the number;
- If you are selling to the public or non-VAT registered businesses the invoices should include the VAT charge, but not be specified. Eg. if the invoice should have been £100 plus VAT, it will be issued as £120, with no reference to the VAT element.
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. As far as we are aware, the content is accurate at time of publication. Torgersens assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided.
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