Q:
How long does it normally take for a VAT number to be issued once you apply for registration? Also, is the VAT number registered to me, the individual, on the form or the limited company I am a director of? ie. which is liable for payment of VAT me personally or the company?
Many thanks
chris
A:
Hi Chris
It normally takes several weeks to get a registration number – see here http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/start/register/waiting.htm on HMRC’s website where they state that it normally takes around a month. Obviously you can avoid delays by making sure that your application is correct, so take care when completing it.
The “person” who is registered for VAT is the “legal person” who will be making supplies. So if you have set up a limited company for your business, the registration would be in the name of the company and the company will be liable for VAT payments and other liabilities. If you have separate activities as a sole proprietor or as a partner in a partnership, those “persons” would have their own registations as required.
Hope that helps. There is a lot of information about the practical issues relating to registration on teh pages attached to the link above so do take time to have a read through to get your application right first time.
Regards
Marie