How are your VAT registrations going?

**cojak** · 23 April 2007, 06:50

Originally posted by Bigbird

I am puzzled.

I'm a sole trader, had my business since 2004, and I've just recently applied for VAT registration as due to the demise of the MSCs I've picked up a fair bit of new work in the last couple of months ...........

Do I assume therefore that they are being a lot more thorough with new registrations for Ltds? Or has it always been that way?

Not a great one for cause and effect, are you BB?

It's quantity, not quality that's the problem over in VAT-land. The MSC change has meant that 1000's are leaping into Ltd and registrations, but there's no extra staff to cope with the demand.

They've always been thorough in C&E, I'm not sure that will change so it will just take longer...

**MarillionFan** · 23 April 2007, 06:52

I dont know why people seem to get a problem with this.

I set up a new LTD a while back, told them what it would do and I got instant VAT Registration.

No problem.

**mictech** · 23 April 2007, 07:51

Been waiting a month now, needed to send them a contract for proof of income. Didn't have tp do that last time I regisitered 5 years ago.

Last thread on this was quoting upto 3 months.

**cojak** · 23 April 2007, 08:11

Further Info on this

BB - you're right!

I've just been taking a look at another forum - VAT-land now want further proof that all new companies are proper trading companies, not bogus ones created for the purpose of carousel fraud.

This level of checking doesn't apply to companies already trading.

It might be worth advising your people not to go for VAT and company registration together. Set them up and let them hit their VAT target first...

**philip@wellwoodhoyle** · 23 April 2007, 09:37

There are also inconsistencies between the VAT registration offices. We've had new ltd co's registered in 3 weeks without "proof" of trading being asked for, and on the other hand, from other offices, delays of upto 8 weeks before they even ask for a contract, then another 8 weeks to produce the certificate. I think some offices/staff are taking things too seriously and not using any common sense, whilst others are looking at registrations properly from a risk assessment point of view.

**Red 7** · 23 April 2007, 10:34

6 Weeks and still waiting.

I've called C&E but all they will confirm is that they have received my application and that it is being processed. They were not able to confirm whether extra info/documentation would be required or when the registration would likely be complete.

**rawly** · 23 April 2007, 11:33

I submitted mine on April 4th and am waiting. My accountant, a well known one on here, prepared a cover letter which was attached to the application, and also attached the flat rate application.

I'm sincerely hoping this is approved quickly, based on the fact it's a bit hard to do carousel fraud when I'm not claiming any back based on the flat rate scheme, and also the cover letter from an known reputable accountancy firm.

Obviously, the logic of the VAT people may differ from mine!

**Nixon Williams** · 23 April 2007, 11:52

Fully agree with WHA, we had a one off client who was registered in 2 weeks!!, some of the offices are taking much longer than others, it just a case of waiting for them to do what they have to do.

Alan

**Bigbird** · 23 April 2007, 12:10

Do you know how many VAT offices there are that deal with new regs Alan?

I know Wolverhampton do, but I'd always thought they were a big processing centre where most new applications got sent and you only got farmed out to a local office once you were registered. Could be wrong of course, the scope of my VAT knowledge tends to stop at calculating it!

How are your VAT registrations going?