Log in
VATUpdated 2026-02-12

When do I need to register for VAT?

Quick Answer

You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any 12-month period, or if you expect to exceed it in the next 30 days.

Let Finn handle this for you

AccountsOS does your books for you. Ask Finn about your own business, no signup needed.

Detailed Explanation

You must register for VAT if:

1. Historic threshold

Your taxable turnover in the last 12 months exceeded £90,000 2. **Future threshold

You must register within 30 days of the end of the month when you exceeded the threshold. Your effective date of registration is the first day of the second month after exceeding the threshold.

For example, if you exceed £90,000 on 15 March 2025, you must register by 30 April 2025, with an effective date of 1 May 2025.

Source: HMRC VAT Registration Guidelines

Real-World Examples

Rapid Growth Scenario

A web design company sees a surge in projects, reaching £70,000 in sales in the first 6 months and anticipates another £30,000 in the next 2 months. They must monitor their rolling 12-month turnover closely to prepare for VAT registration if they exceed £90,000.

30-Day Forecast Exceedance

A new online retailer secures a large contract worth £95,000 expected to be fulfilled within the next 30 days. Even though their past sales are low, they must register for VAT immediately because their expected turnover for the next 30 days exceeds the threshold.

Acquiring a VAT-Registered Business

Sarah is buying an established bakery business that is currently VAT-registered. She will need to ensure that her company takes over the VAT registration details as part of the business transfer, regardless of her company's previous turnover.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming you don't need to register for VAT if you're only selling services, as VAT applies to most taxable supplies, whether goods or services.
  • Forgetting to include zero-rated sales (e.g., some food items) when calculating your taxable turnover for VAT registration purposes.
  • Using your profit instead of your turnover to assess if you need to register for VAT, failing to account for expenses.
  • Not monitoring your rolling 12-month turnover regularly, leading to late VAT registration and potential penalties.

What happens if I deregister and then my turnover increases again?

If you deregister from VAT and your taxable turnover subsequently exceeds the registration threshold again, you'll need to re-register for VAT. The timing and reason for your previous deregistration may be considered by HMRC.

Are there any goods or services exempt from VAT?

Yes, certain goods and services are exempt from VAT, such as some healthcare services, education, and financial services. Sales of these items don't count towards your taxable turnover for the registration threshold, but you also can't reclaim any VAT on purchases related to them.

How does the VAT flat rate scheme affect my registration requirement?

The VAT flat rate scheme simplifies VAT accounting for smaller businesses. However, your gross turnover (including VAT) still needs to be monitored to ensure you meet or exceed the VAT registration threshold. The scheme only affects how you *calculate* your VAT liability, not the *requirement* to register.

If I'm close to the threshold, but expect a temporary dip in sales, should I still register?

If you *expect* your taxable turnover to exceed £90,000 in the next 30 days, even if it's a temporary spike, you are legally required to register. You can deregister later if your turnover consistently falls below the deregistration threshold (currently £88,000).

Practical Tips

  • Set up a monthly reminder to review your sales figures and compare your rolling 12-month turnover against the VAT threshold.
  • Use accounting software that automatically calculates your VAT taxable turnover, providing early warnings when you approach the registration threshold.
  • Consult with an accountant or tax advisor when nearing the VAT threshold to determine the most beneficial registration strategy for your business, including considering voluntary registration.
  • Keep accurate records of all sales, including zero-rated and exempt supplies, to ensure accurate VAT calculations and prevent errors.

Related Questions

What is the VAT threshold in 2026?

The VAT threshold in 2026 is £90,000, unchanged since April 2024. If your taxable turnover exceeds this amount in any rolling 12-month period, you must register for VAT.

Can I voluntarily register for VAT?

Yes, you can register for VAT voluntarily even if your turnover is below the £90,000 threshold. This can be beneficial if you sell to VAT-registered businesses or make significant purchases with VAT.

What happens if I register late for VAT?

HMRC will backdate your registration to when you should have registered and you'll owe VAT for the entire period. You may also face penalties based on the amount of VAT due and how late you are.

Browse all questions →

Get instant answers to all your accounting questions

AccountsOS uses AI to answer your tax and accounting questions in plain English. Ask Finn, get the figure, keep a human for the hard calls.

Get Started Free

Free for 14 days - No credit card required