SVA Forum

RebekahR · Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 68

Hi Guys,

I'm just wondering if you charge clients VAT on your invoice? Or do you pop a note on to say it is included in the main service charge?

Thanks in advance! :)

samantha · Joined: 05 May 2007 Posts: 21 Location: Nottinghamshire

If your not VAT Registered then you don't charge VAT. If you earn over £60k then you can be VAT registered (I should be so lucky Very Happy

So no, I don't put VAT on my invoices. The total is the amount I have charged for my time and any consumables used.

Sam

Sally@Stonetext · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 10:59 am Post subject:

HMRC takes a VERY dim view of un(VAT)registered businesses charging VAT. The last thing you want is them paying you a visit because they suspect fraud.

Also, in the arena that most VAs work in, being VAT registered is a distinct disadvantage because your prices are higher and most clients are not registered so they can't claim it back.
_________________
Sally
Stonetext Online Admin Services www.stonetext.co.uk
Spida Web & Graphic Design www.spidawebdesign.co.uk

Please help to support SVA by donating to: http://tinyurl.com/37urec

RebekahR · Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 68

Thank you - Looks like I have some more reading to do! I didn't even know there was such a thing as being "VAT registered"!!

Sally@Stonetext · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 1:02 pm Post subject:

Go have a look at the HMRC web site. It will give you lots of information about the ins and outs of VAT registration. In a nutshell, if you're just starting out and the majority of your clients are not VAT registered then don't bother. If you are a capital equipment intensive business and your clients are mostly VAT registered then it is probably a good idea to get registered, even if you aren't up to the threshold of compulsory registration.

As a start-up VA - don't. Not worth the hassle.
_________________
Sally
Stonetext Online Admin Services www.stonetext.co.uk
Spida Web & Graphic Design www.spidawebdesign.co.uk

Please help to support SVA by donating to: http://tinyurl.com/37urec

skva · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 2:08 pm Post subject:

Hi Rebekah

If you've registered with HMRC (as a sole trader?) then they should have offered you contact with your local tax team dealing with new start ups. They offer a workshop (about half a day) covering tax matters relating to being self-employed and I found it really helpful - we discussed such things as what you can claim in your tax return, records you need to keep, completing your tax return and we touched on VAT too. It was all quite informal but really informative and it's a chance to "network" with other self-employed professionals.

I think if you're not totally up to gear with the tax rules maybe the workshop would be of benefit to you? Contrary to popular belief, the tax people are really friendly and helpful. :)

Sharon
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Sharon Kemp SK Virtual Assistant For monthly SVA training sessions please visit: http://tinyurl.com/39abrt Or to support SVA please donate to: http://tinyurl.com/37urec

RebekahR · Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 68

Now that does sound great!! I will definately attend that! Yes I haven't registered yet as i'm now here near starting! So much to do, so little time, I don't expect to be marketing and ready until at least new year. Currently in the middle of moving house so all go this end!

skva · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 5:17 pm Post subject:

When I rang the tax people to find out about registering I asked at what point should I actually do so and they said from the moment you are ready to accept work. Good luck with your research and definitely check out www.hmrc.gov.uk in the meantime because there is lots of advice there.

Sharon
_________________
Sharon Kemp SK Virtual Assistant For monthly SVA training sessions please visit: http://tinyurl.com/39abrt Or to support SVA please donate to: http://tinyurl.com/37urec