How to register for VAT as a freelancer
If your career as a freelancer is particularly successful, you may find your turnover of VAT-taxable goods and services crosses the VAT threshold, and you’ll need to register for VAT.
You can register for VAT online. When you register for VAT you’ll be sent a VAT registration certificate that tells you:
- Your VAT number (you can’t charge VAT until you have this number).
- Your official date of VAT registration.
- When you need to submit your first VAT return.
What happens once you’re VAT registered?
Following your official VAT registration date you:
- Must charge the right amount of VAT.
- Must keep VAT records and a VAT account.
- Can reclaim any VAT you have paid on purchases.
- Must submit quarterly VAT returns.
- Must pay any VAT due to HMRC.
If anything changes in your freelance career, for example if you move home, change bank or begin providing a different service, you need to tell HMRC by submitting this form or logging onto your online account.
Flat rate VAT
If your VAT turnover is less than £150,000 you can choose to join the flat rate VAT scheme instead.
If you use an accountant they can explain how VAT works, and complete your VAT registration for you.
