UK Company VAT Registration Time

[mystomachehurts]

I was reading a thread in P&P and I was a bit concenred at the amount of time people indicated it took to get a VAT number for a Limited Company.

I have a friend in the UK that is just embarking on this route, is it really likely he is going to have to wait months to get VAT registered?

Many thanks.

[LivinLaVidaLotus]

Not done it for a while, but it took about 7 days last time we had to do it. You can issue invoices with VAT that say that the number is pending AFAIK, then issue an invoice with the VAT number on later.

[becker-ph]

LivinLaVidaLotus said:

Not done it for a while, but it took about 7 days last time we had to do it. You can issue invoices with VAT that say that the number is pending AFAIK, then issue an invoice with the VAT number on later.

Ditto. Registered a few times and I'm sure it only took a few working days. Last time we raised invoices with VAT included without a VAT number then reissued the invoices once the VAT number arrived.

But, still make your own check on the Customs & Excise web site.

[wattsm666]

Can easily take six weeks to get a registration now, due to the high level of carousel frauds they have really clamped down on registrations. You will also need bank accounts open, otherwise this will delay the registration process.

[DavidY]

I nthink it depends on your area in the country as well. I applied for a number recently for a company and my application went to the Welsh Area, I got a number in 10 days, some friends who applied 2 weeks before me, they are in Milton Keynes, took 6 weeks total.

davidy

[smartie]

I spoke to HMC&E today who advised they currently have a backlog of 8 to 12 weeks!

[Deva Link]

wattsm666 said:

Can easily take six weeks to get a registration now, due to the high level of carousel frauds they have really clamped down on registrations.

We're in something hi-tech, and it took us 6 months last year - applies in April and finally got it in Sept.

[atom111]

Applied in July 07 got an update in Sept 07 stating a further 15 weeks but it's "in the computer" In an IT Related field so that means it's extra slow due to potential merry go round fraud.

[Hobo]

The website says to contact them if you have not heard in 6 weeks.

[Olf]

Taking weeks at the mo.

[joewilliams]

My dad's company has to do a lot of applications as part of everyday business. It's taking bloody ages at the moment.

There's a 6-8 week delay to every bit of correspondance.

[atom111]

In fairness I applied in July they ask a question in September and I am still waiting. I will chase again next week.

[mystomachehurts]

Thanks for the info every one, as I expected, there'll likey be some delays, it's an IT startup to boot.

[Plotloss]

mystomachehurts said:

Thanks for the info every one, as I expected, there'll likey be some delays, it's an IT startup to boot.

Did mine in April.

Took 11 days.

[Simpo Two]

What about starting up first as sole trader, getting the VAT registration, then incorporatiing?

If the hold up is only with Ltd Cos, that should be quicker, no?

[Glassman]

You can be sure there will never be any backlogs or delays for the due tax returns.

[_daveR]

Applied 11th July...

Had a letter asking for details about my business around 6 weeks later to which I didnt actually get around to replying to for around 3 weeks.

By the time I got round to replying to it they had just sent me my Vat registration details anyway!

Total turn around was approx 8 weeks. Thats for an IT related co too.

[Bibs_]

It took about 8 weeks for me, applied in April this year. Took about 4 days for the cheque I sent them for my first return to leave my account though!

[Vixpy1]

I've just given the vat man a shit load of money, they never waste any time cashing the cheque!