VAT APPLICATION DELAYS

HMRC have announced that there are delays with the processing of both online and paper VAT registration applications. Whilst steps are being taken to improve this situation, HMRC are requesting customers not to contact them to check on progress.

Currently, the only VAT form available online is the VAT registration form VAT 1, although links are provided to other forms that may be needed to complete the application.

The main benefits of using the recently introduced VAT online registration service include:

• provision of a free and secure service;
• quicker prossessing time than the paper system by avoiding any postal delays (apart from the current delays);
• agents can fill in the application on behalf of clients;
• on screen help and guidance on how to complete the form correctly;
• on screen acknowledgment that HMRC have received the application; and
• built in online checks that will help the applicant make a correct application.

VAT online registration is available to most businesses not yet registered for VAT. There are a few exceptions, which are listed in the serivce Terms & Conditions.

Link

HMRC: VAT online service
HMRC: VAT online service terms and conditions