RE: FN-FORUM: VAT registration

date posted 23rd August 2004 17:41

Hi Rob

>Whats the general verdict on VAT registration?

I've been VAT-registered since I started my company in 98. I don't need to
be, in terms of turnover, but I do find that some of my clients (and also
potential clients) prefer to deal with a VAT-registered company. I do my own
VAT returns, and I don't find it much of a hassle to do this every quarter
... but I may be in the minority here :)

When I went off to Amsterdam for 18 months on a 'permie' break, I just
contacted the VAT people and told them I wouldn't be submitting returns for
a while as I was not running the company for that time period. I had no
hassles at all with them - in fact they have always been really nice and
friendly. I do know that are not nice and friendly if you a) don't pay your
VAT and b) cheat on your returns. A friend of mine ended up in Corton-Vale
(sp?) prison for a weekend when the VAT man caught up to him; others have
had big men come knocking down their doors and removing their household
contents....but basically, if you play nice, they play nice.

Caz
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.740 / Virus Database: 494 - Release Date: 16/08/2004