When Should You Register for VAT? A Simple Guide for Small Business Owners
Running a business means wearing a lot of hats — but one area you can’t afford to overlook is your VAT obligations.
Many small business owners aren’t quite sure when they need to register for VAT, or whether they even should voluntarily. Let’s break it down into plain English.
What Is VAT Registration?
VAT (Value Added Tax) is charged on most goods and services in the UK. Once your business turnover crosses the VAT threshold, you're legally required to register and start charging VAT on your sales.
Failing to register on time can result in penalties from HMRC — but registering early (voluntarily) may sometimes be a smart move too.
The Current VAT Registration Threshold (2025)
For the 2025 tax year, the VAT registration threshold is:
£90,000 of taxable turnover over any rolling 12-month period.
👉 Important:
It’s not based on your financial year or tax year — it’s a rolling total, looking back 12 months at any given point.
What Counts Towards the Threshold?
Your taxable turnover includes:
- Sales of goods and services that are subject to VAT (even at 0% rate)
- UK domestic sales
It doesn’t include:
- Exempt supplies (like some insurance, health, education)
- Outside-the-scope income
If in doubt — include it unless you’re sure it’s exempt.
How Do You Know If You're Close?
Look out for these signs:
- Monthly turnover approaching £7,500
- New contracts or sales pushing you over the limit
- Seasonal spikes or one-off large orders
- Several income streams adding up unexpectedly
What Happens If You Cross the Threshold?
- You must register for VAT within 30 days of exceeding the threshold.
- Your "effective date of registration" will be backdated to the point you crossed the threshold.
- Late registration can lead to backdated VAT payments and penalties.
Should You Voluntarily Register Before Hitting the Threshold?
Sometimes voluntary VAT registration makes sense:
✅ If you regularly work with VAT-registered businesses (they can reclaim your VAT)
✅ If you want to reclaim VAT on your purchases
✅ If you want your business to appear more established
But:
❌ If your clients are individuals or small businesses not VAT-registered, voluntary registration may create unnecessary admin or make your pricing appear higher.
Common VAT Registration Mistakes
🚩 Forgetting that it's a rolling 12 months, not a calendar year
🚩 Assuming you can “catch up later” if you cross the limit
🚩 Failing to monitor turnover regularly
🚩 Confusing taxable turnover with profits
Conclusion
VAT registration isn’t something you want to leave until the last minute. Monitoring your turnover regularly and understanding your position helps you stay compliant and avoid surprises.
✅ Need help deciding?
Every business is different — if you’re unsure whether VAT registration applies to you, we’re always happy to advise.
👉 Already thinking about cloud bookkeeping?
Our free Cloud Accounting Software Comparison Guide can help you get your systems ready for VAT — download your free copy here.