At the beginning of December 2007, HMRC posted the following guidance on its website in relation to the completion of VAT1 registration forms. Presumably, the tips are intended to work in tandem with HMRC’s ongoing drive to reduce the length of the much-publicised delays in the registration process.
VAT registration form Box 1 - Status
Partnership: You will need to enclose VAT2 form with details (including the National Insurance number) and signature of each partner.
Limited Company: You must provide the company number and incorporation date. The date you are applying to be registered from must be after the incorporation date.
VAT registration form Box 5 - Business address/telephone number
This should be the address in the UK where the day to day running of the business is carried out. Other address - such as 'care/of', PO Box, an accountant’s address, or a non UK address or telephone will be queried and this may delay your application.
VAT registration form Box 6 - Business activity
Please provide a full description of the business activity - for example 'wholesaler of fruit and vegetables' or 'management consultancy services'. Less clear descriptions such as ’wholesaler’ or ‘consultancy’ will be queried.
VAT registration form Box 7 - Associated companies
This must be completed if any of the partners or directors are currently, or have been in the last two years, involved in any other business. Full name(s) and VAT number(s) of those business(es) are required.
VAT registration form Box 8 - Bank account
If your bank account is still being set up, you should provide any evidence you have to support this - for example a copy of the application form or other correspondence with your bank. Please do not enter duplicate bank information of associated business(es).
VAT registration form Boxes 9 - 12 - Transfer of a Going Concern
If you are taking over (or about to take over) a business as a going concern you must complete boxes 9-12. To use the previous owner’s VAT Registration Number also complete and send Form VAT68 (taking over a previous owner’s VAT Registration number may not be sensible for your business so ensure you understand the implications and/or take advice on this before deciding).
VAT registration form Box 13 - Registering on a voluntary basis (i.e. relevant turnover is below registration limit)
Please tick the appropriate box and specify the date you want to be registered from in box 13 only - do not complete boxes 14 or 15.
VAT registration form Boxes 14 and 15 - Compulsory registration (i.e. relevant turnover above registration limit)
You will need to complete either question 14 or 15. Please identify which question applies (check with the guidance notes) and answer that question only.
VAT registration form Box 19 - Estimated turnover of taxable supplies
This box must be completed - please use your best judgment to make an estimate. Leaving the box blank will cause queries and delays.
VAT registration form Boxes 20 – 21 Exempt and EU supplies
You must tick either the 'yes' or the 'no' boxes for these questions - and provide the estimated amounts you answer 'yes' to the EU questions. The guidance notes (with the VAT 1 form) will help you identify exempt supplies.
VAT registration form Boxes 22 and 23 - Details and declaration
These boxes must be completed by the appropriate person. (see the introduction to this section). The necessary details (name, address etc) of the person must be given. The signatory must say in what capacity they are signing - for example as sole proprietor or as director or as a partner. Leaving boxes blank will cause queries and delays.
