How to Register
for VAT in the UK
Whether your turnover has hit the mandatory £90,000 threshold or you're voluntarily registering, this step-by-step guide walks you through the entire HMRC VAT registration process for 2026/27.
2026/27 Threshold: £90,000
If your VAT-taxable turnover has exceeded £90,000 in the last 12 months, you must register within 30 days. Failure to register on time results in backdated VAT liability plus surcharges. Use our VAT calculator to determine what VAT you would have owed on past revenues.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Check if you need to register
VAT registration is compulsory if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or if you expect to exceed this threshold in the next 30 days alone. You can also register voluntarily below this threshold.
Create a Government Gateway account
Go to gov.uk and create or sign into your Government Gateway account. You'll need your business details including UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference), Companies House number (if limited), and bank details.
Complete the online VAT1 form
Navigate to the 'Register for VAT' service and complete the VAT1 application. You'll select your business type, expected turnover, and preferred accounting method (standard or cash basis).
Choose your VAT accounting scheme
At registration, decide between the Standard Rate Scheme, Cash Accounting Scheme, or the Flat Rate Scheme. The Flat Rate Scheme is particularly popular with freelancers — see our dedicated guide.
Receive your VAT number
HMRC usually issues certificates within 10–30 working days. Your effective date of registration will be the date you exceeded the threshold (mandatory) or your chosen date (voluntary).
Start charging and filing VAT
From your effective date, add VAT to all taxable invoices and submit quarterly returns via HMRC's Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliant software. Late filing incurs penalties.
Should You Register Voluntarily?
Voluntary VAT registration below £90,000 is often beneficial for freelancers and sole traders who work primarily with other VAT-registered businesses. By registering early, you can reclaim input VAT on all your business purchases — often recovering thousands of pounds annually.
What Happens After Registration?
Within 30 days
You will receive a VAT registration certificate (VAT4A) with your VAT number and effective date.
Every quarter
Submit a VAT return via MTD-compliant software, detailing output tax charged and input tax reclaimed.
Annually
Review your VAT scheme. If turnover changes significantly, you may need to switch schemes.