Home / Questions / When Should I Register for VAT?
Last updated 23 October 2026. Written by the Limited Company Accountant UK team, part of Accotax. Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year; always check GOV.UK for the latest rates.
Short answer: You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. You can register voluntarily below that if it benefits you.
At a glance
| Threshold | £90,000 rolling 12 months |
|---|---|
| Deadline to register | 30 days from end of the month you exceed it |
| Deregistration | Below £88,000 |
Why register voluntarily
If you sell mostly to VAT-registered businesses and have significant VAT on costs, registering early lets you reclaim input VAT.
Late registration
HMRC can back-date your registration and charge you the VAT you should have charged, plus penalties.
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Fixed monthly fee, named accountant, free first consultation. Get a free quote or call 0203 4411 258.
The bottom line
You must register for VAT when your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period. If you would rather not do it alone, our fixed fees start at £45.83 + VAT a month.
Frequently asked questions
Do I charge VAT on everything once registered?
On standard-rated supplies, yes, unless exempt or zero-rated.
What is taxable turnover?
Sales of standard, reduced and zero-rated goods and services.
Ready for a fixed monthly price?
Our packages start at £45.83 + VAT and cover accounts, tax and deadlines. Get a free quote or call 0203 4411 258.
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