VAT or Value Added Tax is a sales tax that is applied to the majority of purchases you make.
You must register your business for VAT if you have a taxable turnover of more than £85,000, although if your turnover is lower you can still register voluntarily.
Registering for VAT means that you will need to charge VAT on your invoices, which is then paid to HMRC. But you will also be able to claim back VAT on purchases for the business, such as equipment and vehicles.
How much is VAT for Sole Traders?
There are 3 different rates for VAT, the 20% standard rate, 5% reduced rate, and zero rate, and the rate depends on the type of service or goods being supplied.
You can see a comprehensive list of VAT rates on the GOV.UK website here: gov.uk/guidance/rates-of-vat-on-different-goods-and-services
When is VAT due for Sole Traders?
VAT is payable quarterly (every 3 months) or annually, and is due just over a month from the end of the VAT period. You can find out when your VAT payment deadline is by using the GOV.UK VAT deadline calculator.
