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Flat Rate VAT Scheme - An Overview

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Please note that following the Pre-Budget Report 2008 on 24/11/2008, calculations to the Flat Rate VAT Scheme have changed. The fixed rate percentages for many business types will have changed. You can view the new percentages in Annex E of this HMRC PDF document.

Alongside the standard VAT rules, some small businesses may be better off by operating within the flat rate VAT scheme which has been running since 2002.

The main aim of the flat rate scheme is to reduce the cost of complying with VAT obligations by simplifying the way small businesses calculate their VAT.

In essence, instead of paying Customs the total VAT charged on invoices minus any input VAT you may reclaim, you charge a fixed percentage of your gross turnover and pay that amount to Customs each year.

The fixed rate VAT percentage varies according to the type of business you run; a travel agency would pay 9%, whereas an accountant or IT consultancy would pay 13%.

Notes related to the Flat VAT Scheme

  • Businesses in their first year of VAT registration can benefit from a 1 per cent reduction in the flat rate.
  • You can apply if your annual taxable turnover (not including VAT) will be £150,000 or less; and your annual total turnover (including VAT) will be £187,500 or less
  • If you buy a single capital asset with an invoice value, including VAT, of £2,000 or more you can claim the input tax on your VAT return in the normal way
  • You continue to invoice clients at the normal 17.5% rate (changed to 15% from 1st December 2008 until 31st December 2009).
  • You can voluntarily leave the flat rate scheme at any time
  • Once you join the scheme you can stay in it until your total business income is more than £225,000.

Whether or not your business would be better off under the flat rate scheme depends very much on your own finances, and the business sector you are involved in. You should always consult an accountant who will be able to advise accordingly.

Full details of the applicable rates, together with full guidance and application forms can be found here. Please note that the flat rate percentages (by industry) were changed in the Pre-Budget Report 2008. The new rates can be found in Annex E of this HMRC document.

Posted August 13, 2008
Easy Accountancy


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