new to VAT

[chwaheed]

Hi
Plz help. I started business in March, Imported a full container from china, paid VAT on a temporary Vat number, now I have received my vat registration number. My vat returns are at the end of this month. Should I account for the vat from the beginning of the business or just after the vat registration.
Thanks

[RAL]

You can claim vat on goods purchase within 3 years prior to registration as long as you have goods in stock on the day of registration.

In your case you have to have C79 certificate in order to claim the vat. You have to ask freight company/the company you used to import the goods to issue new certificate with the correct vat number.

You can also claim vat on services received within 6 months prior to registration.

You have to account for vat on your all sales from the date of registration.

If you are not sure I recommend to see an accountant as import and export vat can get complicated. If you make a mistake i.e. under claim you lose vat ro over claim you my end up paying penalty and interest.