how long for VAT number?

[edmondscommerce]

We tipped over the threshold around the turn of the year and registered in January.

However we still don't have a VAT number and have now learned that we need to be charging our customers VAT (though we can't call it that) even though we don't have a VAT number..

all very confusing and a massive hassle..

so now we desperately need that VAT number - how much longer are we waiting do you think?

It's already been about a month!

I laughed out loud when I read this:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/start/register/waiting.htm#4

To make sure that you do not lose income in the period after you applied for VAT registration but before you receive your VAT registration number, you should increase your prices by an amount equivalent to the VAT rate

OK so we just raise all our prices by 20% yeah that's going to work!

 

[Aussie Dean]

I applied a couple of weeks ago and received a VAT reg confirmation letter with VAT number only this week.

So basically within 2 weeks...

 

[Poldenacc]

I registered a company for VAT online last week and received the certificate this week confirming registration.

Did you register using a paper form on the oline application? I'd definitely phone up to check they've received the application form. Try calling 0845 039 0129 on Monday.

Depending on the number of customers you are dealing with and whether they are VAT registered or not. Explain the situation to them and the fact that you will raise the invoices for 120% now and reissue VAT invoices once you're registered. They will then be able to recover the VAT you charge and be left with the the same net cost.

 

[Posilan]

We registered online in November for registration from 1st December and got the number/certificate posted to us on 11th Feb (yes, three months ) and that was only after a complaint to escalate it.

Seems we were one of the lucky ones for random checks at Cardiff.

 

[Poldenacc]

Shows the difference that a random check can make. I'd definitely suggest calling HMRC on Monday - if only to find out that you are as luck as posilan .

 

[WPsites]

We sent of the paper work before christmas and still waiting. Called them and they say it can take 10 weeks!

 

[MrsF]

I applied online and had my number within three weeks last November. It was very easy to use online and any queries I had were quickly dealt with by ringing the VAT helpline.

 

[WPsites]

any queries I had were quickly dealt with by ringing the VAT helpline.

Oh yes, enquiries quickly dealt with when I rang them too.

" We have a backlog, it could take 10 weeks "

 

[mdsltd]

A lot depends on the actual business your conduct. Some companies may have to go through extended verification checks, if this is the case you can wait upwards of 6 months!

 

[Posilan]

Oh yes, enquiries quickly dealt with when I rang them too.

" We have a backlog, it could take 10 weeks "

When you go past the 10 weeks they state in the letter and complain, the story suddenly changes to "we are allowed up to 12 weeks"

 

[UCaN]

We applied for ours at the end of January and recieved it roughly two weeks later.

I phoned them up before hand because the online system was playing up and was told there was currently a backlog of 4-8 weeks but didnt seem to affect ours.

However was also told by business gateway that some companies are selected for an audit process which can add up to 6 weeks to the application time - although the 6 mths that mdsltd suggests sounds more like the HMRC

 

[Amtashy]

It took 3 months for our vat number to come through. I was pulling my hair out towards the end, they said i had been chosen for random checks and this delayed it.

They also requested additional info from me by way of letter. I cant remember exactly what but i think it was things like supplier invoices and invoices issued.
When they recieved these back i had my number within about 2 weeks.

Luckily enough 70 % of our work at the time was from local aurthority so when i explained to the situation they said it was quite common and dont worry. They allowed me to send a backdated vat only invoice when my number came through and they paid the vat no problems.

I just suffered the loss on my joe public customers because you cant call it vat if you aint got a number and i wasnt going to over explain it as it then starts to sound a bit dodgy and it wasnt worh the hasstle for us.

 

[edmondscommerce]

OK thanks for the feedback..

We will start chasing them today!

 

[edmondscommerce]

Turns out we basically fell into a black hole, nothing has been done at all. God knows what would have happened if we didn't ring them.