How to Access and Manage Your VAT Certificate
A VAT certificate contains essential information about your VAT status and is an important document to have to hand if you run a VAT-registered business.
Running a VAT-registered business comes with a host of responsibilities, and one of the key documents you'll need to keep track of is your VAT certificate. This certificate contains essential information about your VAT status and is crucial for ensuring that your business complies with VAT regulations. Whether you’ve misplaced your original copy or just need to verify your details, accessing your VAT certificate is straightforward. Read on to find out how to view your VAT certificate online and what steps to take if you haven’t registered for VAT yet.
What is a VAT Certificate?
A VAT certificate is an official document provided by HMRC that confirms your business is registered for VAT. This certificate includes several important details:
VAT Number: Your business’s unique VAT registration number, which must be displayed on all invoices where VAT is charged.
Effective Date of Registration: The date from which your business needs to start charging VAT on VATable sales.
First VAT Return Date: Information on when your business needs to submit its first VAT return and make its first VAT payment.
Displaying your VAT number on invoices not only assures your customers that your business is a legitimate VAT collector but also confirms your registration with HMRC. This transparency is crucial for maintaining trust with your clients and complying with legal requirements.
How to View Your VAT Certificate Online
If you’ve lost your VAT certificate or just need to check the details, there’s no need to worry. Accessing your VAT certificate online is quick and easy. Here’s how you can do it:
Log in to HMRC Online Services
Start by logging in to your HMRC online services account using your Government Gateway user ID and password. If you don’t have these details, you’ll need to retrieve them to proceed.
Select ‘View Your VAT Account’
Once logged in, you’ll see an option to ‘View your VAT account’ on the first page. Click on this to proceed.
Select ‘View VAT Certificate’
On the VAT account page, you’ll find the option to ‘View VAT certificate.’ Click this, and your VAT details will be displayed on the screen. From here, you can print a copy or download it as a PDF for your records.
Quick tip: It’s always a good idea to save a copy of your VAT certificate in a secure location, whether electronically or as a hard copy, to ensure you can access it whenever needed.
Don’t Have a VAT Certificate Yet? Here’s How to Register
If your business isn’t registered for VAT yet, you might need to consider whether it’s time to do so. Businesses with annual VATable sales exceeding £90,000 (as of 1st April 2024) are required to register for VAT, but even if your turnover is below this threshold, you may choose to register voluntarily.
Here’s a brief overview of how to register for VAT:
Determine Your Eligibility
Before registering, confirm whether your business meets the criteria for mandatory VAT registration or if voluntary registration could be beneficial. Our guide to VAT registration can help you make this decision.
Register Online
Most businesses can register for VAT online via the HMRC website. To do this, you’ll need an HMRC online services account. Once registered, you’ll receive a VAT certificate, which will be available in your HMRC online account.
When Will Your VAT Certificate Be Available?
Previously, HMRC indicated that VAT certificates would be issued within 30 working days of VAT registration. However, this timeframe is no longer specified on HMRC’s website, meaning the issuance time may now vary. After registering, a copy of your VAT certificate will be sent to your HMRC online services account, accessible with your Government Gateway credentials. You can view and download your certificate by following the steps outlined above.
Conclusion
Your VAT certificate is a crucial document that confirms your business’s VAT registration status. Whether you need to retrieve a lost certificate, verify your VAT details, or register your business for VAT, HMRC’s online services make the process simple and accessible. By keeping your VAT certificate and other related documents organised, you can ensure your business remains compliant and transparent in its financial dealings.
If you have any questions about VAT registration or need assistance managing your VAT obligations, our team at Lloyds Accountancy is here to help. Contact us today for expert advice and support tailored to your business needs.
