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Find your VAT number and registration information

by Intuit•138• Updated 2 months ago

If your business is registered for VAT, it’s important to set up VAT correctly in QuickBooks. Learn where to find your VAT number and certificate, and understand which HMRC scheme your business is using.

Tip: Due a VAT refund? You can use InstantVAT by Adsum to receive your repayment in as little as 24 hours after HMRC verification. This optional service has no credit impact and is designed to save you the 47-day average wait for HMRC funds. Check for InstantVAT offers in QuickBooks now.

A VAT number (VAT registration number) is a unique nine-digit code assigned to your business by HMRC. When you register, you receive a VAT registration certificate which contains:

  • Your unique VAT number.
  • The effective date of registration (when you must start charging VAT).
  • The date your first return and payment are due.

How to find your VAT certificate

If you don't have a physical copy, you can download one through your HMRC Government Gateway account.

When you register for VAT, you’re automatically placed on the Standard VAT Accounting Scheme. HMRC also offers other schemes that may better suit your business, depending on your annual income and cash flow preferences.

These schemes affect when and how VAT is calculated and reported, so it’s important to know which one you’re using. You must inform HMRC if you’d like to join a special scheme like the Flat Rate Scheme.

Here’s a quick overview of the main VAT schemes available through HMRC. You’ll need to choose the scheme that best fits your business needs.

1. Standard VAT Accounting Scheme

This is the default scheme for businesses registered for VAT.

  • You pay HMRC the difference between the VAT on your sales and the VAT on your purchases.
  • VAT is calculated based on the invoice date, not the payment date.
  • Available to businesses with an annual income of £1,350,000 or more.

2. Cash Accounting Scheme

This scheme helps businesses with cash flow by only accounting for VAT on paid invoices.

  • You pay and reclaim VAT only on invoices that have been paid.
  • You don’t pay VAT on sales your customers haven’t paid for yet.
  • Available if your annual income is less than £1,350,000.

3. Flat Rate Scheme

This scheme simplifies VAT by letting you pay a fixed percentage of your VAT-inclusive turnover.

  • You pay a fixed rate of VAT to HMRC
  • You keep the difference between the VAT you charge customers and the fixed rate you pay
  • You cannot reclaim VAT on purchases, except certain capital assets over £2,000
  • Only available if your VAT turnover is £150,000 or less (excluding VAT)

If you’re not using the Flat Rate Scheme, you can skip any references to it during QuickBooks setup.

Learn more about the Flat Rate VAT Scheme in QuickBooks Online.


What's next?

Once you’ve confirmed your VAT registration and scheme, you’re ready to set up VAT in QuickBooks. This setup ensures your transactions are recorded accurately and included in the correct VAT Return.

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