VAT registration for limited company - Advice please!

I am a freelance creative operating under my limited company. I've just been told by my acountant that I need to register for VAT.

Would love some advice and answers to my questions please!

• I mostly deal with mid - large agencies, are they generally happy to pay VAT?
• Do I need to let agencies know that I am VAT registered before I sign a contract with them?
• Do I just add VAT to my invoices?
• I have the option to be registered under the Standard Rate or the Flat Rate scheme - any suggestions there?
• Have you found that having to charge VAT decreases the number of companies willing to work with you?

This all just seems super annoying, and like a huge faff. Is it awful, or once you get used to it is it not really that bad?
Any and all advice welcome!

Thanks everyone!

Replies2

  • Samuel has left a great response, so there's not much extra to say, apart from I concur!

    We found that when we became VAT registered, we did feel like we were being taken more seriously as a creative organisation. Larger organisations usually asked for VAT details upfront, and were pleased because they could reclaim VAT.

    If you do the flat rate scheme, it's quite straight-forward (so we don't use our accountant for this). However, if we move onto the standard rate, we'll need some extra support as it's a bit more complicated.

    If you're needing to charge VAT now, it means your business has grown, so congratulations! :-)

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