Went over VAT threshold! Advice what to do

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Hello all,

Thanks in advance for any replies and advice! My first time posting. I've just worked out from my spreadsheets that the end of March 2020 I will of gone over the threshold of £85,000 by £900. I was registered for VAT last year but de-registered in November 2019 because my income went under the threshold. I really dont want to register again, the reason for going over was due to the coronavirus and a huge increase in sales from people panic buying, the chaos of everything also impacted invoices etc so I couldn't accuratly check my sales for the month. I have the following options...

Register for VAT and pay 20% on the amount i went over and then wait 1-2 months til my income drops and then de-register. Is this allowed?

Apply for an exception stating I won't go over in the next 12 months and explain the situation and hope they accept. 

I'm leaning towards the second option but worried that they'll refuse and I'll have to either make a huge loss paying 20% going forward or lose income for1-2 months waiting until i drop below the threshold. Anyone able to offer any advice, would I have a good case to apply for an exception? Any other options?

Thanks very much

Replies (4)

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chips_at_mattersey
By Les Howard
27th Mar 2020 18:37

You do have a case for exception from registration. A carefully worded letter with your registration notification is the way.

For a more thorough response, provide your monthly sales figures to an Accountant or other advisor.

Thanks (1)
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By cookie45
27th Mar 2020 19:24

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate the advice! I'm looking at the HMRC website and it says to send a letter but doesn't mention anything about a form! Is this a case of simply just sending them a letter to there address with my details on?

Thanks

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Replying to cookie45:
RLI
By lionofludesch
27th Mar 2020 19:39

What are you going to say in the letter ?

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By cookie45
27th Mar 2020 19:58

I can copy and paste it if you like, but basically just explained that i went over, mentioned why, due to sudden increase of sales and disruption caused by coronavirus. Then went on to say how i'm going to stay under the threshold in the future and what im going to do etc!

It's about half a page long, which i'm unsure if i should make it shorter and to the point or include lots of detail

Thanks

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