Feedback: 14 March 2024

VAT registration problem

I have had a VAT registration problem which I wonder if any other readers have come across.

When preparing the client’s 2022-23 accounts in November last year I realised the client should have registered for VAT as from 1 May 2023. I sent in an online registration request on behalf of the client who received an approval letter in November.

There was a delay in me getting the VAT registration number as the client was away. However I was able to access my agent services account in January 2024. I printed off the VAT registration certificate which showed the VAT return period end date – 31 March 2024 – which I took to be the first VAT return period. My client has recently received a VAT assessment for the period to 31 December 2023 for an outstanding return and payment but my agent services...