Reminders of effective date of registration are being sent out
HMRC has started to issue letters to VAT businesses that will have to submit their VAT returns online from 1 April 2010.
These letters contain one of the required 'five known facts' - the 'effective date of registration.'
Agents who are setting up their processes to e-file VAT returns for their clients, may find it easier to contact their clients for this information than contacting HMRC or searching elsewhere.
If a business disagrees with HMRC's decision, perhaps on the grounds that it is exempt or its turnover is less than £100,000, the owner or agent has 30 days either to ask HMRC to review the decision, or to appeal to an independent tribunal.
The compulsory electronic filing VAT legislation and explanatory memorandum were made in November 2009.