# When do I need to register for VAT?

> Quick answer · Last updated 6 April 2026

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## In short

When your VAT-taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or you expect it to in the next 30 days alone.

The VAT registration threshold rose to £90,000 on 1 April 2024 and applies to your VAT-taxable turnover — broadly, sales of standard, reduced and zero-rated goods and services, excluding exempt and out-of-scope items.

You must register within 30 days of the end of the month you went over the threshold, or before the date you expect to exceed it in a single 30-day window. The deregistration threshold is £88,000.

You can also register voluntarily below the threshold, which lets you reclaim VAT on business purchases but means charging VAT to customers — often worthwhile if your customers are themselves VAT-registered.

## Related

- [UK VAT calculator](https://moneyguide.org.uk/tools/vat-calculator/)
- [Self-employed hub](https://moneyguide.org.uk/for/self-employed/)
- [Work & self-employment guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/work-earnings/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/vat-registration-thresholds

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.