2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Goosey Lucy]

I am the Treasurer of our school's PTA. We currently pay VAT on all purchases.

 

It has been suggested that I get the PTA VAT registered so as to avoid this.

 

I'm not dim but neither am I an accountant.

 

Does anyone know

 

a) How I go about doing this?

 

b)Is it diffiult/time consuming?

[Mrs Webmuppet]

You could try ringing the HMRC Vat advice line on 0845 010 9000 they may be able to help you or point you in the right direction.

[Rich & Ange]

You should be able register on-line try this link....

 

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_Home

 

It is not very difficult to do your VAT return. It gives me a bit of a headache each quarter, but I have VAT coming in and out and a few zero rated VAT orders to account for!

If all you have to do is account for VAT charged (should be very limited) and account for the VAT you spend, you should find it very simple.

 

I would speak to the VAT helpline first though to see if you need to cahrge VAT on all PTA arranged activities, like school fetes etc. The VAT helpline are very helpful.

[Goosey Lucy]

Thanks, I'll try and give them a call in the next few days.

 

I've also picked up a few hours work as Finance assistant for the school playgroup so it would be useful for them too.

 

Both organisations are charities and registered with the Charities commission.

 

I knew someone on here would be able to pint me in the right direction.

 

Thanks

[Janty]

I am a member of our school's PTA and all our PTA purchases go through the main office and the business manager. He then claims the VAT back for us as part of the school. I don't think that we have ever registered seperately.

[Goosey Lucy]

That's a great system but not one I'm allowed to use I've been told that except for things which 'stay' in the school (noticeboards, equipment etc) we have to order directly. It was the secretary who sugestered we register.

[freddie]

We're vat registered for the last 12yrs, and loath though I am to say it, they're actually quite nice people, who will help you out if they can!!; I've always phoned them with queries, as then it's slightly more personal.

We had a vat inspection over the phone a couple of yrs ago... The inspector was asking me questions re 2002; I quietly explained to him I'd slept a few times since then, but if would wait, I'd go to the loft and rake around,.... That was the end of that line of enquiry!!

[Lesley]

It's generally the case that you have to be making Standard or Zero rated Supplies before you can claim back any VAT on Purchases. As a PTA, I wouldn't have thought you were making Zero rated supplies?

 

There are some supplies upon which the supplier doesn't charge you VAT if you are a registered Charity - such as advertising. You would need to check with a VAT Inspector or Google for 'VAT and Charities' - which takes you to a guide for Charities.