VAT NUMBER - Is it difficult to get? How?

[continentalitcontractor]

It is supposed to be difficult to get a UK VAT number (compared to
just getting a company).

Is it really?

What are the critical factors, esp for a newly formed company.

Directors? Secretary?

What about connection to the UK?

I have formed a company, and applied for a VAT, and it is taking a
long time.
Is it something I can do, like appointing UK based nominees?

Thanks

 

[PeterSaxton]

It is supposed to be difficult to get a UK VAT number (compared to
just getting a company).

Is it really?

What are the critical factors, esp for a newly formed company.

Directors? Secretary?

What about connection to the UK?

I have formed a company, and applied for a VAT, and it is taking a
long time.
Is it something I can do, like appointing UK based nominees?

Thanks

It's a lot quicker now than it used to be last year. There's certainly
more checks done than with a new company.

If it's taking a long time maybe HMRC are not confident that you are a
legitimate business or there's a worry about the directors.

HMRC usually tell you what the issues are quickly so if you haven't
had any information you should ask.