Backdated VAT registration

[s2t]

I am in first few months in business of a new venture.
I need to register for VAT as am about to exceed t/o limit.
What my accountant didnt tell me at the outset was the Flat rate VAT scheme and consequently this could have worked to my benefit.
My main customer has intimated they would be 'happy' if I were to bill them retrospectively for the VAT element but I cannot see on HMRC site where it says you can do this, I am aware of backdating purchases within parameters.
Can anyone point me to a definitive site (or indeed where on the HMRC site) it says I can do this
Thanks

[Eric Mc]

How many months into your trading are you?

Why do you think backdating will be beneficial for you, esopecially if you intend to go onto the Flat Rate Scheme?

Have you verified the correct Flat Rate percentage applicable to what you do?
It is crucial that you get this right.

[s2t]

Eric Mc said:

How many months into your trading are you?

Why do you think backdating will be beneficial for you, esopecially if you intend to go onto the Flat Rate Scheme?

Have you verified the correct Flat Rate percentage applicable to what you do?
It is crucial that you get this right.

Hi eric
Do you mind if I pm the answers to your questions?

[Eric Mc]

No - but it may be a while before I get back to you.

[s2t]

Ok 5 months trading
Consulting work so looking at the HMRC site the rate is 12.5% less 1% first year trading
Few purchases so mostly 'sales'
For the sake of discussion the reason why i think Flat rate appropriate
Monthly sales (Say) £10000
Vat @ 17.5% £ 1750
Total £11750
Flat rate to pay
@ 11.5% £ 1350

benefit £ 400

Thats my logic - is it flawed?

[mrmr96]

s2t said:

@ 11.5% £ 1350

???

[Eric Mc]

mrmr96 said:

s2t said:

@ 11.5% £ 1350

???

He is correct. The 11.5% is applied to the VAT inclusive figure of £11,750, not the VAT Exclusive figure of £10,000.

You do need to be ABSOLUTELY sure that the Flat Rate you are applying is genuinely what is required for what you are doing. "Consultancy" is such a general term that sometimes apply a rate that may not be appropriate in their business sector.

I would go ahead and register NOW and forget about the backdating - you have missed the first VAT quarter anyway.
Just make sure that at no point in the future you will be supplying Zero Rate or Exempt supplies or services. If you do, the flat rate needs to be applied to those sales too - even though they would normally not have VAT on them.
Don't forget that all these Flat Rates will change on 4 January 2011.

[mrmr96]

Eric Mc said:

mrmr96 said:

s2t said:

@ 11.5% £ 1350

???

He is correct. The 11.5% is applied to the VAT inclusive figure of £11,750, not the VAT Exclusive figure of £10,000.

Ta.