HC Deb 18 February 1975 vol 886 cc367-8W
Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average length of time between a company registering for VAT and receiving its VAT registration number.

Dr. Gilbert

The trader is informed of his VAT registration number immediately he is registered. No information is available of the average length of time between a trader notifying his liability to be registered for VAT and his being registered. However, in the bulk of cases Customs and Excise are able to complete the formalities within a day or two of receipt of a trader's notification; further inquiries are necessary in some cases, usually to obtain additional information from the trader.

Mr. Graham

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements have been made to simplify the operation of VAT for retailers; and when they will come into operation.

Dr. Gilbert

Customs and Excise, in consultation with representative retail trade bodies, have revised the special VAT schemes for retailers to make them easier for retailers to operate irrespective of any possible future changes in VAT rates. These revised schemes, which will replace the existing schemes, will come into effect from 1st April 1975. They have been published in Customs and Excise Notice No. 727 and a copy has been sent to all retailers concerned.

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