Can I register to reclaim VAT on expenses even if all my clients are exempt?

[claire202010]

Hi

My company provides IT services to customers in America so there is no VAT to charge.
I don’t have any UK based customers.

Can I still apply for VAT so that I can claim back VAT on expenses / equipment etc?

Thanks

[VAT-adviser]

Hi Claire. if you wish to claim any VAT you have to be registered with VAT HMRC office.

if you provide only services to America – your sales are outside the scope of UK VAT, so there is no obligation to register for VAT in UK. However, you can register for VAT voluntarily. Once registered then you can claim VAT charged on you but you have to weigh the benefits of registering voluntarily with the regulatory obligations of filing the returns every quarter. 

[Author]

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