vat for creatives
VAT Mistakes Make the Tax man Smile
One wrong move, the tax man wins
VAT specialists for UK creatives. The3Key handles registration, returns, and every confusing rule HMRC throws at you.
Zero VAT Mistakes
Stay Registered, Filed and Safe
Beat the Deadlines, Dodge the Fines
VAT is the Tax Man’s favourite weapon
£90k? Register fast, avoid penalties
You’ve got 30 days to register for VAT. Miss it and HMRC hits with penalties and interest. The3Key handles VAT for UK creatives, registration, returns and rules, done on time.
VAT SUPPORT
VAT Really Shouldn’t Be a Plot Twist
Stay compliant without the confusion
We handle registrations, returns and HMRC rules with clear guidance, keeping your business protected and deadlines managed.
VAT threshold
When the tax man comes knocking hard
You can't hide from the £90,000 threshold
You’ve got 30 days to register for VAT. Miss it and HMRC hits with penalties. The3Key handles VAT for UK creatives, registration, returns and rules, done right and on time.
THE TAX MAN WINS WHEN YOU'RE REACTIVE, WE KEEP YOU AHEAD
The VAT threshold is £90,000 in any rolling 12 months, not your tax
year. Hit it and you’ve 30 days to register.
Penalties
Miss a deadline, get a penalty, no exceptions
VAT due one month post-quarter, Non-negotiable
VAT DIRECT DEBIT
NOT JUST ANOTHER ACCOUNTANT
HMRC collects automatically, No stress
Direct Debit gives three extra working days and prevents missed payments. It keeps filings counted on time, avoids penalties, and removes a costly mistake the Tax Man loves.
PLACE OF SUPPLY
Buying software or services from abroad?
The Tax Man still wants his cut
You buy digital services globally. Software from the US. Fonts from Europe. Stock images from international platforms. Place of supply rules determine how VAT applies.
Buying from non-UK suppliers (B2B)
Reverse charge applies. The supplier doesn’t charge VAT, so you account for UK VAT in Box 1 and Box 4. If reclaimable, it usually nets to zero. Always check invoices match registration.
In practice
Invoices from overseas show no VAT. You calculate 20% and record it in Box 1 and Box 4. Not VAT registered? Pay the full amount. Simple before, complex after registration.
Buying from platforms (B2C)
Platforms like Adobe or Canva charge VAT automatically. You reclaim it through your return. The 20% VAT is included, so no reverse charge applies, just keep records.
The trap
Get the reverse charge wrong and HMRC will flag it. Missing VAT evidence raises issues. Treating B2B as B2C means paying VAT you can’t reclaim. Every mistake costs.
VAT schemes
Wrong scheme = more money to the Tax Man
Pick the wrong VAT scheme and pay for it
Charge 20% on sales, reclaim VAT on purchases, pay HMRC the difference. Best for high VAT expenses. Requires tracking every invoice and receipt.
Pay HMRC a fixed percentage. No tracking individual purchase VAT. Simpler admin, potentially lower payments. Perfect for low-expense businesses.
You get 1% off your flat rate. After that, rates vary by sector. The3Key ensures you’re classified right from day one.
CLAIM WHAT YOU CAN
Unclaimed VAT hands money to the Tax Man
If you’re VAT registered, you can reclaim VAT on genuine business expenses, only with proper documentation and business use.