I just opened my own Ltd, company a few weeks ago and my main client is in Spain. I have my UTR, however, my client is now saying that this is not enough for them to invoice me. They need an international trade or VAT number.
I asked the guys from the HRM & C helplines, but they were not very helpful. Turnover wise, I do not need to register for VAT in the UK, and if I register voluntarily, I understood that I will need to pay the VAT nevertheless.
Does anyone have experience with this? I feel really uncomfortable losing 20% of my income because of an European client needing a VAT number that is not required here in the UK.
I asked the guys from the HRM & C helplines, but they were not very helpful. Turnover wise, I do not need to register for VAT in the UK, and if I register voluntarily, I understood that I will need to pay the VAT nevertheless.
Does anyone have experience with this? I feel really uncomfortable losing 20% of my income because of an European client needing a VAT number that is not required here in the UK.