Should I register for VAT

[Merguez]

I am a freelance self-employed consultant and my clients are a mixture of commercial businesses and non-profit groups - more of the commercials.

Since taking on one big client in particular my earnings have increased substantially and I think will soon be approaching the 81k threshold above which you have to register for VAT.

I am wondering if I should register now anyway - what are the advantages?

Anyone else been through this process who can advise me on what you thought and decided. And Do I need a professional accountant? So far I have just done my tax returns myself ...

You don't need a professional accountant, it is fairly straight forward to keep vat records yourself. There are plenty of free / cheap accounting packages that make it even easier. Obviously once you reach the threshold you will have no choice. Before then it really depends on whether your customers will accept a 20% price rise (won't affect them if they are also vat registered as they will be able to claim it back), and if you have vatable supplies, as you will be able to reclaim vat paid on purchases