4 Answers

Yes it,s a lot wiser to be registered, and safer.

There is a minimum sales figure of £70,00 where you have to register for VAT in th UK. below that per year you do not have to. Personally I have always been registered because you claim the VAT back on your expenses, fuel, vehicle services, tools,anything you buy for your business, but of cause you have to charge VAT on your sales and services, which can make you more expensive than your competitors.

A lot more book work there are pros and cons and you ahve to add the vat on to your cliants who cant claim this back!

The UK VAT threshold is currently £73,000, however you can still register for VAT below this figure. There are pros & cons in doing so.  

Pros:  you can claim back your VAT at the current rate on all items & expenses regarding your business.

Cons:  you must charge VAT (currently 20%) on all goods & services provided by your business. 

 Quarterly VAT returns.

 More bookwork.

Before you decide consult an accountant. Often for the first year being non VAT registered if you are under the VAT threshold can help, especially if your business is more labour related with limitted overheads / expences.