What Happens If My Turnover Drops Below the VAT Threshold

If your business turnover drops below the VAT threshold, you do not automatically lose your VAT registration. You must actively apply to deregister if you want to leave the VAT system. This guide explains what happens when your turnover falls, what HMRC expects, whether you should stay registered and in my opinion the pros and cons of deregistering.

The VAT threshold in the UK is based on taxable turnover, and businesses must register when this exceeds the limit over a rolling 12 month period. But what happens when your turnover reduces? Many businesses experience fluctuations, especially in challenging economic climates. Understanding your options helps you stay compliant and make the best financial decision for your business.

1. The Current VAT Threshold

The VAT registration threshold is:

  • £90,000 of taxable turnover in any rolling 12 month period.

This is not based on a calendar year or tax year. It is a rolling figure. If your turnover falls afterwards, you do not automatically fall out of the VAT system.

2. If Your Turnover Drops Below the VAT Threshold

If your turnover drops below the threshold, your VAT registration continues automatically.

You must continue to:

  • charge VAT

  • file VAT returns

  • keep VAT records

  • comply with Making Tax Digital

Nothing changes unless you take action.

3. Can You Deregister for VAT If Your Turnover Falls

Yes. You can apply to deregister if:

  • your taxable turnover is below £88,000
    and

  • you expect it to stay below the threshold going forward.

This is called voluntary deregistration.

You apply through your Government Gateway or by filing form VAT7.

Once HMRC approves your deregistration, you stop charging VAT.

4. What Happens When You Deregister

When HMRC confirms deregistration:

  • you must stop charging VAT immediately

  • you must submit a final VAT return

  • you may need to pay VAT on stock or assets you hold

  • you must keep VAT records for 6 years

  • you can no longer reclaim VAT on purchases

The final VAT return is a partial period return from the start of the period to the deregistration date.

5. Do You Need To Pay VAT on Assets When You Deregister

Possibly. HMRC requires you to account for VAT on any business assets you still hold on the deregistration date if their total VAT value exceeds £1,000.

This includes:

  • stock

  • goods you bought and reclaimed VAT on

  • equipment

  • tools

  • vehicles

  • computers

  • unused materials

VAT is due on the current value, not the original cost.

Example

You hold stock worth £5,000 at deregistration.
The VAT due is £5,000 × 20 percent = £1,000.

In my opinion this is the part that catches most businesses by surprise.

6. What Happens If You Stay VAT Registered Despite Lower Turnover

You can stay VAT registered voluntarily even if your turnover is below the threshold.

You may choose to remain registered if:

  • your customers are VAT registered businesses

  • you want to continue reclaiming VAT on expenses

  • your input VAT exceeds your output VAT

  • your turnover may increase again soon

  • your pricing structure already includes VAT

  • your industry expects VAT registration for credibility

Voluntary registration is very common in B2B sectors.

In my opinion

Staying registered is often better if most of your customers can reclaim VAT, because it keeps your costs down and avoids having to adjust your pricing.

7. What Happens to VAT Rates and Your Prices

If you deregister:

  • you must remove VAT from your pricing

  • you must inform customers

  • you may need to update accounting software

  • you may need to amend invoicing templates

Some businesses keep prices the same but retain the VAT they would previously have paid to HMRC. This is allowed, but you must ensure customers understand the change if pricing shifts.

8. What Happens to VAT Reclaims When Turnover Drops

If you stay VAT registered:

  • you continue reclaiming VAT on business purchases

  • you continue filing VAT returns

  • no change occurs except reduced output VAT

If you deregister:

  • you cannot reclaim VAT on purchases dated after deregistration

  • VAT on earlier purchases can still be reclaimed if they fall within the final VAT period

  • you must repay VAT on certain assets still held

9. What If Turnover Drops Temporarily

If the drop is temporary, you can stay registered.

HMRC does not deregister you automatically if your turnover dips for one or two months.

Deregistration is only required if:

  • your turnover is permanently below the limit
    or

  • you cease trading

If your business fluctuates seasonally, remaining registered avoids constant joining and leaving of the VAT system.

10. When HMRC Can Force Deregistration

HMRC can compulsorily deregister you if:

  • your business has stopped trading

  • your taxable supplies cease

  • your turnover is genuinely no longer taxable

  • your activities fall outside VAT scope

This is rare for active businesses.

11. Pros and Cons of Deregistering for VAT

Pros

  • simpler accounting

  • fewer filing obligations

  • no need for Making Tax Digital software

  • customers pay less if they are not VAT registered

  • you can price more competitively in B2C markets

Cons

  • you can no longer reclaim VAT on expenses

  • you must repay VAT on assets

  • you may lose credibility with larger clients

  • you may need to increase prices to cover lost VAT reclaims

  • future turnover increases may require re registering

In my opinion

Deregistering suits small B2C businesses with low expenses more than high expense, B2B focused businesses.

12. Real World Examples

Example 1: B2C business with falling turnover

Sarah runs a beauty salon.
Her turnover falls from £110,000 to £70,000.
Most of her customers are individuals who cannot reclaim VAT.
She deregisters, reduces her prices and becomes more competitive.

Example 2: B2B consultant

Tom’s turnover drops from £120,000 to £80,000.
His clients are all VAT registered companies.
He stays VAT registered and continues reclaiming VAT on travel, software and subs.
No downside for his customers.

Example 3: Paying VAT on assets

A shop deregisters and still holds £20,000 of stock.
It must pay 20 percent VAT on the stock’s current value.
The owner decides to delay deregistration until stock levels reduce.

Example 4: Seasonal business

Emma sells products at Christmas.
Turnover dips in the spring but rises again in winter.
She stays registered because the drop is temporary.

13. In My Opinion: The Key Decision Factors

In my opinion the three biggest questions to ask yourself are:

  1. Are your customers VAT registered
    If yes, staying registered is usually best.

  2. Do you reclaim a lot of VAT on expenses
    If yes, deregistering will increase your costs.

  3. Is your turnover likely to recover
    If yes, staying registered avoids having to join again later.

VAT registration should fit the long term plan of your business, not just your turnover at a single moment.

Conclusion

If your turnover drops below the VAT threshold, nothing changes automatically. You stay VAT registered unless you choose to deregister. You can apply to deregister if your turnover falls below £88,000 and is expected to remain there. Deregistration means you stop charging VAT but may need to pay VAT on assets you hold. Whether to stay registered or deregister depends on your customers, your expenses and your long term plans.

In my opinion the decision should be based on strategy, not pressure. VAT can be beneficial for many businesses even when turnover drops, especially in B2B sectors.