VAT Funding

VAT Funding

Our VAT funding service:

  • Immediate cash flow relief: Unlock capital trapped in VAT payments, providing instant liquidity plus smooth out cash flow fluctuations caused by quarterly VAT obligations
  • Bespoke financing solutions: We can source customised funding packages tailored to your specific business model with options to fund single or multiple VAT periods as needed
  • Preserves other credit facilities: Doesn’t affect your existing bank relationships or credit lines and keeps other borrowing options open for different business needs
  • Rapid approval process: Streamlined application with minimal paperwork and fast access to funds once approved
  • Seasonal business support:Ideal for businesses with cyclical revenue patterns, helping to manage VAT obligations during low-income periods
  • Industry-specific solutions: Tailored approaches for sectors with high VAT burdens (e.g., construction, retail) with understanding of industry-specific cash flow challenges

VAT funding is a specialised financial solution designed to help businesses manage their Value Added Tax (VAT) obligations more effectively. It allows companies to spread the cost of their quarterly VAT bills over a longer period, typically three to six months. 

This type of funding essentially provides a short-term loan to cover the VAT payment due to HMRC, which the business then repays in instalments. VAT funding aims to ease cash flow pressures, particularly for businesses that experience a time lag between paying VAT on invoices and receiving payment from customers. By offering this flexibility, VAT funding helps companies maintain healthy working capital and invest in growth opportunities, without the strain of large, lump-sum VAT payments disrupting their financial stability.

If you’d like to know more about VAT funding, an Articus Finance Broker can help.

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What is the criteria for VAT funding?


The general criteria to access VAT funding loans are as follows, however each lender is different:

1. VAT registration

The business must be VAT-registered, which typically means having a taxable turnover above £85,000 per year

2. Proof of turnover

Lenders may require evidence of the business's turnover to assess eligibility

3. Credit history

A good credit history is often required to qualify for a VAT bridging loan.

4. Documentation

You'll likely need to provide:

  • Proof of identity
  • Business address verification
  • Bank statements (to show ability to repay)

5. Repayment ability

Lenders will want to see that your business can repay the loan on time

6. Loan amount

VAT loan amounts can range from as little as £5,000 to as high as £5 million, depending on the business's circumstances and the lender

Which businesses may need VAT funding?

1. Tourism and Hospitality

The highly seasonal nature of tourism can lead to fluctuating cash flows. VAT financing can help manage off-peak periods and prepare for high seasons. Useful for hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions to cover VAT bills during slower months.

2. Manufacturing

This industry often requires large upfront investments in materials and equipment. VAT funding can help bridge the gap between production costs and customer payments. This is particularly beneficial for companies with long production cycles or custom orders.

3. Construction

This industry often deals with large-scale projects and significant upfront costs. VAT funding solutions can help manage cash flow during lengthy project timelines and for covering VAT on materials and subcontractor costs before client payments are received.

4. Retail

Retail experiences seasonal fluctuations, especially around holidays. VAT finance can help manage inventory purchases and staffing costs during peak seasons. This is particularly useful for businesses with high-value goods and significant VAT obligations.

5. Professional Services (e.g., consulting, accounting, legal)

Professional services often experience delays between service delivery and client payment. VAT bridging finance can help smooth out cash flow irregularities. Most notably it can help to cover VAT obligations on invoiced work before receiving payment from clients.

FAQs for VAT funding

VAT funding is a short-term financing option designed to help businesses pay their VAT bills. It allows companies to spread the cost of their quarterly VAT payments over a longer period, typically three to six months.

Eligibility typically includes:

  • Being a VAT-registered business in the UK
  • Having been operational for at least one year
  • Having a minimum taxable turnover of £85,000 (the VAT registration threshold)
  • Passing credit checks and financial reviews

VAT bridging loans can range from as little as £5,000 to as high as £5 million, depending on your business’s circumstances and the lender.

How does the application process work?

The process typically involves:

  1. Assessing your needs
  2. Finding a suitable lender
  3. Preparing documentation (e.g., VAT returns, financial statements)
  4. Applying online or in-person
  5. Undergoing credit checks and financial reviews

Benefits include:

  • Improved cash flow management
  • Avoiding late payment penalties
  • Flexible repayment options
  • Ability to invest in growth and operations 

Are there any disadvantages to VAT funding?

Potential drawbacks include:

  • Interest charges on the VAT loan facility
  • Additional repayment obligation affecting cash flow

 

The application review process may take as little as 48 hours, with funds potentially being paid to HMRC within a few days of approval

 

While some VAT loans may not require security, others may be considered secured business loans, requiring you to put up assets as security.

How are repayments structured?

Repayments are typically made in monthly instalments over a period of three to twelve months, depending on the agreement with the lender.

Using a broker for VAT funding can be beneficial because:

  • Brokers have access to multiple lenders and can help find the best rates
  • They understand the complexities of different VAT loan products
  • Brokers can assist with the application process, potentially speeding it up
  • They can provide advice on the most suitable funding option for your business

Why Choose Us

Service

At Articus Finance, we recognise that each business has unique financial requirements. Our service model is built on a foundation of customisation and attention to detail. We meticulously analyse your business structure, cash flow patterns, and industry-specific challenges to craft a VAT funding solution that aligns perfectly with your organisational needs. Our end-to-end support ensures a seamless process from application to fund disbursement.

Relationships

Articus Finance has cultivated strong relationships with a diverse portfolio of lenders. These strategic partnerships enable us to access a wide range of funding options, often at preferential rates. Our strong standing in the financial community translates directly into tangible benefits for our clients. Furthermore, we are committed to fostering long-term relationships with our clients, providing ongoing support and adapting our services as your business evolves.

Knowledge

Our team comprises industry-leading experts with in-depth knowledge of VAT legislation and funding mechanisms. We maintain a proactive stance on regulatory changes and market trends, enabling us to offer innovative solutions that are both compliant and effective. This expertise allows us to optimise your VAT funding strategy, potentially identifying opportunities for tax efficiency and cash flow improvement that you may not have considered.

Trust

As a fully FCA-regulated entity, Articus Finance operates with the highest standards of professional conduct and regulatory compliance. Our transparent processes and ethical practices have earned us a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness in the financial services sector. We prioritise the security of your financial information and the integrity of our transactions, giving you the confidence to focus on your core business activities.

Testimonials

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