ABSTRACT
There are two schools of thought as to whether a general dental practitioner (GDP) should register for Value-added tax (VAT) purposes. They are those dentists who see VAT registration as a means of releasing further income for the practice and those who see the paperwork and problems that can follow as creating their own problems at a time when GDPs are seeking to minimize their paperwork. Each registered trader is allocated a 'stagger' period which means that the first quarterly return will be received between two and five months after the date of registration. It is necessary to maintain a detailed record of sales and also a record of all payments made showing the VAT paid on supplies. Control visits, as with the completion of the returns, does involve the GDP in time away from more profitable dental work.
