Multiple sole trader businesses and Vat

Currently I have a Vat registered sole trader business. I'm considering starting a different one in a mostly unrelated area.

I know that Form 11 provides the ability to separate the accounts, and this takes into account a loss from one not reducing the profit from the other for tax reasons.

Is it possible to keep the Vat registration separate as well? With Sole Trader setup it is attached to the PPS rather than the business itself so I can't see a way to do so.

No, the Vat registration number will be the same for both businesses. It may be possible to get a second number but I've never seen this so ask the Revenue. However you are doubling your work if this is available.

dublin67 said:

It may be possible to get a second number

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It's not, unless the OP forms a separate entity, eg a limited company or a partnership.

dublin67 said:

ask the Revenue.

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Revenue are not in the advice business and should not be relied upon for advice on how to structure a business venture.

Thanks, I suspected that separating them might not be possible. There is already extra work in maintaining the second set of accounts and including those on the Form 11.

My core issue is that the new business is unlikely to turn a profit for a year plus, and being able to claim back vat from the start seems wrong.