1. Introduction

Welcome to the Sole Trader VAT Registration service. We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our VAT registration service.

Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the service.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that you provide to us when you register for VAT. The information we collect includes:

• Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, National Insurance number
• Contact Information: Email address, telephone number, home address
• Business Information: Trading name, business address, business activities, SIC code
• Financial Information: Unique Tax Reference (UTR), turnover details, VAT scheme preferences
• Documents: Identity verification documents, proof of address, business documents

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect or receive:

• To process your VAT registration application with HMRC
• To verify your identity and prevent fraud
• To communicate with you about your application status
• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• To improve our services and user experience
• To send you administrative information and updates

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Secure data storage and backup procedures

5. Data Retention

We will retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. VAT registration data is typically retained for a minimum of 6 years in accordance with HMRC requirements.

6. Your Data Protection Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: You can request copies of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: You can request correction of inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: You can request deletion of your data in certain circumstances
• Right to Restrict Processing: You can request limitation of data processing
• Right to Data Portability: You can request transfer of your data
• Right to Object: You can object to processing of your data

7. Sharing Your Information

We may share your information with:

• HMRC: To process your VAT registration application
• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist in providing our services
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

8. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our service. Cookies help us remember your preferences and save your progress. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact us: