It is worth noting that those newly registered to pay tax will not actually receive a tax demand until 18 months after registration.. plus, if you have not set aside the correct ammount they will usually set up a p/p. You can register under any profession you choose, (I am a alterantive therapist) and may submit receipts for vat relief.
Any one who needs a friendly accountant who knows exactly what you do and is in no way interested, all for the bargain fee of 218.00 per year, pm me.
Hope that helps but I am in a rush so it may not lolol
Luce
This is all covered
ad nauseum elsewhere on the forum, and while it never hurts to repeat it for newbies who may not have read all the relevant threads, the OP was asking
specifically about her tax status as a US citizen living and working in the UK, and since the situation is far more complicated than usual, I think it's generally been established that she needs to take professional advice.
I wouldn't worry about registering for VAT unless you think your turnover may start getting close to the threshold; currently ?70,000. If this is the case, you'd be well advised to go on holiday for the remainder of the year - it is a royal pain in the arse and I wouldn't wish it on anybody.