Question: how much does a business need to earn before paying vat?
Answer: The VAT registration threshold is set at £85,000 for the 2017-18 tax year (and will not change for two years from 1 April 2018). 'Taxable supplies' are anything that is subject to VAT. So, if your turnover of taxable supplies exceeds £85,000, or if you know that it will, you must register.