VAT on Reward based donations via Kickstarter

I am writing to seek clarification regarding VAT obligations for a company that raised funds through the Kickstarter platform in 2019 to execute a project. The total amount raised was approximately £90,000, under a reward-based model, where donors who contributed a certain amount were entitled to receive a product (board games) upon project completion. The project was completed this year (2024), and the board games were shipped to UK donors in 2024. The company became VAT-registered in the UK at the beginning of 2024. 1. Should the date of supply for VAT purposes be considered as 2019, when the funds were collected (similar to the Lunar case), or 2024, when the board games were shipped to donors? 2. If the supply date is deemed to be 2019, how should the company account for and pay VAT retrospectively, given that it was only registered as a VAT payer in 2024? We aim to ensure full compliance with UK VAT regulations and would greatly appreciate your guidance on how to address this situation appropriately. Please let us know if any additional information is required to assist in your assessment. Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to your response.

Hi,
The time of supply rules determine when a taxable supply is being made and this would have to be considered when determining when the company should have become VAT registered. Please see below:
Time of supply (tax point) rules
The requirement to register for VAT is based upon the taxable supplies made in a rolling 12 month period. Please see the guidance here:
Working out whether you need to register
If the registration was required prior to the date when you have registered for VAT in 2024 then you would need to write in to request the date of registration be changed. This would need to be done by writing to the following address:
BT VAT,
HMRC, 
BX9 1WR
Thank you.