VAT Blog
Latest news, thoughts and articles from the world of VAT.
VAT Reverse Charges (May 2025)
The subject of reverse charges is one of the most common search terms when it comes to VAT. It’s a very important procedure as it ensures that VAT is paid to HMRC on the sale of various goods and services business to business, usually those of high value or...
How many bathrooms could you buy if you saved 20% on the purchase of the property?
The VAT 1614D certificate was introduced over 20 years ago to ensure that residential property developers weren't stuck with the VAT on the purchase costs. The rules are complicated but the use of the certificate is straightforward and should be accepted by the...
The three step process for working out the VAT cost of a residential property development
VAT and property development is a very difficult subject, covering everything from the VAT liability of contractors' services to applying the complicated rules about caculating how much VAT the developer can claim from HMRC. And even once you think you understand the...
Recent changes for option to tax notification and valuation rules.
Option to tax notifications Revenue and Customs Brief 01/23 confirms that HMRC will now only issue an acknowledgement online to nofifications that are submitted online, Nofifications that are submitted any other way - such as postal delivery - will no longer receive...
Serviced accommodation, AirBnB and all that VAT
VAT and serviced accommodation The subject of this post is whether serviced accommodation and AirBnB fall within the Tour Operators Margin Scheme. This can significantly affect how much VAT the SA provider has to pay HMRC. The difference can be significant. I first...
Merry Christmas and chilling out to some reindeer…
The past few years have been chaotic. From Brexit to COVID, the Tory party's leadership pantomime and the very difficult economic situation where many people can't afford to heat their homes and are struggling to pay for food and other necessities, the past few years...
VAT on transactions between associated businesses: Back to basics part 2
This is the second of 3 posts discussing VAT on transactions between assocated businesses. In this post, I'll be taling about terminology and how otherwise everyday words or phrases can have quite different meanings for VAT. Remember the basic principle - you can...
Back to basics: Transactions with associated business
One of the most common problem areas in VAT is dealing with VAT on transactions with associated businesses. This includes sharing out the office rent or raising a management charge for directors' services. This is the first of 3 posts that I'm planning on the...
COVID; answering your queries and the new rules for sub-contractors
I cannot believe that it's already April. If, like me, you have have been affected by COVID either medically, professionally or for any other reason, then chances are you're struggling a bit even if you're past the worst. God Bless to anyone who is struggling...
November newsletter and new podcast
Another busy week! With the Chancellor's autumn statement this week, it's going to be particularly busy for businesses. And with 1 January almost here, any businesses involved with EC trade MUST ensure that they have updated their systems to be compliant for leaving...
New VAT podcast now online
Check out my first VAT podcast: What is VAT? How does it work? The difference between taxable and exempt supplies. https://lnkd.in/ekvKgUs
Not another VAT newsletter; September 2020
Hi there Lots of everyday VAT issues this month. Stamp duty and VAT: Revenue & Customs Brief 20/11 https://tinyurl.com/y32bdmzb contains guidance for landlords when the terms for leases with existing clients are varied. Very helpful guidance at this time when...
What do you do when HMRC gets it wrong?
I'm sure that most of us have received a decision from HMRC about tax that we feel is wrong. You may think that a similar business is paying less VAT, or you may disagree with HMRC’s interpretation of the rules; or in some cases you feel that they have just given you...
Additional REsources
A Few Other Resources We’ve Created for Our Customers
VAT Reverse Charges (May 2025)
The subject of reverse charges is one of the most common search terms when it comes to VAT. It’s a very important procedure as it ensures that VAT is paid to HMRC on the sale of various goods and services business to business, usually those of high value or...
How many bathrooms could you buy if you saved 20% on the purchase of the property?
The VAT 1614D certificate was introduced over 20 years ago to ensure that residential property developers weren't stuck with the VAT on the purchase costs. The rules are complicated but the use of the certificate is straightforward and should be accepted by the...
The three step process for working out the VAT cost of a residential property development
VAT and property development is a very difficult subject, covering everything from the VAT liability of contractors' services to applying the complicated rules about caculating how much VAT the developer can claim from HMRC. And even once you think you understand the...