VAT Do’s and Don’ts

The complexities of VAT legislation can be daunting.  Our checklist below provides some key areas to watch out for.

• DO keep a monthly record of your turnover - late registration can result in severe penalties
• DO notify your local VAT office when major changes take place - changes must be notified within thirty days
• DO retain records for the last six years - these could be demanded by law
• DO obtain and keep VAT invoices - these are your authority to claim back VAT on supplies made to you
• DO charge VAT on supplies to your staff
• DO charge VAT on any equipment or vehicles (except motor cars) that you sell or part-exchange
• DO account for VAT on fuel used for private motoring using the appropriate scale charge
  

• DON’T claim the VAT paid on the purchase of a motor car - it is not recoverable except in some very special cases
• DON’T claim the VAT paid on goods or services used for private purposes.  Where there is an element of private use (e.g. telephone) an appropriate percentage should be claimed.  Special arrangements apply to private use of petrol (see above)
• DON’T claim the VAT paid on entertaining
• DON’T forget to account for VAT on inter-company charges
• DON’T charge VAT on the transfer of a business as a going concern (make sure contracts incorporate appropriate VAT provisions)

How we can help

Simpkins Edwards VAT services cover all the basics, helping you to meet your obligations and manage your paperwork.  We also have a dedicated VAT consultant to advise on the reliefs that may be available to you.  Contact us for more information.