Value Added Tax Regulations 1995
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- HMRC
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 965 compliance obligations, 20 practical guides across 4 topics
What you must do
965 compliance obligations under this legislation — 62 can result in imprisonment.
Risk assessment 4
Apply attribution rules to all payments for VAT purposes
When your business makes a payment, you must check the VAT attribution rules (Reg 170 and, if relevant, 170A(5)) to decide if that payment counts as consideration for a supply. This determines whether you can reclaim input tax or need to account for output tax on the payment.
Calculate and attribute input tax on imported goods and services
If your business pays VAT on imports or services that are used partly for taxable supplies (including supplies made outside the UK or those listed in a specific Order), you must work out what proportion of that VAT relates to the taxable part and claim it accordingly. This calculation must be done for each accounting period and recorded in your VAT records.
Check reciprocal refund arrangements before claiming VAT refunds
If your business is a trader established in a country that has a turnover‑tax system similar to VAT, you can only receive a VAT refund under this Part if that country has a reciprocal agreement to refund UK taxable persons. The Part also does not apply to you if, during the relevant period, you made UK supplies that fall outside the listed exceptions (e.g., transport of freight outside the UK, services or goods where VAT is paid solely by the customer).
Determine taxable use of capital items for VAT input tax
When you own a capital item (such as a building or plant) that you use for both taxable and exempt supplies, you must work out what proportion of the VAT you paid on that item relates to your taxable sales for each accounting interval. You do this using the standard VAT rules or a method you have agreed with HMRC. If you lease part of a building and the lease is zero‑rated, any exempt supply from that lease is ignored when you calculate the taxable use.
Management duties 112
Account correctly for VAT on removed goods
If you move goods between Northern Ireland and an EU member state (or between two EU states) under the Removal Order, you must not record any VAT payable for the period when the removal would normally be taxed. Only if the removal conditions are breached and VAT actually becomes due should you make a VAT entry for that accounting period.
Account for VAT and issue invoice when goods are appropriated
When you sell goods but keep ownership until the buyer takes them (a retention‑of‑title sale), you must treat the supply as happening on the earliest of three dates – when the buyer appropriates the goods, when you issue a VAT invoice, or when you receive payment. You also have to send a VAT invoice (or accept a self‑billing invoice) within 14 days of appropriation to trigger the normal VAT treatment.
Account for VAT and retain supporting invoices
When you sell goods or services subject to VAT, you must work out the VAT you owe and pay it to HMRC by the deadline for the accounting period in which you receive payment. You can reclaim input tax either in that same period or in a later period agreed with HMRC. You also need to keep a dated, receipted VAT invoice from any supplier you pay and a copy of any receipt you give them, and retain these records for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows).
Account for VAT on each royalty or similar payment
If you provide services and you don’t know the total price up front, any later royalty or similar payments that are periodic and extra must be treated as a new supply for VAT. That means you need to issue a VAT invoice (or treat the receipt as the supply) and include the VAT for each payment in your VAT return.
Account for VAT on retained contract payments
If you have a contract that holds back (retains) part of the price until you have fully performed the work, you must treat that retained amount as a separate supply for VAT. You need to work out and account for the VAT at the earlier of when you actually receive the retained payment or when you issue a VAT invoice, following the timing rules in the VAT Act.
Account for VAT on retained payments at the correct time
2 years imprisonmentIf you supply goods or services under a contract that holds back part of the payment until the work is fully completed, you must treat that retained amount as a separate supply for VAT. You have to account for the VAT and issue a VAT invoice as soon as you receive the retained money, or at the earlier of receiving the payment or issuing the invoice, whichever comes first.
Account for VAT on retained payments at the correct time
If your contract holds back (retains) part of the price until the work is fully completed, you must treat that retained amount as a separate supply for VAT. You need to account for the VAT either at the time set out in the main VAT rules, or sooner if you receive the retained payment or issue a VAT invoice for it. This means you may have to charge and pay VAT before the whole contract is finished.
Add required provisions and undertakings to pre‑1998 reimbursement arrangements
If your business set up a VAT reimbursement arrangement before 11 February 1998, you had to, by 11 March 1998, insert the provisions listed in regulation 43C and give the undertakings required by regulation 43G. Failure to do so would mean HMRC could ignore the arrangement for VAT purposes. The deadline has long passed, so the duty only affects historical cases.
Adjust VAT scheme compliance when rates change
2 years imprisonmentIf a law changes the VAT rate on any of the goods or services you sell, you must follow any instructions from HMRC (the Commissioners) and make the necessary changes to the VAT scheme you’re using. This means updating your accounting, pricing and reporting as directed, to stay compliant with the new rate.
Adjust VAT scheme when tax rates change
If your business uses a VAT scheme (for example a cash accounting or retail scheme) and the VAT rate on any of the goods or services you supply changes, you must act on any instructions from HMRC or on any agreement you reach with them to update your scheme. In practice this means changing the way you calculate, record and pay VAT so it reflects the new rate.
Adjust VAT scheme when tax rates change
If the government changes the VAT rate on any of the goods or services you sell, you must follow any instructions from HMRC (or any agreement you have with them) to update the VAT scheme you are using. This means making the required changes to your accounting or reporting method as soon as you receive a notice.
Adjust VAT scheme when the rate changes
If the VAT rate you charge on any of your supplies changes – for example a new reduced rate or a move to zero‑rate – you must modify the VAT scheme you are using in the way HMRC tells you to. This could be a written notice from HMRC or an agreement you reach with the Commissioners.
Adjust VAT scheme when VAT rates change
If the VAT rate you charge on any of your sales changes (for example, a new reduced rate is introduced or a zero‑rate item becomes standard rate), you must follow any instructions from HMRC or any agreement you make with the Commissioners to update the way your VAT scheme works. This ensures your VAT accounting stays correct after the change.
Adjust VAT scheme when VAT rates change
If a law changes the VAT rate on any of the goods or services you supply, you must act on any HMRC notice or agreement that tells you how to change your VAT scheme. In practice this means updating your pricing, accounting and VAT returns to reflect the new rate.
Adjust VAT scheme when VAT rates change
If the VAT rate you charge on any product or service changes – for example the rate goes up, down or becomes zero‑rated – you must follow any instructions from HMRC (the Commissioners) to modify the VAT scheme you are using. This may mean updating your accounting system, changing price lists or taking other steps as directed.
Adjust VAT scheme when VAT rates change
If the government changes the VAT rate (or adds/removes VAT) on any of the goods or services you sell, you must act on any instructions HMRC sends you or any agreement you reach with them. This means updating the way you calculate, record or pay VAT under the scheme you’re using, and doing so promptly after the change is announced.
Adjust your VAT scheme when rates change
If the government changes the VAT rate on any of the goods or services you sell, you must follow any instructions from HMRC about how to update the VAT scheme you’re using. This could be a formal notice or an agreement you reach with the Commissioners. In practice you need to make the required changes promptly to stay compliant.
Adjust your VAT scheme when the VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate on any of the goods or services you sell changes – either up, down or to zero – you must make the changes required to your VAT accounting scheme. Follow any instructions you receive in a notice from HMRC, or any agreement you reach with the Commissioners, to keep your VAT records correct.
Adjust your VAT scheme when VAT rates change
If the VAT rate on any product or service you sell changes – including moving to or from zero‑rating – you must act on any HMRC notice or any agreement you reach with the Commissioners about how your VAT scheme should be altered. In practice this means reviewing the change, following the instructions you receive and making the required adjustments to your accounting or reporting arrangements.
Allocate input tax on imported goods to taxable supplies proportionally
When you buy goods or services from abroad that you use partly for supplies that would be taxable in the UK, you must work out what share of the VAT you can reclaim. For each VAT accounting period you need to calculate the proportion of those inputs that relate to taxable supplies (including foreign or specified supplies) and claim that amount on your VAT return.
Allocate input tax to taxable foreign and specified supplies
If you buy goods or services that you later use, even partly, to make supplies outside the UK or to make certain supplies listed in a special Order, you must work out what share of the VAT you can reclaim relates to those taxable supplies. You need to calculate and record that split for every accounting period.
Allocate input VAT to taxable foreign and specified supplies
When your business buys goods or services that are used, even partly, to make supplies outside the UK or to make supplies listed in a specific Order, you must work out what share of the VAT you paid can be reclaimed for those taxable supplies. The calculation must reflect the actual use of the goods or services (you can use a sector‑based method if appropriate) and be shown in your VAT return.
Apply attribution rules to determine consideration for supplies
When your business receives or makes a payment you must use the VAT attribution of payments rules (Regulation 170 and, where relevant, 170A(5)) to decide whether that payment is treated as consideration for a supply. This decision affects whether you can recover input tax or need to charge output tax. Keep clear records showing how each payment was assessed.
Apply the correct flat‑rate VAT percentage
If you use the VAT flat‑rate scheme, you must work out which flat‑rate percentage from HMRC’s table applies to your business for each accounting period and use that percentage on the turnover you charge VAT on. If your business activity changes during the period, you must switch to the new percentage for the remaining part of the period and keep a record of the change.
Apply the correct flat‑rate VAT percentage
If you use the VAT flat‑rate scheme, you must work out which percentage applies to your sales for each accounting period (or any part of it) based on the type of business you expect to be carrying out and any relevant dates during the period. You then apply that percentage to your turnover when you calculate the VAT you owe.
Apply the correct flat‑rate VAT percentage each accounting period
If you use the VAT flat‑rate scheme, you must work out which percentage of your turnover you owe to HMRC for every accounting period. The rate is taken from the flat‑rate table for the type of business you expect to be carrying out on the first day of the period, or on any relevant date that changes your business type during the period. When a relevant date occurs, you must recalculate the rate for the remaining part of that period and use the new rate for that portion of turnover.
Apply VAT attribution rules to all payments
When you receive or make a payment you must use the VAT attribution rules (Regulation 170 and 170A(5)) to decide whether that payment counts as consideration for a specific supply. This ensures you correctly account for VAT on sales and recover input tax where allowed.
Apply zero‑rate VAT to qualifying excise‑goods supplies
If you sell excise‑goods that you move from Northern Ireland to another EU Member State, and the buyer is not VAT‑registered in that state, you must charge VAT at 0 %. To do this you need to prove the goods have been moved under the Excise Goods (Holding, Movement and Duty Point) Regulations 2010 and that you have not used the margin scheme for those goods. In practice you must record the movement and apply the zero rate on your invoice.
Attribute input tax on foreign and specified supplies to taxable supplies
If your business pays VAT on imported goods or services that are used partly for taxable activities (such as exports or other specified supplies), you must work out the proportion of that VAT that relates to those taxable activities and reclaim only that amount. You can use a sector‑based calculation or any method approved by HMRC, but you must exclude the value of non‑UK supplies unless you use the sector approach.
Attribute input tax on foreign and specified supplies to taxable supplies
If your business incurs VAT on imported goods or services that you use, at least partly, for making supplies outside the UK or for certain specified supplies, you must work out how much of that VAT can be reclaimed for your taxable (UK) supplies. Use a sector‑based calculation (or another approved method) and exclude any overseas supply values where the sector method isn’t used.
Attribute input VAT to taxable supplies correctly
If your business buys goods or services that are used partly for supplies made outside the UK (or for certain specified supplies), you must work out what share of the input VAT relates to those taxable supplies. That proportion has to be shown in your VAT return for the accounting period. In practice you need a method – often a sector‑based split – and you must keep the calculations and supporting records.
Calculate and attribute input tax to taxable supplies
For each VAT accounting period you must work out how much VAT you can reclaim by attributing the input tax you’ve paid to the supplies you make that are taxable. This means identifying all goods and services bought, separating those used only for taxable activities, those used only for exempt activities, and applying a proportionate method for mixed‑use items, then recording the amount you can deduct.
Calculate and attribute input tax to taxable supplies
Each VAT accounting period you must work out how much of the VAT you have paid on purchases can be reclaimed. You need to separate the input tax that relates only to taxable sales, exclude the tax that relates only to exempt sales, and then apply the correct proportioning method to the remaining (residual) input tax. The calculation must be done before you submit your VAT return.
Calculate and attribute input tax to taxable supplies
Each VAT accounting period you must work out how much of the VAT you have paid can be reclaimed. You can claim all of the VAT on goods used only for taxable sales, none on goods used only for exempt activities, and a proportionate amount on mixed‑use items based on the value of your taxable sales. This calculation must be shown in your VAT return.
Calculate and attribute input tax to taxable supplies
Each VAT accounting period you must work out how much input VAT you can reclaim. You need to identify the goods and services you bought, allocate the full amount of VAT to taxable supplies when they are used only for taxable sales, exclude VAT on items used for exempt activities, and apply the prescribed proportion or recovery rate for any remaining (mixed‑use) items, rounding as required. The calculation must be recorded and used when you submit your VAT return.
Calculate and attribute input tax to taxable supplies each VAT period
You must work out how much of the VAT you’ve paid on purchases can be reclaimed, based on what you use for taxable versus exempt activities. For each VAT accounting period you need to allocate the input tax accordingly, using the formulas set out in the regulations, and keep records to show how you arrived at the amounts.
Calculate and claim input tax credit for investment gold correctly
If your business supplies or transforms investment gold, you can only reclaim VAT on costs that directly relate to that gold. You must work out which expenses qualify, apportion any shared costs, and claim credit only up to the allowed amount each VAT period.
Charge VAT on excise goods sold to non‑taxable persons
If your business sells goods that are subject to excise duty (for example alcohol, tobacco or fuel) to a customer who is not registered for VAT in another EU Member State, you must add UK VAT to the supply. You also need to keep proper evidence of the sale for your VAT returns.
Check you meet the eligibility criteria before applying for the VAT scheme
If you want to be authorised to account for VAT under the special scheme, you must first confirm that your business meets a set of conditions – for example, your expected one‑year taxable turnover must be £150,000 or less, you must not be a tour operator or a group VAT registrant, you must have no recent VAT convictions or penalties, and you must not be associated with another business. You need to review these factors and keep the supporting evidence before you submit an application.
Claim repayment of VAT on imports and UK supplies where no other relief applies
If your business has paid VAT on goods imported into the UK or on supplies you have received, and you cannot claim any other VAT relief, you can ask HMRC to repay that VAT. The repayment is allowed where that VAT would be treated as input tax for a normal VAT‑registered trader.
Complete customs formalities for goods entering or exiting NI
If your business brings goods into Northern Ireland from territories that are treated as outside the EU, you must complete the required customs entry paperwork. The same applies when you export goods from Northern Ireland to those territories – you must finish the export formalities. When those goods are then moved on to an EU member state, you must use the internal Community transit procedure and keep the related documentation.
Complete customs formalities for goods moving via Northern Ireland
If your business imports goods into Northern Ireland from territories that are treated as outside the EU, or exports goods from Northern Ireland to those territories, you must carry out the entry or export customs formalities required by the Union Customs Code. When such goods are then moved on to an EU Member State and have to travel through a Member State, you also need to use the internal Community transit procedure.
Complete customs formalities for goods moving via Northern Ireland
2 years imprisonmentIf your business brings goods into Northern Ireland from territories that are treated as outside the EU, or sends goods from Northern Ireland to those territories, you must carry out the required customs entry or exit procedures set out in the Union Customs Code. When those goods are destined for an EU member state and have to pass through that state, you must also use the internal Community transit procedure. Failure to do so can lead to prosecution and unlimited fines.
Complete required customs formalities for goods moving via Northern Ireland
If your business brings goods into Northern Ireland from, or sends goods from Northern Ireland to, territories that are treated as outside the EU, you must complete the EU customs entry or export procedures. When those goods are then moved on to an EU member state via a route that passes through another member state, you must also use the internal Community transit procedure. Failing to do this breaches customs rules.
Comply with conditions of VAT scheme authorisation
If your business is authorised under the special VAT scheme, you must keep the information you gave HMRC accurate, submit all required returns and payments on time, and tell HMRC within 30 days if you expect your taxable supplies to exceed £1.6 million in the next period. Breaching any of these conditions can lead to the authorisation being revoked.
Comply with VAT annual accounting scheme rules
If your business is authorised to use the VAT annual accounting scheme, you must keep accounting for VAT under that scheme until you lose authorisation. You must also tell HMRC within 30 days if you expect your taxable supplies to go over £1.6 million, and when you stop using the scheme you must submit a final return and pay any VAT due within two months. After that you must account for VAT in the normal way.
Comply with VAT annual accounting scheme thresholds and reporting
If you use the VAT annual accounting scheme you must keep track of the value of your taxable supplies. As soon as you think the total for the next 12‑month period will go over £1.6 million you must tell HMRC within 30 days, and if the threshold is actually exceeded the scheme ends and you must file a final VAT return and pay any due tax within two months.
Comply with VAT duties as a personal representative
If a VAT‑registered person dies or becomes incapacitated, the individual handling their estate – such as an executor, bankruptcy trustee, receiver or liquidator – must continue to meet all VAT obligations. They only need to pay any VAT that can be covered by the assets they control.
Comply with VAT duties as a personal representative
If a VAT‑registered person dies or becomes unable to manage their affairs, you – as their personal representative, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidator or any other representative – must make sure the VAT returns are filed and any VAT due is paid, but only from the assets you control. HMRC can ask you to do this, and you must keep complying for as long as you have control of those assets.
Comply with VAT duties for a deceased or incapacitated person’s assets
2 years imprisonmentIf a business owner dies or can no longer manage their affairs, the person taking control of their estate (e.g., personal representative, bankruptcy trustee, liquidator) must keep up with all VAT obligations for as long as they control the assets. HMRC can require them to file returns, keep records and pay VAT, but any VAT payment is limited to the value of the assets they actually control.
Comply with VAT duties for a deceased or incapacitated person’s assets
If a VAT‑registered individual dies or becomes unable to act, the personal representative, bankruptcy trustee, receiver, liquidator or any other person acting on their behalf must continue to meet all VAT obligations that apply to that person. This means filing the required returns, keeping the necessary records and paying any VAT due, but only for the assets they control, and for as long as they remain in charge.
Comply with VAT duties when acting as a personal representative
If you become the personal representative, trustee, liquidator or similar for someone who was liable for VAT and they die or can’t manage their affairs, you must, if HMRC asks, carry out all the VAT obligations they had – such as filing returns, keeping records and paying any tax – but only to the extent of the assets you control.
Comply with VAT obligations as a personal representative
If a VAT‑registered person dies or becomes incapacitated, the person who takes control of their assets – for example a personal representative, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver or liquidator – must take on the deceased’s VAT duties. You must meet all VAT requirements for the estate, but you only have to pay VAT to the extent the assets you control can cover it.
Comply with VAT obligations as a personal representative
If a VAT‑registered individual dies or becomes incapacitated, the person handling their estate – such as a personal representative, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidator or any other representative – must take over the VAT duties for the assets they control. This means filing the required returns, keeping the proper records and paying any VAT due, but only to the extent of the assets they manage.
Continue VAT compliance as a personal representative or liquidator
If a VAT‑registered individual or entity dies or becomes unable to act, the person who takes over their assets (executor, liquidator, trustee in bankruptcy, etc.) must step into their shoes for VAT purposes. HMRC can require this representative to keep the records, submit returns and pay any VAT that relates to the assets they control.
Determine VAT supply date for barrister/advocate services
If you provide legal services as a barrister (or a Scottish advocate), you must treat the supply as happening on the earliest of three moments – when you receive the client’s fee, when you issue the VAT invoice, or the day you stop practising. This date decides when you account for and pay the VAT on those services.
Ensure club members jointly comply with VAT obligations
If you run a club, association or any organisation that is run by its members or a committee, every officer, committee member and each ordinary member is personally liable for making sure any VAT duties (such as filing returns or paying tax) are carried out. In practice this means the work of any one authorised member satisfies the legal requirement for the whole group, so you all share responsibility for compliance.
Ensure club officers and members jointly meet VAT obligations
If you run a club, association or similar organisation, the people who hold official roles (president, treasurer, secretary, etc.) and committee members – and ultimately all members – are personally responsible for making sure any VAT requirements are complied with. This means they must see that the organisation registers for VAT, submits returns and pays any tax due.
Ensure club officers and members jointly meet VAT obligations
If you run a club, association or similar organisation, every person who holds a formal office (president, chairman, treasurer, secretary, etc.), any committee member, or any ordinary member is personally liable for making sure any VAT duties are carried out. It’s enough if one of them does the filing or payment – the requirement is then considered satisfied.
Ensure club officers and members jointly satisfy all VAT duties
If you run a club, association or similar organisation, any VAT obligations that arise must be met by the people who run the group – the president, chairman, treasurer, secretary, other officers, committee members or, if none of those exist, by all members. In practice this means the people named must make sure any VAT returns, payments or other requirements are completed correctly and on time.
Ensure club officers jointly meet all VAT duties
2 years imprisonmentIf you run a club, association or any similar organisation, every person who holds an official role – like president, treasurer, secretary or a committee member – is personally responsible for meeting any VAT requirement. This means they must make sure returns are filed, payments are made and records kept, and they can be held liable together if anything is missed.
Ensure eligibility to join VAT accounting scheme
If you want to use a special VAT accounting scheme you must meet several conditions – your projected taxable supplies for the next year must be under £150,000, you must not be a tour operator, you must have no recent VAT convictions, penalties or group/division registrations, and you must not be associated with another person for VAT purposes. Check these before you apply, otherwise your application will be refused.
Ensure joint responsibility for VAT compliance in clubs and associations
If your business is a club, association or similar organisation run by members or committees, every officer, committee member (or, failing that, every member) must take joint responsibility for meeting all VAT duties. In practice this means they must see that the organisation is registered for VAT, submits returns on time and pays any tax due.
Ensure reimbursement arrangements meet required VAT provisions
If your business makes a reimbursement arrangement as part of a claim for a VAT repayment, HMRC will ignore that arrangement unless it contains the specific provisions set out in regulation 43C and is backed by the undertakings required by regulation 43G. In practice you must check that any such arrangement includes those elements, otherwise your claim may be rejected.
Ensure VAT compliance for clubs, associations or organisations
If you are a president, chairman, treasurer, secretary, committee member or any other member of a club, association or similar organisation that is run by its members, you are personally jointly and severally responsible for meeting all VAT obligations. This means the group must be correctly registered for VAT, submit returns and pay any tax due, and you must make sure those actions are carried out.
Ensure VAT compliance – joint responsibility of club officers
2 years imprisonmentIf you run a club, association or similar organisation that is managed by members or committees, every officer (president, chairman, treasurer, secretary, etc.) and committee member is personally jointly responsible for meeting all VAT duties. This means they must make sure the organisation registers for VAT, submits returns and pays any VAT due, and any failure can make each officer liable.
Ensure VAT compliance – joint responsibility of club officers and members
2 years imprisonmentIf you are a president, chairman, treasurer, secretary, committee member or any other member of a club, association or similar organisation, any VAT duties the organisation has (registration, returns, payments, record‑keeping) are jointly and severally yours. This means you can be personally liable if the organisation fails to meet its VAT obligations, so you must make sure they are carried out correctly.
Ensure VAT duties are met – joint liability for club officers and members
If you run a club, association or similar organisation, any VAT task – registration, filing a return or paying tax – is the personal responsibility of every officer (president, treasurer, secretary, etc.), every committee member and, failing that, every ordinary member. This means each of them can be held liable if the VAT obligations are not met.
Ensure VAT obligations are met for your club or association
If you run a club, association or any similar organisation, any VAT duties – such as registration, filing returns or paying tax – are the joint and several responsibility of the officers (president, chairman, treasurer, secretary), committee members and, failing that, any ordinary member. This means at least one of those people must see that the required VAT work is done, and their action counts as compliance for the whole group.
Ensure your business meets the eligibility criteria for a VAT scheme
If you want to use a VAT accounting scheme you must check that your turnover will stay below £150,000 in the next year, you are not a tour operator, you have had no recent VAT convictions or penalties, and you are not part of a VAT group, division or associated with another person. Only when all these conditions are met can you apply for authorisation to use the scheme.
Get customer acceptance for electronic VAT invoices
If you send a VAT invoice electronically, you can’t treat it as a valid VAT invoice until your customer agrees to receive it in that form. You must therefore obtain the customer's acceptance before using the electronic invoice for VAT purposes.
Give written undertakings and reimburse consumers promptly
When you claim a VAT repayment you must hand HMRC a signed, dated written undertaking at the same time as the claim. The undertaking must name the consumers you have or will repay, and you must pay each consumer back in cash or by cheque (and any interest owed) within 90 days of receiving the money. You also have to keep the required records and repay any amount you fail to pass on to consumers.
Implement HMRC‑directed steps when VAT rates change
If the VAT rate that applies to any of the goods or services you sell changes, you must follow any actions that HMRC tells you to take (or that you agree with them) for the VAT scheme you are using. This means updating your records, accounting procedures or software as instructed, so that you charge the correct VAT going forward.
Include required details on every VAT invoice
If your business is VAT‑registered, every VAT invoice you issue must contain a set list of details – a unique sequential number, the supply date and invoice date, your name, address and VAT number, the customer’s name and address, a clear description of the goods or services, quantities, unit prices, the VAT rate, the amount before VAT, the total VAT payable, any cash‑discount rate and special references such as reverse charge, margin scheme or free‑zone where applicable. You must check that each invoice includes all of these items before it is sent to the customer.
Issue detailed VAT invoices for lease payments and treat each payment as a separate supply
If you let property and charge rent or lease fees that are paid periodically, you must treat each payment as a separate supply for VAT. You need to issue a VAT invoice for each period (or each time you receive payment) showing the due dates, the amount before VAT, the VAT rate and the VAT amount. If the VAT rate changes, you must issue a new invoice for the remaining payments.
Limit amount of bad‑debt write‑offs under tour operators margin scheme
If your business uses the tour‑operator margin scheme and you need to write off a customer’s debt as a bad debt, you must only write off an amount that does not exceed the calculated ‘relevant amount’. This amount depends on how much has been paid, the profit element of the supply and the non‑profit element. In practice you need to work out that figure each time you consider a write‑off and stick to it.
Maintain VAT compliance for deceased or incapacitated business
If a VAT‑registered person dies or can’t manage their affairs, anyone acting as their personal representative (executor, liquidator, trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, etc.) must continue to meet all VAT obligations while they control the assets. They only have to pay VAT out of the assets they control, but must otherwise fulfil the same filing, record‑keeping and payment requirements as the original business.
Meet eligibility criteria for VAT scheme admission
If you want to join a VAT accounting scheme you must ensure your projected taxable supplies for the next 12 months will be £150,000 or less, you are not a tour operator, you have not been convicted of a VAT offence or received a VAT penalty in the past year, and you have not been part of a VAT‑registered group, division or associated with another person in the last 24 months. Meeting all these checks allows you to apply for the scheme.
Meet eligibility criteria for VAT scheme authorisation
If you want to use a simplified VAT accounting scheme, you must be sure that your business’s taxable supplies are forecast to stay below £150,000 in the next 12 months and that you do not fall into any disqualifying categories (e.g., recent VAT convictions, being a tour operator, being part of a VAT‑registered group, etc.). You need to keep the appropriate records to prove you meet these conditions before you apply.
Monitor turnover and activities to stay within flat‑rate VAT scheme
If you use the VAT flat‑rate scheme you must keep checking your income and business activities. When your annual turnover exceeds £230,000, you expect it to exceed that amount in the next 30 days, become a tour operator, acquire capital assets, join a VAT group or division, or choose another margin scheme, you will lose the right to stay in the flat‑rate scheme and must move to standard VAT accounting.
Monitor turnover and withdraw from flat‑rate VAT scheme when ineligible
If you run a flat‑rate VAT scheme you must keep track of your annual turnover and other circumstances that could make you ineligible. When any of the listed triggers occur – for example turnover exceeds £230,000, you are likely to exceed that amount in the next month, you become a tour operator or join a VAT group – you must stop using the flat‑rate scheme and move to standard VAT accounting. Failure to do so means you are no longer authorised to use the scheme.
Monitor VAT scheme limits, notify HMRC and file final return if limits are exceeded
2 years imprisonmentIf you are using the VAT annual accounting scheme you must keep an eye on how much taxable supply you make. When your supplies reach or are expected to exceed £1.6 million you must tell HMRC within 30 days, stop using the scheme and file a final VAT return with any payment due. Failure to do so can lead to prosecution.
Provide written undertaking and reimburse consumers within 90 days
When you make a VAT claim that involves repaying consumers, you must give HMRC a signed, dated written undertaking at the same time as the claim. The undertaking must state that you will identify the consumers, pay back the full amount (and any interest) to them within 90 days, keep the required records and, if you fail to do so, repay the shortfall to HMRC.
Provide written undertakings and reimburse consumers promptly
When you make a VAT reimbursement claim, you must give HMRC a signed written undertaking before you submit the claim. The undertaking must confirm you can identify the consumers, that you will pay them (or any interest) in full within 90 days of receiving the money, keep the required records and repay any amount you fail to pass on to the consumers back to HMRC.
Provide written undertakings and reimburse consumers promptly
If you receive a VAT repayment that includes money you must pass on to consumers, you must give HMRC a signed written undertaking at the time you make the claim. You must then identify the consumers, pay them the full amount (and any interest) in cash or cheque within 90 days, keep the required records and repay any part you fail to pass on back to HMRC.
Provide written undertakings and reimburse consumers within 90 days
When you receive a VAT repayment from HMRC and make a claim, you must give a signed written undertaking that identifies the consumers you have or will reimburse. You must then pay the full amount (and any interest) back to those consumers in cash or by cheque within 90 days, keep the required records, and if you do not meet the terms you must repay the shortfall to HMRC and tell them about it.
Provide written undertakings and repay VAT reimbursements on time
When you claim a VAT reimbursement, you must give HMRC a signed, dated statement that names the consumers you have (or will) repay. You must then pay the full refunded amount (and any interest) to those consumers within 90 days, keep all the required records, and repay any shortfall directly to HMRC.
Submit written undertakings and reimburse consumers within 90 days
If your business claims a VAT repayment that must be passed on to consumers, you must give HMRC a signed written undertaking at the same time as you make the claim. You must be able to list the consumers, repay the full amount (and any interest) to them within 90 days of receiving it, keep the required records, and return any money you do not pass on to HMRC.
Submit written undertakings and repay VAT reimbursements as required
When you claim a VAT repayment, you must give HMRC a signed written statement confirming you can identify the consumers involved and that you will use the whole repayment (and any interest) to reimburse them within 90 days. You also need to keep the required records, follow any HMRC notices about those records, and repay any amount you fail to pass on to the Commissioners.
Submit written undertakings to HMRC and reimburse consumers within 90 days
When you claim a VAT repayment that requires you to pay back consumers, you must give HMRC a signed, dated written undertaking at the same time as the claim. The undertaking must name the consumers, and you must pay the full amount (and any interest) back to them within 90 days of receiving the money. You also need to keep the prescribed records and follow any HMRC requests for those records.
Take joint responsibility for your club’s VAT obligations
If you run a club, association or similar organisation, any VAT duty that the law requires (such as registration, filing returns or paying tax) is the joint and several responsibility of the people holding office (president, treasurer, secretary, etc.), committee members, or, failing that, all members. In practice this means the persons in those roles must make sure the VAT requirements are met and can be held personally liable if they are not.
Update pre‑1998 reimbursement arrangements by 11 March 1998
If your business set up a VAT reimbursement arrangement before 11 Feb 1998, you must make sure that arrangement includes the specific provisions in regulation 43C and you give the undertakings set out in regulation 43G. You have to do this no later than 11 Mar 1998 or the arrangement will be ignored for VAT purposes.
Update pre‑1998 VAT reimbursement arrangements
If your business set up a VAT reimbursement arrangement before 11 February 1998, you must have added the specific provisions from regulation 43C and given the undertakings from regulation 43G by 11 March 1998. Doing so ensures the arrangement is still recognised for VAT refund purposes.
Update pre‑1998 VAT reimbursement arrangements by 11 Mar 1998
If your business set up a VAT reimbursement arrangement before 11 February 1998, you must, by 11 March 1998, add the specific provisions required by regulation 43C and give the undertakings required by regulation 43G. If you do not, HMRC can ignore the arrangement when applying the VAT rules.
Use an approved electronic system for VAT communications
Whenever you need to send a VAT return or any other required information to HMRC, you must do it through an electronic communications system that HMRC has approved and that includes an electronic validation process. The system must record the time the communication was sent and who sent it, and those records will be treated as proof that the communication was made.
Use an HMRC‑approved electronic system for all required communications
Whenever you need to send a VAT return or any other required information to HMRC, you must do it through an electronic communications system that HMRC has approved. The system must include a validation process that records who sent the communication and when, and those electronic records are treated the same as paper filings.
Use an HMRC‑approved electronic system for required communications
When you need to send a required communication to HMRC (for example a VAT return), you must do it using an electronic system that HMRC has approved. The system must follow the approved format and include an electronic validation step that records when and by whom the communication was sent. The recorded validation evidence is treated as proof that the communication was made on time.
Use an HMRC‑approved electronic system for VAT communications
When you send any VAT information to HMRC electronically, you must use a system that HMRC has approved and that includes an electronic validation feature. The system must record the time the communication was sent, who sent it and confirm it was received, and those records are treated as proof of your filing.
Use an HMRC‑approved electronic system for VAT communications
When you need to send any required VAT information to HMRC (for example a return, registration or amendment), you must do it through an electronic system that HMRC has approved. The system must include a validation feature that records who sent the message and when, and you must keep those validation records as proof of the filing.
Use HMRC‑approved electronic system for VAT communications
When you need to send a VAT‑related communication to HMRC, you must do it through an electronic system that HMRC has approved. The system must have a validation feature that records the communication, the time it was sent and who sent it, and it must follow the form or direction set by HMRC. An electronic submission is treated the same as a paper one, so you must keep the electronic validation records as proof.
Zero‑rate eligible EU sales of goods from Northern Ireland
If you sell goods from Northern Ireland and send them to a customer who is VAT‑registered in another EU Member State, you must apply the 0% VAT rate to that sale, provided the customer gives you their EU VAT number and the goods are not covered by the margin scheme. You also need to keep proof that the goods have left Northern Ireland.
Zero‑rate VAT on eligible goods exported from NI to EU customers
If your business sells goods that leave Northern Ireland and you send them to a customer who is VAT‑registered in an EU member state, you must charge VAT at 0% (zero‑rate) provided you have the customer’s EU VAT number, the goods have actually been removed to the EU, and you are not using the margin scheme for those goods. You need to check these conditions for each export and apply the zero rate on the invoice.
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods exported from NI to non‑taxable EU customers
If your business sells excise‑duty goods (e.g., alcohol, fuel, tobacco) and ships them from Northern Ireland to an EU Member State for a customer who is not registered for VAT there, you must charge VAT at 0 %. This only applies when the goods are moved under the Excise Goods (Holding, Movement and Duty Point) Regulations 2010 and you are not using the margin scheme. You also need to follow any extra conditions the Commissioners may set.
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods sent from NI to non‑taxable EU customers
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells excise‑duty goods that you move from Northern Ireland to an EU member state, and the buyer is not VAT‑registered in that state, you must treat the sale as a zero‑rated supply for VAT. This only applies when the goods have been moved in line with the Excise Goods (Holding, Movement and Duty Point) Regulations and you have not used the margin scheme for those goods.
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods sent from NI to non‑taxable EU customers
If your business sells excise goods (like alcohol or tobacco) and moves them from Northern Ireland to a customer in another EU country who is not VAT‑registered there, you can charge 0% VAT. This only applies when the goods are moved under the excise movement rules, the customer is not a taxable person in that Member State, and you are not using the margin scheme. You must make sure these conditions are met and keep the relevant proof.
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods sent from NI to non‑taxable EU customers
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells excise goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, fuel) from Northern Ireland and ships them to an EU customer who is not VAT‑registered, you must treat the sale as zero‑rated for VAT. This only applies when the goods are moved under the excise movement rules and you are not using the VAT margin scheme. You must keep the required records to prove these conditions.
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods sent from NI to non‑taxable EU customers
If your business supplies excise‑goods (like alcohol, tobacco or fuel) that are shipped from Northern Ireland to an EU member state, and the buyer is not VAT‑registered, you must charge VAT at 0 %. This only applies when the goods have been moved under the excise movement rules and you have not chosen the margin scheme for VAT. You need to keep evidence that all the conditions are met.
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable EU customers
If your business supplies excise goods (for example alcohol, tobacco or energy products) from Northern Ireland to a customer in another EU Member State who is not registered for VAT there, you can charge 0% VAT – but only if the goods are moved in line with the Excise Goods (Holding, Movement and Duty Point) Regulations 2010 and you have not opted for the margin‑scheme. You must keep proof of the movement and the customer’s tax status to justify the zero‑rating.
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable EU customers
If you sell excise goods (such as alcohol, tobacco or fuel) and ship them from Northern Ireland to an EU member state for a customer who isn’t VAT‑registered there, you must treat the sale as VAT‑zero‑rated, provided the goods are moved under the excise‑goods regulations and you haven’t chosen the margin‑scheme for that product.
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable EU customers
If your business supplies excise‑goods (such as alcohol, tobacco or fuel) from Northern Ireland to a buyer who is not VAT‑registered in another EU member state, you must charge VAT at 0% – but only when the goods are moved under the excise movement rules and you are not using the margin scheme. You need to keep the proper transport and buyer‑status records to prove the conditions were met.
Zero‑rate VAT on qualifying exports from Northern Ireland
2 years imprisonmentIf you sell goods that are in Northern Ireland to a customer who isn’t resident there (or a trader with no NI business base or an overseas authority) and you actually export the goods outside the EU, you must treat the sale as zero‑rated for VAT. You must also make sure the goods aren’t personal gifts and that any conditions set by HMRC are met.
Zero‑rate VAT on qualifying exports to overseas persons
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells goods that are in Great Britain to a buyer who does not live in GB, and you actually export those goods outside GB (not just to Northern Ireland) and the goods aren’t personal gifts, you can apply a 0 % VAT rate. You must make sure all the conditions are met and keep the relevant paperwork, otherwise you could be charged VAT and face penalties.
Notifications 136
Deliver required VAT notices as a partnership
If your business is a partnership and the VAT rules require you to send a notice (for example, to register, deregister or update details), every partner shares the responsibility. It’s enough if any one partner sends the notice, but all partners are jointly liable. In Scotland, the notice must be signed in the way the Partnership Act 1890 requires.
Elect not to be VAT exempt and notify HMRC
If your business would normally qualify for a VAT exemption under regulation 32B, you must decide before the next accounting period starts that you do not want the exemption. You need to send a notice to HMRC specifying the start date of that period, and you can later withdraw the election by giving another notice.
Ensure partnership gives any required VAT notice
If your business is a partnership you must make sure any VAT‑related notice (e.g., registration, change of details) is sent to HMRC. All partners are jointly liable, but a notice sent by any one partner satisfies the legal requirement. In Scotland the notice must be signed according to the Partnership Act 1890.
Ensure partnership gives any required VAT notice
If your business is a partnership, any notice you must send to HMRC under VAT rules is the joint responsibility of all partners. One partner can sign and submit the notice and that will count as the partnership complying, but every partner remains liable if the notice is not given.
Ensure partnership gives any required VAT notice
If your business is a partnership and the VAT rules require you to send a notice (for example, to register or to inform HMRC of a change), every partner is legally responsible for it. A notice signed by any one partner counts as full compliance, but all partners share the liability. In Scotland the notice must be signed in the way the Partnership Act 1890 sets out.
Ensure partnership gives any VAT‑required notice
If your business is a partnership, you and the other partners are jointly responsible for sending any notice that VAT law requires (e.g., registration, change of details). A notice sent by just one partner is enough to meet the legal requirement, but all partners share the liability. In Scotland the notice must be signed according to the Partnership Act 1890.
Ensure partnership gives required VAT notice
If your business is a partnership and a VAT notice has to be filed, all partners share the responsibility for sending it. A notice signed by any one partner satisfies the legal requirement, so you can rely on one partner to handle the filing on behalf of the whole partnership.
Give any required VAT notice as a partnership
If your business is a partnership, you and the other partners must make sure any notice the VAT rules require (for example a registration or change notice) is submitted. A notice signed by any one partner satisfies the requirement, but all partners are jointly responsible.
Give any VAT‑required notice and ensure all partners are liable
If a VAT regulation says you must send a notice (for example to register, notify a transfer or any other requirement), your partnership must make sure the notice is sent. All partners share the responsibility, and a notice sent by any one partner satisfies the requirement. In Scotland the notice must be signed according to the Partnership Act 1890.
Give any VAT‑required notice on behalf of the partnership
If your business is a partnership and the VAT rules require you to send a notice (e.g., registration, change of details, or other statutory notifications), the partnership as a whole is responsible. Any one partner can send the notice, and that will satisfy the requirement, but all partners are jointly liable if it isn’t done correctly. In Scotland the notice must be signed as set out in the Partnership Act 1890.
Give any VAT‑required notice – partners are jointly liable
If your business is a partnership and the VAT Act or its regulations require you to send a notice (for example, a registration or change‑of‑address notice), any one partner can send it and it will satisfy the requirement for the whole partnership. All partners are jointly and severally responsible if the notice is not given.
Give purchaser a written notice within 7 days of making a VAT claim
If your business (the claimant) is claiming a VAT relief for a bad debt and the buyer is also VAT‑registered, you must send the buyer a written notice within 7 days of the claim. The notice must list the claim date, invoice details, the amount written off and the total claim amount.
Give purchaser written notice of VAT bad‑debt claim
If you are claiming a VAT bad‑debt relief against a customer who is also VAT‑registered, and the original sale took place before 1 January 2003, you must send the customer a written notice within 7 days of making the claim. The notice must list the claim date, invoice details, the amount written off as a bad debt and the total claim amount.
Give purchaser written notice of VAT bad‑debt claim within 7 days
If you (the supplier) make a VAT bad‑debt claim against a purchaser who is a taxable person for a supply made before 1 January 2003, you must send the purchaser a written notice within 7 days of the claim. The notice must detail the claim date, invoice details, the amount written off as a bad debt and the total amount you are claiming.
Give required VAT notices as a partnership
If your business is a partnership and the VAT rules require you to send a notice to HMRC, every partner is jointly responsible for that notice. Any one partner can sign and send the notice and it will satisfy the legal requirement for the whole partnership.
Notify HMRC and customer of intended 9ZA supply
If you are an intermediate supplier and you want paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA to apply to a supply, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the customer. The notice must include your name, address and VAT number, the delivery date and the customer’s details, and it must be sent before you issue the first invoice. Once you have notified for the first supply, the same notification covers later supplies while you remain established in another EU Member State.
Notify HMRC and customer of intended 9ZA supply
If you are an intermediate supplier and you want a supply to be treated under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the customer. The notice must include specific details about you, the original supplier’s VAT number, the delivery date and the customer’s information, and it must be sent before you issue the first invoice for that supply.
Notify HMRC and customer of intended 9ZA supply
If your business is an intermediate supplier and you want the special VAT treatment in paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA to apply to a sale, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the customer. The notice must contain specific details about you, the customer and the goods, and it must be sent before (or at the same time as) the first invoice for that supply. You only need to send one notice per customer; later supplies are covered automatically while you remain based in another EU state.
Notify HMRC and customer of intended Schedule 9ZA (6)(2) supply
If your business acts as an intermediate supplier and you want a supply to qualify for paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and the customer. The notice must include your details, the VAT number used, the delivery date and the customer’s details, and it must be sent before the first invoice for that supply is issued.
Notify HMRC and customer of intended Schedule 9ZA 6(2) supply
If your business acts as an intermediate supplier and you want a supply to be treated under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the customer. The notice must include specific details and be sent before the first invoice for that supply is issued. You only need to do this once per customer – later supplies are covered automatically.
Notify HMRC and customer of intended Schedule 9ZA supply
If you are an intermediate supplier and you make (or plan to make) a supply that falls under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the customer. The notice must include your details, the VAT number used by the original supplier, the delivery date and the customer's details, and it must be sent before you issue the first invoice for that supply.
Notify HMRC and customer of intended Schedule 9ZA supply
2 years imprisonmentIf you are an intermediate supplier and want a supply to be treated under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the customer with the required details. The notice must be sent before you issue the first invoice for that supply and must be done separately for each customer. Once you have complied for the first supply, the same rules apply to all later supplies to that customer while you remain a supplier in another EU Member State.
Notify HMRC and customer of intended Schedule 9ZA VAT treatment
If you are an intermediate supplier and you want to apply paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA to a supply, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the customer. The notice must include specific details about you, the VAT number used, the delivery date and the customer’s information, and it must be sent before you issue the first invoice for that supply. A separate notice is required for each customer, but once you have complied for the first supply you do not need to repeat it for later supplies to the same customer.
Notify HMRC and customers of Schedule 9ZA supply
If your business is an intermediate supplier and you want to use the special VAT treatment in paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to your customer before you issue the first invoice. The notice must include your name, address, VAT number, the delivery date and the customer’s details, and must be sent separately for each customer. Once you have notified for the first supply to a customer, you do not need to repeat the notification for later supplies while you remain based in another EU member state.
Notify HMRC and customer when applying Schedule 9ZA paragraph 6(2) to a supply
If you act as an intermediate supplier and want the special VAT treatment in paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA to apply, you must tell HMRC and your customer in writing. The notice must include your details, the VAT number used, the delivery date and the customer’s details, and must be sent before you issue the first invoice for that supply.
Notify HMRC and customer when applying Schedule 9ZA paragraph 6(2) VAT treatment
If you are an intermediate supplier and you want a sale to be treated under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to your customer before you issue the first invoice for that sale. The notice must list your name and address, the VAT number used, the first delivery date and the customer’s name, address and VAT registration number.
Notify HMRC and pay VAT on excise‑goods you acquire
If you buy excise‑duty goods in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered at the time, you must tell HMRC about the purchase in writing as soon as the goods arrive (or when you acquire them, whichever is later) and pay the VAT due at the same time. The notice must include details of the buyer, the goods, their value and the VAT amount, and be signed by you.
Notify HMRC and the UK buyer of intended VAT deduction supply
If you are a business based in another EU Member State and you want a UK customer’s purchase to qualify for a special VAT deduction (paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA), you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the UK registered customer. The notice must include your name, address, foreign VAT number, the start date of installation, and the buyer’s details, and it must be sent before the first invoice is issued.
Notify HMRC and the UK customer before making a Schedule 9ZA supply
If you are a supplier based in another EU/EEA member state and you want the reverse‑charge rules in paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA to apply to a supply you make to a UK VAT‑registered business, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to that UK customer. The notice must be given before you issue the first invoice for the supply and must contain specific details about you, the goods and the UK customer.
Notify HMRC and the UK customer before supplying under paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA
If you are a supplier based in another EU/EEA member State and you want the special VAT treatment in paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to your UK customer before the first invoice is issued. The notice must include your details, your foreign VAT ID, the start date of installation/assembly and the UK customer's details. Once you have done this for the first supply to a particular UK customer, you do not need to repeat it for later supplies to the same customer.
Notify HMRC and the UK customer of intended Schedule 9ZA (6‑3) supply
If you are a supplier based in another EU member state and you are about to supply goods that will be installed or assembled in the UK under paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the UK registered customer. The notice must be sent before the first invoice is issued and must contain specific details about both parties and the installation start date.
Notify HMRC and transfer VAT registration when selling a going‑concern
If you sell all or part of your business as a going concern, you must inform HMRC and apply to cancel your VAT registration and have the buyer registered in its place, using the same registration number. Both you and the buyer must submit the prescribed application form, and the buyer must keep any VAT‑related records required after the transfer.
Notify HMRC and UK buyer before first invoice for Schedule 9ZA (6‑3) supplies
If your business is based in another EU Member State and you are supplying goods that will be installed or assembled in the UK, you must give written notice to HMRC and the UK‑registered customer before you issue the first invoice when you want the special VAT treatment under paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA. The notice must include your name, address, foreign VAT number, the installation start date and the UK customer’s name, address and VAT registration.
Notify HMRC and UK customer before applying reverse‑charge on supplies
If you are a supplier based outside the UK and you want to use the special VAT reverse‑charge rule (paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA) for installing or assembling goods, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the UK customer before you issue the first invoice. The notice must include your name, address, VAT ID, the installation start date and the customer’s name, address and VAT registration number.
Notify HMRC and UK customer before first invoice for Schedule 9ZA supplies
If you are a business in another EU Member State and you want to use the special VAT rule in paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA for a supply to a UK VAT‑registered customer, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to that UK customer before you issue the first invoice. The notice must contain your name, address, VAT ID, the date installation or assembly starts, and the UK customer's name, address and VAT registration number, and you must send a separate notice for each UK customer.
Notify HMRC and UK customer before using Schedule 9ZA §6(3)
If you are a supplier based in another EU/EEA member state and you want to apply the special VAT rule for installation or assembly (Schedule 9ZA paragraph 6(3)), you must send a written notification to HMRC and to your UK customer before you issue the first invoice. The notice must contain your VAT ID, the start date of the work and the UK customer's details. Once you have notified for the first supply to a particular UK customer, you do not need to repeat the notification for later supplies to the same customer.
Notify HMRC and UK customer of intended Schedule 9ZA (6‑3) supply
If you are a supplier based in another EU member state and you want a VAT supply to be treated under paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to the UK‑based registered customer. The notice must include specific details and be sent before the first invoice is issued (or with that invoice). Separate notices are needed for each UK customer, but once you’ve complied for the first supply to a customer, later supplies to that same customer are covered.
Notify HMRC and UK customer of intended Schedule 9ZA supply
If you are a supplier based in another EU Member State and you want the special VAT treatment in paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA for goods you will install or assemble in the UK, you must send a written notification to HMRC and to your UK VAT‑registered customer. The notice must be sent before the first invoice for that supply and must contain specific details about you, the goods and the UK customer.
Notify HMRC and UK customer of intended VAT treatment for cross‑border supplies
If your business is based in another EU/EEA member state and you are supplying goods to a UK VAT‑registered customer, you must tell HMRC and that customer in writing that you want the special VAT rule in paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA to apply. The notice has to be sent before you issue your first invoice for that supply.
Notify HMRC and your customer of intended Schedule 9ZA supply
If you are an intermediate supplier and you want to use the special VAT treatment in paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send a written notice to HMRC and to your customer before you issue the first invoice. The notice must contain specific details about you, the supply and the customer, and must be sent separately for each customer. Once you have done this for the first supply, the same notification covers all later supplies to that customer while you remain in another EU member state.
Notify HMRC and your UK customer when using special VAT treatment for EU supplies
If you are a supplier based in another EU member state and you want the special VAT rule in paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA to apply to a sale to a UK‑registered business, you must send a written notification to HMRC and to the UK customer. The notice must contain specific details and be sent before the first invoice is issued. Keep a copy of each notification for every UK customer you supply.
Notify HMRC before making NI‑EU distance sales
If your business sells goods from Northern Ireland to customers in the EU and you have chosen the special VAT option for those sales, you must tell HMRC in writing at least 30 days before the first sale, stating which EU country the goods are going to. After the first sale you also need to send HMRC proof that you have notified that EU country, within 30 days. You can later withdraw the notification, but only following the strict timing rules set out in the regulation.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT accounting scheme
If you run a retail business and want to stop using a special VAT accounting scheme, you must let HMRC know before you cease. HMRC may also require you to pay a proportion of VAT on any amounts due for the last accounting period you used the scheme.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT accounting scheme
If you run a retail business and want to stop using a special VAT scheme, you must inform HMRC before you actually cease. After you stop, HMRC can require you to pay VAT on any sums you’re still owed for the final accounting period, on what they consider fair and reasonable.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT accounting scheme
If you run a retail business and decide to stop using a VAT accounting scheme, you must inform HMRC (the Commissioners) before you cease. The notification must be made in advance of the date you stop the scheme, and you may also be asked to pay a proportion of any VAT that is still due for the final accounting period.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT scheme
If you decide to stop using a VAT accounting scheme, you must inform HMRC (the Commissioners) before you do so. HMRC may also require you to pay a proportion of VAT for the last accounting period you used the scheme, based on what they consider fair and reasonable.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT scheme
If you stop using a VAT accounting scheme, you must tell HMRC (the Commissioners) before you cease. You may also have to pay any VAT the Commissioners consider fair on amounts due at the end of your last accounting period.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT scheme
If your business is using a VAT accounting scheme and you intend to stop using it, you must inform HMRC (the Commissioners) before you cease. After you stop, HMRC may also require you to pay VAT on a proportion of any sums you are owed for the final accounting period.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT scheme
If you run a retail business and decide to stop using a VAT accounting scheme, you must inform HMRC (the Commissioners) before you actually cease. HMRC may also require you to pay any VAT that they consider fair on amounts still due to you for the last accounting period you used the scheme.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT scheme
If your business is using a special VAT accounting scheme and you decide to stop using it, you must tell HMRC (the Commissioners) before you cease. HMRC may also require you to pay any VAT they consider fair on amounts due at the end of the last accounting period you used the scheme.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT scheme
If you decide to stop using a VAT accounting scheme, you must tell HMRC (the Commissioners) before you do so. The notification must be made in advance of the date you cease the scheme, and HMRC may then require you to pay any VAT that is due for the final accounting period.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT scheme
If you run a retail business and decide to stop using a VAT accounting scheme, you must tell HMRC (the Commissioners) before you cease. You will also have to pay any VAT the Commissioners consider fair on money you are owed at the end of the last accounting period you used the scheme.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT scheme
If you run a retail business and decide to stop using a VAT accounting scheme, you must inform HMRC before you do so. HMRC may also require you to pay any VAT they consider fair on sums you are owed for the final accounting period you used the scheme.
Notify HMRC before stopping a VAT scheme
If your business decides to stop using a VAT accounting scheme, you must tell HMRC (the Commissioners) before you cease. HMRC may also require you to pay a proportion of VAT on any sums still due for the last accounting period you used the scheme.
Notify HMRC if you choose not to be VAT‑exempt
If your business would normally be exempt from VAT under regulation 32B but you want to be taxable instead, you must tell HMRC before the next accounting period starts and state when that period begins. You can also withdraw this election later, but you must also notify HMRC and the change takes effect from the following period.
Notify HMRC if you elect not to be VAT exempt
If your business is currently covered by a VAT exemption but you want to opt out, you must tell HMRC before the next accounting period starts. The notice must state the date the new period begins, and you can later withdraw the election with a further notice that takes effect for the following period.
Notify HMRC if you elect not to be VAT‑exempt
If your business would normally be exempt from VAT under regulation 32B but you decide to opt out, you must tell HMRC before the next accounting period starts and state the date that period begins. You can also withdraw this election, but the withdrawal only takes effect from the following period.
Notify HMRC if you elect not to be VAT‑exempt
If your business would normally be exempt from VAT under regulation 32B but you want to charge VAT instead, you must tell HMRC before the next accounting period starts. The notice must state the date that period begins and any later withdrawal also has to be notified.
Notify HMRC if you elect not to claim VAT exemption
If your business would normally be exempt from VAT under regulation 32B but you want to charge VAT instead, you must inform HMRC before the start of the next accounting period and state the date that period begins. The election stays in place until you formally withdraw it, which also must be notified and takes effect from the following period.
Notify HMRC if your VAT turnover will exceed £1.6 million
If you run a VAT‑registered business and you become aware that your taxable supplies in the current accounting period are likely to go over £1.6 million, you must write to HMRC within 30 days to tell them. Failing to do so can lead to your special VAT scheme being cancelled.
Notify HMRC in writing when VAT‑registration thresholds are met
If your business’s taxable sales reach more than £230,000 in a year or in any 30‑day period, or if you become eligible for group or division VAT registration or become associated with another trader, you must send a written notice to HMRC. The notice must be sent within 30 days of the relevant date.
Notify HMRC of distance‑sale option and provide supporting evidence
If your business has chosen the VAT option that lets you sell goods from Northern Ireland to customers in the EU, you must tell HMRC in writing at least 30 days before the first such sale. The notice must state which EU member state the goods are going to, and within 30 days of that first sale you must also provide proof that you have informed the member state. You can later withdraw the option, but only by giving another written notice that meets the timing rules set out in the regulation.
Notify HMRC of election not to be exempt from digital records
If you want to keep paper VAT records instead of using digital ones, you must tell HMRC before the next accounting period starts and say when that period begins. You can later withdraw this election, but the withdrawal notice only takes effect from the following period. All notices must be sent to the Commissioners (HMRC).
Notify HMRC of election not to be exempt from VAT
If your business would normally be exempt from VAT under regulation 32B but you want to charge VAT instead, you must tell HMRC before the next accounting period starts and specify the start date. You can also withdraw this election later, but you must give notice to HMRC for the change to take effect.
Notify HMRC of election not to be exempt from VAT
If your business would normally be exempt from VAT under regulation 32B but you want to opt out, you must inform HMRC before the next accounting period begins. You must tell them the date the new period starts, and any later withdrawal of the election must also be notified.
Notify HMRC of election not to be VAT exempt (or withdrawal)
If your business would normally be exempt from VAT, you must tell HMRC that you want to be taxable instead. The notice has to be sent before the next accounting period starts and must state the date that period begins. You can also withdraw the election later, but the withdrawal notice only takes effect from the following period.
Notify HMRC of excise‑duty goods acquisition and pay VAT
If your business (or you as an individual) buys goods that attract excise duty in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered at the time, you must tell HMRC about the purchase when the goods arrive and pay the VAT due. The notification must be written in English, include key details of the goods and VAT, be signed, and the VAT must be paid at the same time.
Notify HMRC of excise‑goods acquisition and pay the VAT
If your business acquires excise‑taxed goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, fuel) in the UK and you are not a VAT‑registered trader at the time, you must tell HMRC about the purchase and pay the VAT due. The notification must be in writing, include specific details, and be submitted as soon as the goods arrive or are acquired, whichever is later.
Notify HMRC of excise goods acquisition and pay VAT
If your business buys goods that attract excise duty (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, energy products) in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered at the time, you must tell HMRC about the purchase as soon as the goods arrive (or when you acquire them, whichever is later) and pay the VAT due immediately. You need to provide details of the buyer, the acquisition time, arrival date, value (including excise duty) and the VAT amount, and sign a declaration that the information is correct.
Notify HMRC of excise goods acquisition and pay VAT
If you buy goods that attract excise duty in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered, you must inform HMRC about the purchase (or when the goods arrive) and pay the VAT due at the same time. The notice must be in writing, in English, and include details of the goods, their value and the VAT amount, and it must be signed by you.
Notify HMRC of excise‑goods acquisition and pay VAT
2 years imprisonmentIf your business (or you as an individual) buys goods that are subject to excise duty in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered, you must tell HMRC about the purchase and pay the VAT due as soon as the goods arrive or the acquisition occurs, whichever is later. The notification must be in writing and include details of the goods, their value and the VAT payable.
Notify HMRC of excise‑goods acquisition and pay VAT
If your business buys goods that are subject to excise duty in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered, you must inform HMRC as soon as the goods arrive (or are acquired, whichever is later) and pay the VAT due at that time. The notification must be in writing, include specific details about the purchase and be signed, and the VAT must be paid together with the notice.
Notify HMRC of excise‑goods acquisition and pay VAT due
If your business buys excise‑duty goods in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered, you must tell HMRC about the purchase as soon as the goods arrive (or when you acquire them, whichever is later) and pay any VAT that is due at that time. The notice must be in writing, include key details of the purchase and be signed, and the VAT must be paid together with the notification.
Notify HMRC of excise goods purchase and pay VAT
If you acquire goods that carry excise duty in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered, you must inform HMRC about the purchase and pay the VAT at the same time. You need to send a written notice in English with the required details as soon as the goods arrive or the purchase is made.
Notify HMRC of new ship/aircraft acquisition and pay VAT
If you buy a brand‑new ship or aircraft in the UK and you are not registered for VAT, you must tell HMRC in writing within 14 days of the purchase or the vessel’s arrival (whichever is later) and pay any VAT due either at that time or within 30 days of a written demand.
Notify HMRC of new ship/aircraft acquisition and pay VAT
If you buy a brand‑new ship or aircraft and you are not VAT‑registered at the time, you must tell HM Revenue & Customs about the purchase in writing within 14 days of the purchase or its arrival in the UK (whichever is later). You also have to pay the VAT due on the acquisition either when you notify HMRC or within 30 days of a written demand.
Notify HMRC of new ship/aircraft acquisition and pay VAT
If your business (or you personally) is not registered for VAT and you buy a brand‑new ship or aircraft in the UK, you must tell HMRC about the purchase within 14 days of the acquisition or its arrival (whichever is later) and pay the VAT due. The notification must be in writing, in English, contain specific details about the buyer, seller and the vessel, and be signed. VAT must be paid either when you notify HMRC or within 30 days of a written demand.
Notify HMRC of new ship/aircraft acquisition and pay VAT
If you buy a brand‑new ship or aircraft in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered at the time, you must tell HMRC about the purchase within 14 days of the acquisition or its arrival (whichever is later). You also have to pay any VAT due either when you notify or within 30 days of a demand. The notification must be in writing, in English, and include all the required details.
Notify HMRC of new ship/aircraft purchase and pay VAT
If your business buys a brand‑new ship or aircraft in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered, you must send HMRC a written notice within 14 days of the purchase or arrival (whichever is later) and pay the VAT due. The notice must contain specific details about the vessel, the supplier and the price, and be signed to confirm the information is correct.
Notify HMRC of new ship/aircraft purchase and pay VAT
If your business buys a brand‑new ship or aircraft in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered at the time, you must tell HMRC in writing within 14 days of the purchase or the vessel/plane’s arrival (whichever is later). The notification must include detailed information about the acquisition and be signed, and you must pay the VAT due either when you notify or within 30 days of a demand from HMRC.
Notify HMRC of new ship/aircraft purchase and pay VAT
If you buy a brand‑new ship or aircraft in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered at the time, you must send a written notice to HMRC within 14 days of the purchase or its arrival (whichever is later). You also have to pay any VAT due either with that notice or within 30 days of HMRC’s demand.
Notify HMRC of new ship or aircraft acquisition and pay VAT
2 years imprisonmentIf you buy a new ship or a new aircraft in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered at the time, you must tell HMRC about the purchase within 14 days of the acquisition (or its arrival, whichever is later) and pay the VAT due. The notification must be in writing, contain specific details, be signed, and be sent to the HMRC office they specify. Failure to do this can lead to prosecution, unlimited fines and possible imprisonment.
Notify HMRC of new ship or aircraft purchase and pay VAT
If you buy a brand‑new ship or aircraft in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered, you must tell HMRC about the purchase in writing within 14 days of the purchase or its arrival (whichever is later). The notification must contain detailed information about the vessel, the price and the supplier and must be signed. You also have to pay the VAT due either when you notify HMRC or within 30 days of a written demand.
Notify HMRC of new ship or aircraft purchase and pay VAT
If your business (or you as an individual) buys a brand‑new ship or aircraft in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered, you must tell HMRC in writing within 14 days of the purchase or when the vessel/aircraft arrives, whichever is later. The notification must include full details of the purchase and a signed declaration, and any VAT due must be paid with the notification or within 30 days of a HMRC demand. Failure to do so can attract penalties.
Notify HMRC of new ship or aircraft purchase and pay VAT
If your business is not VAT‑registered and you buy a brand‑new ship or aircraft that will be used in the UK, you must send a written notice to HMRC within 14 days of the purchase or its arrival (whichever is later) and pay the VAT due. The notice must contain specific details about the buyer, the vessel or aircraft, the price and the supplier, and must be signed. The VAT must be paid when you notify HMRC or within 30 days of a written demand from them.
Notify HMRC of new ship or aircraft purchase and pay VAT
If your business buys a brand‑new ship or aircraft in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered, you must inform HMRC in writing within 14 days of the purchase or arrival (whichever is later). The notification must contain full details of the vessel, the price and the seller, be signed, and you must also pay any VAT due either at that time or within 30 days of a demand.
Notify HMRC of non‑taxable excise‑goods acquisition and pay VAT
If your business (or you personally) buys goods that carry excise duty in the UK, and you are not registered for VAT at the time of purchase, you must tell HMRC in writing about the purchase and pay the VAT that is due at the same time. The notice must be sent as soon as the goods arrive or the purchase is made, whichever is later.
Notify HMRC of non‑VAT‑registered acquisition of excise goods and pay VAT
If your business (or you personally) buys excise‑goods in the UK and you are not VAT‑registered at the time, you must tell HMRC about the purchase and pay the VAT due. The notification must be sent in writing as soon as the goods arrive (or when you acquire them, whichever is later).
Notify HMRC of non‑VAT‑registered purchases of excise goods and pay the VAT
If your business or you as an individual buy goods that attract excise duty in the UK, and you are not VAT‑registered, you must tell HMRC about the purchase and pay the VAT on it. The notification must be in writing, in English, and include details such as who bought the goods, when and where they arrived, their value and the VAT due. Payment is due at the same time as the notification.
Notify HMRC of option for NI‑EU distance sales
If your business chooses to use the special VAT option for sending goods from Northern Ireland to the EU, you must tell HMRC in writing at least 30 days before you make the first sale and include the EU country you’re sending to. After the first sale you also have to provide proof that you have notified the destination country. You can later withdraw the option, but only by following a set notice procedure.
Notify HMRC of option for NI‑EU distance sales and provide evidence
If your business chooses the special VAT option for sending goods from Northern Ireland to an EU country, you must tell HMRC in writing at least 30 days before your first sale, include the EU country’s name, and then, within 30 days after that first sale, send proof that you have also informed the EU country. You can later withdraw the notification, but only following strict timing rules.
Notify HMRC of VAT option for NI‑EU distance sales
If your business chooses the VAT option for sending goods from Northern Ireland to an EU member state, you must inform HMRC in writing at least 30 days before the first such sale, stating which EU country the goods are going to. After the first sale you must also provide proof that you have notified the EU member state. You can later withdraw the notification, but only following the strict timing rules set out in the regulation.
Notify HMRC of VAT option for NI‑EU distance sales
If your business has chosen the special VAT option for sending goods from Northern Ireland to an EU country, you must tell HMRC in writing at least 30 days before your first sale, naming the EU member State. After that first sale you also have to give HMRC proof that you have notified the EU country.
Notify HMRC of VAT option for NI‑EU distance sales
If your business has chosen the special VAT option for sending goods from Northern Ireland to an EU member state, you must tell HMRC in writing at least 30 days before the first sale. After that first sale you also have to send proof that you have notified the EU country. You can later withdraw the notification, but only following the timing rules set out in the regulation.
Notify HMRC of VAT option for NI‑EU distance sales
If you have chosen the VAT option that lets you sell goods from Northern Ireland to EU countries, you must inform HMRC in writing at least 30 days before your first sale and include the EU member state you are supplying. Within 30 days after that first sale you must also send HMRC proof that you have notified the member state. You can later withdraw the notice, but only by following the strict timing rules set out in the regulation.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any business changes
If your business reaches the VAT threshold you must inform HMRC and complete the prescribed registration form. Once you’re registered, you must also tell HMRC within 30 days of any change to your company name, legal structure, ownership, or any event that could affect your VAT registration, giving full details such as the date you stop or start making taxable supplies.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any changes
If your business becomes liable to register for VAT, you must tell HMRC using the prescribed form and provide all required details. Once you are registered, you also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your business name, structure, ownership or any other event that could affect your VAT registration.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any changes
When your business becomes liable to register for VAT you must send HMRC a notification using the official form. Once you are registered, you also have to tell HMRC within 30 days of any change to your name, structure, ownership or any other event that could affect your VAT registration, providing full details and the required dates.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any changes
When your business first becomes liable for VAT you must tell HMRC and use the specific form they provide. If any details of your business – name, structure, ownership or anything that could affect your VAT registration – change, you need to inform HMRC again within 30 days. Failing to do so can lead to enforcement action.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any changes
2 years imprisonmentWhen your business becomes liable for VAT you must send HMRC a registration notification using the prescribed form, and if you are already registered you must inform HMRC of any change to your name, structure, ownership or anything that could affect your registration within 30 days. The notification must include all the details set out in the form (partnerships need extra information).
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any changes
When your business meets the VAT registration criteria, you must tell HMRC you are liable to register and use the prescribed form. After you are registered, you must also inform HMRC of any change to your business name, structure, ownership or anything else that could affect your registration, and you have 30 days to do so.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any changes
When you become liable to register for VAT, you must tell HMRC using the prescribed form and give all the required details. If any of the information you previously gave changes – for example your business name, ownership, or structure – you must inform HMRC within 30 days and supply full particulars. You also have to notify HMRC of the exact date you stop or intend to stop (or start) making taxable supplies, as set out in the relevant schedules.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any changes
When your business becomes liable to register for VAT you must inform HMRC using the prescribed form. Once you are registered, you also have to tell HMRC within 30 days of any change to your business name, structure, ownership or any other event that could affect your VAT registration, providing all the details required on the form.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any changes
If your business meets the VAT registration thresholds you must tell HMRC straight away using the form they prescribe. You also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your business name, structure, ownership or anything that could affect your VAT registration, and you must notify them when you start or stop making taxable supplies.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and changes
If you need to register for VAT or are already VAT‑registered, you must inform HMRC using the prescribed form. Any change to your business name, structure, ownership or any event that could affect your VAT registration must be reported to HMRC within 30 days, together with full details.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration, changes and supply status
If your business becomes liable for VAT you must send HMRC the prescribed registration notification form. You also have to tell HMRC within 30 days of any change to your business name, structure, ownership or any other event that could affect your VAT registration. Finally, when you start or stop making taxable supplies you must notify HMRC of the exact date using the relevant form.
Notify HMRC of VAT representative appointment and any changes
If your business is appointed as a VAT representative for another trader, you must tell HMRC within 30 days, supplying the details and proof of your appointment. You also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your business name, structure, ownership, or if you stop acting as the representative.
Notify HMRC of VAT representative appointment and any changes
If your business is appointed to act as a VAT representative for another entity, you must tell HMRC within 30 days, providing the details and proof required by the notice form. You also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your company’s name, structure, ownership, or if you stop being the representative.
Notify HMRC of VAT representative appointment and any changes
If you are appointed as a VAT representative for another business or individual, you must inform HMRC within 30 days of the appointment, providing the details and evidence of the appointment. You also have to tell HMRC in writing within 30 days of any change to your business name, structure, ownership or if you stop acting as a VAT representative.
Notify HMRC of VAT representative appointment and any changes
If you are appointed as a VAT representative for another business, you must tell HMRC within 30 days using the prescribed form and provide proof of the appointment. You also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your company’s name, structure, ownership or if you stop being the representative.
Notify HMRC of VAT representative appointment and any changes
If you are appointed as a VAT representative for another business, you must tell HMRC about your appointment within 30 days, using the form they provide and attaching proof of the appointment. You also have to inform HMRC of any change to your business details, ownership, or if you stop acting as a VAT representative, again within 30 days.
Notify HMRC of VAT representative appointment and changes
If you are appointed as a VAT representative for another business, you must tell HMRC about your appointment within 30 days and give the required details. You also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your business name, structure, ownership, or if you stop being the representative.
Notify HMRC of your appointment as a VAT representative and keep details up‑to‑date
If you are appointed as a VAT representative for another taxable person, you must tell HMRC in the prescribed form within 30 days and include the required details and a copy of the appointment document. You also have to inform HMRC of any change to your business name, structure, ownership or of your cessation as representative, again within 30 days, and provide full particulars of the change.
Notify HMRC of your NI‑EU distance‑sale VAT option
If you have chosen the special UK VAT option for sending goods from Northern Ireland to an EU member state, you must tell HMRC in writing at least 30 days before your first sale and include which EU country the goods are going to. After the first sale you also need to show HMRC that you have notified that EU country, and you may later withdraw the option only on the dates set out in the regulation.
Notify HMRC of your VAT option for NI‑EU distance sales
If your business chooses the special VAT option for sending goods from Northern Ireland to EU member states, you must tell HMRC in writing at least 30 days before the first sale and state which EU country you are sending to. After that first sale you also have to provide proof that the EU member state has been notified. You can later withdraw the option, but you must follow the timing rules for doing so.
Notify HMRC of your VAT option for NI‑EU distance sales
If you have chosen the VAT option that lets you sell goods from Northern Ireland to an EU Member State, you must tell HMRC in writing at least 30 days before the first sale and include which Member State you are sending the goods to. After that first sale you also have to send HMRC proof that you have notified the Member State, and you can later withdraw the option following a further written notice.
Notify HMRC of your VAT option for NI‑EU distance sales
If your business has chosen the VAT option that applies to sending goods from Northern Ireland to an EU member state, you must tell HMRC in writing at least 30 days before your first sale under that option. The notice must name the EU country and, after the first sale, you must also provide proof that you have informed that country. You can later withdraw the notice, but only after the minimum periods set out in the regulation.
Notify HMRC of your VAT representative appointment and any changes
If you are appointed as a VAT representative for another business, you must tell HMRC in writing within 30 days, providing the details they require and proof of your appointment. You also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your business name, structure, ownership or if you stop being the representative.
Notify HMRC of your VAT representative appointment and any changes
If you are appointed as a VAT representative for another taxable person, you must tell HMRC within 30 days, providing the details and proof of your appointment. You also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your business name, structure, ownership or if you stop being a VAT representative.
Notify HMRC to elect not to be VAT exempt
If your business would normally be exempt from VAT under regulation 32B but you want to charge VAT instead, you must let HMRC know before the next accounting period starts. The notice must state the date the new accounting period begins. You can also withdraw the election later, but the withdrawal only takes effect from the following period.
Notify HMRC when taxable supplies exceed £230,000
2 years imprisonmentIf your business’s taxable sales go over £230,000 in any 12‑month period or in a single month, or you become eligible to register for VAT as a group, division or become associated with another trader, you must inform HMRC in writing. The notification must be sent within 30 days of the date the threshold is crossed or the event occurs.
Notify HMRC when taxable supplies exceed £230,000 or group status changes
If your business’s taxable sales go above £230,000 in a 12‑month period or in any single month, you must tell HMRC in writing within 30 days. You also have to notify them within 30 days when you become eligible to register as a VAT group, a VAT division, or when you become associated with another business.
Notify HMRC when taxable supplies exceed £230,000 or other VAT registration events
If your business’s taxable supplies go above £230,000 in a year or in any single month, or you become eligible for group or division VAT registration or associate with another VAT‑registered entity, you must tell HMRC in writing. The notification must be sent within 30 days of the relevant date.
Notify HMRC when taxable supplies exceed £230,000 or registration status changes
If your business’s taxable sales in any 12‑month period go above £230,000, or in any single month go above £230,000, you must tell HMRC in writing. You also have to notify them within 30 days if you become eligible to join a VAT group, register a division, or become associated with another person for VAT purposes.
Notify HMRC when taxable supplies exceed £230,000 or registration status changes
If your business makes taxable supplies worth more than £230,000 in a 12‑month period (on its certification anniversary) or in any 30‑day period, you must tell HMRC in writing. You also have to notify them within 30 days if you become eligible for group or division VAT registration, or if you become associated with another business.
Notify HMRC when taxable supplies exceed £230,000 or VAT eligibility changes
If your business’s taxable supplies reach more than £230,000 in a year or in any month, or you become eligible to register for VAT as a group or division, or you become associated with another business, you must send a written notice to HMRC within 30 days. This keeps your VAT registration status up‑to‑date and avoids penalties.
Notify HMRC when taxable supplies exceed £230,000 or VAT status changes
If your business’s taxable sales reach more than £230,000 in a year (checked on your certification anniversary) or in any 30‑day period, you must tell HMRC in writing. You also have to notify them within 30 days if you become eligible to register for VAT as a group, as a division, or if you become associated with another business.
Notify HMRC when VAT registration thresholds are met
If your business’s taxable supplies exceed £230,000 in a 12‑month period or in any 30‑day stretch, or if you become eligible for group or division VAT registration or associate with another VAT‑registered entity, you must tell HMRC in writing. The notification must be sent within 30 days of the trigger event.
Notify HMRC when VAT thresholds or registration status change
If your business’s taxable sales rise above £230,000 in any 12‑month period or in any 30‑day period, or if you become eligible to register for VAT as a group, a division, or you become associated with another trader, you must tell HMRC in writing. The notice must be sent within 30 days of the relevant date.
Notify HMRC when VAT turnover exceeds £230,000 or registration status changes
If your business’s taxable supplies go above £230,000 in a year, or above £230,000 in any month, you must send a written notice to HMRC within 30 days. You also need to notify them if you become eligible for group or division VAT registration, or become associated with another VAT‑registered person. The notification keeps your VAT registration details up‑to‑date and avoids penalties.
Notify HMRC when your VAT‑taxable turnover exceeds £230,000 or you join a VAT group/division
If your business’s taxable sales go above £230,000 in a year (checked each certification anniversary) or in any 30‑day period (checked each month), you must send a written notice to HMRC within 30 days. You also have to notify HMRC within 30 days if you become eligible to register for VAT as part of a group, as a division, or if you become associated with another VAT‑registered person.
Provide any VAT‑required notice for your partnership
If your business is a partnership and a VAT notice must be sent, all partners are jointly responsible for making sure it’s given. Any one partner can send the notice, and that will satisfy the requirement. In Scotland the notice must be signed in the way the Partnership Act 1890 requires.
Provide notice to purchaser when claiming a bad‑debt VAT deduction
If your business is VAT‑registered and you write off a customer’s debt (for a supply made before 1 Jan 2003) you must send that customer a written notice within 7 days of making the claim. The notice must list the date of the notice, the date of the claim, the invoice number and date, the amount written off as a bad debt and the amount you are claiming.
Send written notice to purchaser when claiming a VAT bad debt
If you are claiming a VAT bad‑debt from a taxable customer for a supply that took place before 1 January 2003, you must send the customer a written notice within 7 days of making the claim. The notice must list the claim date, the invoice details, the amount written off as a bad debt for each supply, and the total amount you are claiming.
Send written notice to purchaser when you make a VAT bad‑debt claim
If you (as a trader) are claiming a VAT bad‑debt relief for a supply made before 1 January 2003 and the buyer is VAT‑registered, you must send the buyer a written notice within 7 days of making the claim. The notice must list the claim date, invoice details, the amount written off and the total claim amount.
Send written notice to VAT‑registered customer when claiming a bad‑debt deduction
If you are claiming a VAT deduction for a bad debt on a supply that was made before 1 January 2003 to a customer who is also VAT‑registered, you must send them a written notice within 7 days of making the claim. The notice must list the date it was issued, the date of the claim, the VAT invoice details, the amount written off as a bad debt, and the total claim amount.
Other requirements 8
Amend pre‑1998 reimbursement arrangements to include required provisions
If your business set up any VAT reimbursement arrangements before 11 February 1998, you must change those arrangements by 11 March 1998 to add the specific provisions listed in regulation 43C and to give the undertakings set out in regulation 43G. Failing to do so means HMRC can ignore those arrangements when deciding your VAT deduction.
Comply with VAT duties as a personal representative
If a VAT‑registered individual dies or becomes unable to act and someone such as a personal representative, bankruptcy trustee, receiver or liquidator takes control of their assets, that person must keep up with all the VAT obligations that applied to the deceased. This includes filing returns, keeping records and paying any VAT due, but only to the extent the assets under control can cover.
Comply with VAT obligations as a personal representative
If a VAT‑registered individual dies or can’t manage their affairs, the person handling their estate – such as an executor, trustee, liquidator or other representative – must keep up with all VAT filing, payment and record‑keeping duties for the assets they control, but only to the extent those assets exist.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate (or the treatment of a supply as exempt, zero‑rated or reduced‑rate) changes after you have issued an invoice and the customer has later made an election under s.88, you must give them a credit note. The credit note must be sent within 45 days of the change (or any longer period HMRC allows) and must contain specific details of the original invoice and the VAT amount being credited.
Provide VAT invoice on request of taxable customers
If your business is VAT‑registered and you sell goods or services as a retailer, you must give a VAT invoice when a customer who is also VAT‑registered asks for one. For sales of £250 or less (and for Northern Ireland retailers selling within the UK) the invoice only needs to show your name, address, VAT number, time of supply, a description of what was supplied, the total amount payable including VAT and the VAT rate. The invoice must never refer to any exempt supply.
Provide written undertakings and repay VAT refunds as required
If you claim a VAT refund that involves paying back consumers, you must give HMRC a signed written undertaking at the same time as the claim. The undertaking must list the consumers and promise to pay them the full amount (and any interest) within 90 days, keep the required records and honour any HMRC notice. If you don’t follow the undertaking, you must repay the money to HMRC.
Update pre‑1998 VAT reimbursement arrangements by 11 March 1998
If your business has a VAT refund scheme that was set up before 11 February 1998, you must tidy it up by 11 March 1998. Add the required details from regulation 43C and give the undertakings described in regulation 43G. If you don’t, HMRC may ignore the arrangements for tax purposes.
Zero‑rate VAT on qualifying excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons
If your business supplies excise‑duty goods from Northern Ireland to a buyer who is not VAT‑registered in another EU Member State, and you move the goods in line with the Excise Goods (Holding, Movement and Duty Point) Regulations, you must charge VAT at 0 %. This does not apply if you have opted to use the margin scheme for the supply.
Payments and fees 89
Account and pay VAT based on invoice value for EU acquisitions
If you buy goods from another EU country and the purchase date is set by when the invoice is issued, you must calculate the VAT you owe only on the amount shown on that invoice. Don't add extra charges – use the invoice total to work out and pay the VAT.
Account for and pay VAT at the duty point for certain goods
If you sell (or buy) dutiable goods and the actual supply or acquisition happens before the official duty point, you must calculate the VAT as if it were chargeable on the duty point date and pay it accordingly. You also need to decide whether any customs duty should be included in the VAT‑able value, using the duty point or a later date allowed by HMRC.
Account for and pay VAT on dutiable goods before the duty point
If your business supplies dutiable goods, or buys them from another EU Member State, and the supply or acquisition happens before the customs duty point, you must work out the VAT using that duty point (or a later date HMRC allows). Then you include that VAT in your VAT return and pay it by the normal deadline.
Account for and pay VAT on dutiable goods supplied before the duty point
If your business sells (or buys) dutiable goods and the transaction happens before the customs duty point, you must work out the VAT using that duty point (or a later date HMRC allows) and include it in your VAT return and payment. In short, you cannot wait for the duty to be cleared before accounting for VAT.
Account for and pay VAT on goods supplied before the duty point
2 years imprisonmentIf you sell (or acquire) goods that are subject to customs duty and the sale or acquisition happens before the customs duty is actually due, you must calculate the VAT on that transaction and pay it in the relevant VAT period. You also need to decide whether any customs duty is included in the value used to work out the VAT, using the duty point or a later date allowed by HMRC.
Account for and pay VAT on imported goods based on invoice value
If your business brings goods into the UK from another EU member state and you use the supplier’s invoice date to decide when you acquired the goods, you only need to calculate and remit VAT on the amount shown on that invoice. Record the VAT in your VAT return and pay it by the normal filing deadline.
Account for and pay VAT on imported goods using the invoice amount
When you buy goods from another EU Member State and the acquisition date is set by the invoice, you must calculate the VAT you owe only on the amount shown on that invoice. You then need to record and pay that VAT to HMRC in the relevant VAT period.
Account for and pay VAT only on the invoice value
If your business buys goods from another EU member state and the time of acquisition is set by the issue of the supplier’s invoice, you must calculate the VAT due based solely on the amount shown on that invoice. You then pay that VAT to HMRC and record it on your VAT return.
Account for and pay VAT on time and keep records for 6 years
If your business makes taxable supplies, you must work out the VAT due and pay it to HMRC by the deadline for the accounting period in which you receive payment (unless other rules apply). You also need to keep a dated, receipted VAT invoice from each supplier and a copy of any receipt you give for at least six years. This lets HMRC check that your VAT accounting is correct.
Account for and pay VAT using the duty point for dutiable goods
If your business supplies dutiable goods, or buys them from another EU/EEA member state, and the supply or acquisition happens before the customs duty is due (the “duty point”), you must calculate the VAT based on that duty point (or a later date HMRC may allow) and pay it in the appropriate VAT accounting period. You also need to decide whether any customs duty should be added to the value you use for the VAT calculation.
Account for and pay VAT when supply occurs before duty point
If you sell or acquire dutiable goods and the supply or acquisition happens before the duty point, you must calculate the VAT based on that duty point (or a later date that HMRC allows) and pay it in the relevant accounting period. In practice you need to include this VAT on your next VAT return – you can’t wait until the duty point passes to account for it.
Account for and pay VAT when supply precedes the duty point
If your business supplies or acquires dutiable goods and the supply or acquisition happens before the customs duty point, you must work out the VAT using that duty point (or a later date HMRC allows) and pay it. You also need to decide whether any customs duty is included in the value of the goods for VAT purposes.
Account for and pay VAT when supply precedes the duty point
If you sell (or import) goods that are subject to VAT and the date you supply or acquire them comes before the official VAT point (the duty point), you must calculate the VAT due and pay it in the accounting period that includes that duty point. You also need to decide whether any customs duty is part of the VAT‑able value, using the duty point or a later date allowed by HMRC.
Account for and pay VAT when supply precedes the duty point
If your business supplies or buys dutiable goods and the transaction happens before the customs duty point, you must still record the VAT and pay it in the VAT period that covers that duty point. You also have to decide whether any customs duty should be added to the value on which VAT is calculated, using the duty‑point rules.
Account for and pay VAT when supply precedes the duty point
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells goods or buys goods from another EU member state and the supply happens before the customs duty is due, you must calculate the VAT as if it were due at the duty point (or a later date HMRC allows). This means the VAT must be recorded in the accounting period that covers the duty point and paid to HMRC on time.
Account for and pay VAT when supply precedes the duty point
If you sell (or acquire) dutiable goods and the actual supply or acquisition happens before the customs duty point, you must still treat the VAT on those goods as due in the accounting period of the duty point. You need to calculate, record and pay that VAT, and decide whether any customs duty is part of the taxable value.
Account for VAT and keep supporting invoices for 6 years
You must pay the VAT you owe by the deadline for the accounting period in which you receive payment for a supply, and you can claim input tax in the same period or later if agreed with HMRC. You also need to obtain a dated VAT invoice from any supplier you pay and keep that invoice and a copy of the receipt for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows).
Account for VAT and keep supporting records
If your business uses the cash‑accounting scheme, you must calculate the VAT you owe and pay it by the deadline for each accounting period. You can also claim input tax in the same period or later if HMRC agrees, and you must keep a dated VAT invoice and a copy of the receipt for each payment you make for six years (or less if HMRC allows).
Account for VAT and retain supporting documents
You must calculate the VAT due on each sale and pay it to HMRC by the deadline for the accounting period in which you receive payment (unless an exception applies). You also need to obtain a dated, receipted VAT invoice from any supplier you pay for a taxable supply and keep a copy of any receipt you give them, retaining these records for at least six years (or a shorter period if HMRC permits).
Account for VAT and retain supporting invoices and receipts
You must work out the VAT due on each supply, include it in your VAT return and pay it by the deadline for the accounting period in which you receive payment. You also need to obtain a dated, receipted VAT invoice from every supplier you pay for a taxable supply and keep a copy of the receipt you give them, and retain these records for at least six years (or a shorter period if HMRC permits).
Account for VAT at the earliest of fee receipt, invoice or cessation
When you provide legal services as a barrister or advocate, you must treat the supply as happening on the first of three events – the day you get paid, the day you issue a VAT invoice, or the day you stop practising. That date decides when you need to record the supply, calculate the VAT and include it on your VAT return.
Account for VAT on barrister/advocate services at the earliest of payment, invoice or cessation
If you provide legal services as a barrister (or an advocate in Scotland), you must treat the supply as having taken place on the earliest of three dates – when you receive the client’s fee, when you issue the VAT invoice, or the day you stop practising. That date determines which VAT period the tax is due, so you need to include the VAT in the return covering that earliest date.
Account for VAT on capital goods when leaving flat‑rate scheme
If your business stops using the flat‑rate VAT scheme but you have claimed input tax on capital items and never sold those items, HMRC will treat the goods as if you supplied them to yourself. You must calculate the VAT due on those goods and include it in the VAT return for the period after you leave the scheme.
Account for VAT on excise goods sold to non‑taxable EU customers
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells goods that attract excise duty (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, fuel) to a customer who is not registered for VAT in another EU Member State, you must treat the sale as a standard taxable supply. This means you need to charge UK VAT, record the transaction and pay the VAT to HMRC on your VAT return.
Account for VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells goods that are subject to excise duty (such as alcohol, tobacco or fuel) to a customer who is not registered for VAT in another EU Member State, you must treat the sale as a standard taxable supply. This means you need to charge VAT, include it on your VAT return and keep proof of the customer's VAT status.
Account for VAT on excise‑goods supplied to non‑taxable persons abroad
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells goods that carry excise duty (for example alcohol, tobacco or energy products) to someone who is not registered for VAT in another EU Member State, you must treat that sale as a taxable supply and account for UK VAT on it. You need to record the transaction, issue a VAT‑compliant invoice and include the amount in your VAT return.
Account for VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons in other EU states
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells goods that are subject to excise duty (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, fuel) to a customer who is not registered for VAT in another Member State, you must treat that sale as a taxable supply in the UK. You need to charge UK VAT, record the transaction and pay the VAT to HMRC in your normal VAT return.
Account for VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons in other EU states
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells goods that are subject to excise duty (for example alcohol, tobacco or fuel) to a customer who is not registered for VAT in another EU member state, you must treat the sale as a taxable supply in the UK. You need to add the correct UK VAT, record the transaction and include it in your VAT return.
Account for VAT, pay on time and keep supporting invoices for 6 years
You must calculate the VAT due on each supply and pay it to HMRC by the deadline for the accounting period in which you receive payment. You can reclaim input VAT in the period you make the payment (or later if HMRC agrees). You also have to keep a dated, receipted VAT invoice from each supplier you pay and a copy of any receipt you give them, and retain these records for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC permits).
Adjust output tax by making a negative entry
When a specific VAT adjustment (as required by regulation 172H(2)) arises, you must reduce the VAT you owe by entering a negative amount in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The negative entry must match the amount specified in the other regulation.
Adjust VAT output tax entries when revising previous entries
If you have already recorded output VAT for a supply and later need to change that record, you must also record a matching increase to the VAT you owe for the same accounting period. The extra entry must be the same amount as the revision you made, keeping your VAT account accurate.
Adjust VAT output tax entry for same supply
If you have already recorded VAT on a supply (under regulation 172L) and later need to adjust that supply (under regulation 172I), you must also make a matching positive entry in the VAT payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The amount you add must be exactly the same as the adjustment you recorded under 172I.
Adjust VAT output tax for supplies covered by section 55A(6)
If your business must make a VAT adjustment under section 55A(6), you need to record a negative entry for the output tax in the same accounting period as the original entry. The amount you record must exactly match the amount of the original adjustment, and if you later make a further adjustment you must record a corresponding positive entry of the same size.
Adjust VAT payable entry for output tax changes
If you have already recorded VAT on a supply (under regulation 172L) and later need to record a correction for the same supply (under regulation 172I), you must also add a positive entry to your VAT payable for the same accounting period. The amount you add must match the correction amount you recorded under 172I.
Adjust VAT payable for readjusted output tax
If you have already recorded VAT on a supply and later make a further adjustment for the same supply, you must also record a matching increase in the VAT you owe for that accounting period. The extra entry must be exactly the same amount as the adjustment you entered under regulation 172I.
Adjust VAT payable for specific supplies
If you are entitled to adjust VAT under section 26AB(2) for supplies that fall within section 55A(6), you must record a negative entry in the VAT payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period as the related entry required by regulation 172H(2). If you later record an entry under regulation 172I for the same supply, you must make a matching positive entry in the same period. These adjustments ensure the correct amount of VAT is paid.
Adjust VAT payable when you amend a previous output‑tax entry
If you have already recorded a VAT output‑tax entry for a supply (under regulation 172L) and later need to make a further adjustment for the same supply (under regulation 172I), you must also record a matching positive entry in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. This ensures the extra VAT you now owe is correctly shown in your return.
Adjust VAT payable when you readjust output tax
If you have already recorded output tax for a supply and later need to adjust that output tax, you must also increase the VAT‑payable amount in the same accounting period by the same amount you adjusted. In practice, this means making an extra positive entry in your VAT account to reflect the change.
Adjust VAT payable when you re‑adjust output tax for a supply
If you have already recorded a VAT adjustment for the input side of a supply (Reg 172L) and later record an adjustment for the output side of the same supply (Reg 172I), you must also increase the VAT you owe for that accounting period by the same amount. In short, any later output‑tax correction triggers an equivalent increase in your VAT payable entry.
Allocate payments to each supply according to VAT rules
When your business receives a single payment that covers more than one supply you have made, you must split that payment and assign each part to the relevant supply. The allocation follows the order of the earliest supply first, unless the purchaser has already earmarked the payment. This ensures your VAT records correctly reflect the amount of tax due on each supply.
Calculate and pay VAT using flat‑rate percentage
If you operate under the VAT flat‑rate scheme, you must work out the VAT you owe for each accounting period by applying the prescribed flat‑rate percentage to your total taxable turnover. The resulting amount is the VAT you need to report and pay to HMRC. This replaces the normal detailed VAT calculations on each sale.
Calculate VAT as a flat‑rate percentage of turnover
If your business uses the VAT flat‑rate scheme, you must work out the VAT you owe for each accounting period by applying the prescribed flat‑rate percentage to your total sales (turnover). That calculated amount is treated as your output tax and must be reported and paid to HMRC.
Calculate VAT as a flat‑rate percentage of turnover
If you are registered for the VAT flat‑rate scheme, you must work out the VAT you owe by applying the prescribed percentage to your total sales (turnover) for each accounting period, rather than calculating VAT on each individual supply. The resulting amount is the output tax you must declare and pay to HMRC on your VAT return.
Calculate VAT as a percentage of turnover for flat‑rate traders
If your business uses the VAT flat‑rate scheme, you must work out the output tax you owe by applying the prescribed percentage to your total turnover for each accounting period. This amount replaces the normal VAT on your sales and must be reported and paid to HMRC in the normal VAT return.
Calculate VAT due as a flat‑rate percentage of turnover
If your business uses the VAT flat‑rate scheme, you don’t work out VAT on each individual sale. Instead, for every accounting period you must treat the VAT you owe as a set percentage of your total sales (turnover). You need to apply the correct flat‑rate percentage and record that amount as the output tax for the period.
Calculate VAT using flat‑rate percentage
If your business uses the VAT flat‑rate scheme, you must work out the VAT you owe by applying the correct flat‑rate percentage to your total turnover for each accounting period. This replaces the normal item‑by‑item VAT calculations. The resulting figure is then reported and paid to HMRC with your regular VAT return.
Charge and pay UK VAT on excise goods sold to non‑taxable persons in another Member State
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells goods that carry excise duty (such as alcohol, tobacco or fuel) to a customer who is not VAT‑registered in another EU country, you must treat that sale as a standard UK taxable supply. You need to add UK VAT to the invoice, pay the VAT to HMRC and keep the supporting records.
Charge UK VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable people abroad
If you sell goods that are subject to excise duty (for example alcohol, tobacco or spirits) to a person who is not a taxable business in another EU country, you must charge your normal UK VAT rate on those sales. You need to give a VAT‑charged invoice and keep records that prove the VAT was collected.
Charge VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons in other EU states
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells goods that are subject to excise duty – such as alcohol, tobacco or fuel – to a customer who is not a taxable person in another EU member state, you must treat the sale as a normal supply and charge UK VAT. You need to record the transaction, report the VAT in your VAT return and pay the amount due.
Claim VAT repayment on eligible imports or supplies
If you import goods or receive supplies and the VAT on them can’t be deducted as normal input tax, you can ask HMRC to refund that VAT. This right applies to traders and requires you to submit a claim under the VAT regulations.
Give written undertaking and reimburse consumers within 90 days
When you claim a VAT repayment you must hand HMRC a signed written undertaking. The undertaking promises that you will be able to identify the consumers you have (or will) reimburse, that you will pay the full amount (and any interest) back to them in cash or by cheque within 90 days of receiving it, keep the required records and follow any HMRC notice. If you do not, you must repay the amount to HMRC.
Notify HMRC and repay any VAT due within 14 days
If you have made a VAT repayment claim and the regulations say you must repay some VAT, you must tell HMRC about it and pay the amount straight away – you cannot wait for HMRC to ask you. The payment and any required notification must be made within 14 days after the 90‑day review period ends.
Notify HMRC and repay any VAT over‑payment within 14 days
If HMRC tells you, after a VAT repayment claim, that you must return money, you must first send the required notification and then make the repayment. Both must be done within 14 days of the end of the 90‑day period that follows your claim, without waiting for HMRC to demand it.
Notify HMRC and repay any VAT you’re required to within 14 days
If HMRC decides that you must repay VAT after a claim, you must tell them the decision and pay the amount back without waiting for a demand. You have 14 days from the end of the 90‑day review period to do both the notification and the repayment.
Pay VAT on goods re‑imported after overseas repair or processing
If you temporarily export goods from Northern Ireland for repair, adaptation, or other processing abroad and then bring them back, you must treat the import as if the work was done in Northern Ireland. You will have to account for and pay VAT on the re‑imported goods, provided you intended to bring them back and never transferred ownership while they were abroad.
Pay VAT on goods re‑imported after overseas repair or processing
If you export goods from Northern Ireland to be repaired, processed, adapted or re‑worked abroad and then bring them back, you must treat the re‑import as if the work had been done in Northern Ireland and pay the applicable VAT. This only applies when the goods were intended to return and their ownership never changed while they were abroad.
Pay VAT on goods re‑imported to NI after repair abroad
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sends goods out of Northern Ireland to be repaired, processed or adapted outside the EU and then brings them back, you must treat the re‑import as if the work had been done in NI and pay the VAT on import. This only applies when you intended to bring the goods back and you kept ownership throughout the export period.
Pay VAT on goods re‑imported to Northern Ireland after overseas repair
If you export goods from Northern Ireland for repair, processing or adaptation outside the EU and then bring them back, you must treat the import as if the work had been done in Northern Ireland and pay the appropriate VAT. This only applies when you intended the goods to be returned and you kept ownership throughout their time abroad. Keep clear records to prove these conditions.
Pay VAT on goods removed from a warehousing regime on the correct deadline
If your business stores excisable goods in a specified or Northern Ireland warehouse and you are VAT‑registered, you must pay the VAT due on those goods when they are taken out of the warehouse. The payment deadline depends on the type of goods – for hydrocarbon oils it is the 15th day of the month after removal; for other excisable goods it is the excise‑duty payment day set out in the Excise Duties (Deferred Payment) Regulations.
Pay VAT only on the amount shown on the invoice for EU acquisitions
2 years imprisonmentWhen you buy goods from another EU member state and the acquisition date is set by the supplier’s invoice, you must calculate and remit VAT only on the value that appears on that invoice. Do not use any other price or estimate when reporting the VAT due.
Pay VAT only on the invoice amount for EU acquisitions
If you buy goods from another EU member state and the purchase is timed by the issue of the supplier’s invoice, you must calculate and pay VAT only on the amount shown on that invoice. Do not use any other value (such as a customs valuation) when accounting for the VAT on that acquisition.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas processing
2 years imprisonmentIf you send goods from Northern Ireland out of the EU for repair, processing, adaptation or re‑working and then bring them back, you must pay VAT on the re‑import as if the work had been done in Northern Ireland. This only applies when you intended to bring the goods back and kept ownership of them while they were abroad.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas repair or processing
If you send goods abroad for repair, processing, adaptation or re‑working and then bring them back to the UK, you must treat the import as if the work had been done in the UK for VAT purposes. You must pay the import VAT when the goods return and keep records showing the goods were intended to be re‑imported and that you retained ownership throughout.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas repair or processing
If your business sends goods out of Great Britain for repair, processing, adaptation or re‑work and then brings them back, you must pay import VAT on their return as if the work had been carried out in the UK. This only applies when you intended to re‑import the goods and you kept ownership throughout the time they were abroad.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas repair or processing
2 years imprisonmentIf you send goods abroad for repair, processing, adaptation, making‑up or re‑working and you plan to bring them back, you must treat the re‑import as a domestic supply for VAT purposes. You must pay the import VAT at the point of re‑entry and keep records showing the goods were intended to return and that ownership never changed.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas repair or processing
2 years imprisonmentIf you send goods abroad for repair, processing, adaptation or re‑working and then bring them back, you must treat the import as if the work had been done in the UK and pay the normal import VAT. This only applies when, at the time of export, you intended to re‑import the goods and you kept ownership of them throughout the period abroad.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas repair or processing
If you send goods from Northern Ireland abroad for repair, processing, adaptation or re‑working and then bring them back, you must treat the import as if the work had been done in Northern Ireland and pay the applicable VAT. This only applies when you intended to re‑import the goods and you kept ownership throughout.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas repair or processing
2 years imprisonmentIf you send goods abroad for repair, processing, adaptation, or re‑working and then bring them back, you must treat the re‑import as if the work had been done in the UK and pay the VAT on the import. This only applies when you intended to bring the goods back and you kept ownership throughout the period abroad.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas repair or processing
If you send goods abroad for repair, adaptation or other processing and plan to bring them back, you must pay import VAT as though the work had been done in the UK. This only applies when you kept ownership of the goods and intended to re‑import them. You need to record the export intention and ownership and declare the VAT when the goods return.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods and retain supporting records
If you send goods from Northern Ireland abroad for repair, processing or adaptation and then bring them back, you must treat the import as if the work had been done in NI and pay the appropriate VAT. You also need to keep proof that the goods were intended to be returned and that you kept ownership throughout.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods as if treatment done in NI
If you export goods from Northern Ireland for repair, processing or adaptation abroad and then bring them back, you must treat the VAT on the re‑importation as if the work had been carried out in Northern Ireland, provided the goods were intended to be returned and you kept ownership. Keep the relevant paperwork to prove these conditions.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods temporarily exported for repair
2 years imprisonmentIf you export goods from Northern Ireland to a country outside the EU for repair, processing or adaptation and then bring them back, you must treat the re‑import as if the work was done in Northern Ireland and pay the normal import VAT. This only applies when you intended to bring the goods back and you kept ownership throughout the export period.
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods treated abroad
2 years imprisonmentIf you temporarily export goods for repair, processing or adaptation outside Great Britain and then bring them back, you must pay VAT on the re‑import as if the work had been done in the UK. This only applies when you intended to re‑import the items and you kept ownership throughout.
Pay VAT on removed warehouse goods by the specified deadline
If your business is VAT‑registered and approved to use the excise deferred‑payment scheme for goods stored in a specified or Northern Ireland warehouse, you must pay the VAT due on those goods when they are removed. The payment must be made by the ‘relevant time’ – either the 15th of the month after removal for hydrocarbon oils, or the day you would normally pay the excise duty for other goods.
Pay VAT on time and retain supporting invoices
You must calculate the VAT due on each supply, pay it to HMRC by the deadline for that accounting period, and keep a dated, receipted VAT invoice and any receipt for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC agrees).
Record VAT output tax adjustments in your VAT account
If you have already recorded output tax for a supply and later need to adjust that amount, you must add a positive entry to the VAT payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The extra entry must be exactly the same amount as the adjustment you recorded under regulation 172I, ensuring your VAT liability is correctly increased.
Repay VAT and notify HMRC within 14 days after 90‑day period
If you have made a VAT repayment claim and HMRC tells you you must repay, you must send the repayment and any required notification to HMRC within 14 days after the 90‑day waiting period ends, without waiting for a demand from them.
Repay VAT to HMRC and notify them within 14 days
If HMRC tells you that a VAT claim you made must be repaid, you must send the repayment and any required notification to HMRC without waiting for a demand. The payment and notification must be made within 14 days after the 90‑day waiting period ends.
Repay VAT to HMRC and notify them within 14 days
If HMRC tells you, under the VAT Regulations, that you must repay VAT after a claim, you must send the repayment and any required notice to HMRC within 14 days of the end of the 90‑day waiting period – you cannot wait for a formal demand. This deadline applies to any trader who is a claimant for a VAT repayment.
Repay VAT to HMRC and notify them within 14 days
If HMRC tells you that you must repay VAT (under the relevant VAT regulations), you must send the payment and any required notification to HMRC without waiting for a formal demand. This must be done within 14 days after the end of the initial 90‑day period specified in the regulation.
Repay VAT to HMRC and notify within 14 days
If, after a VAT claim, you are told you must pay back tax, you must make that repayment and send any required notice to HMRC within 14 days of the end of the 90‑day waiting period – you cannot wait for HMRC to ask for it first.
Repay VAT to HMRC and send required notification
If HMRC tells you that you must repay VAT under regulation 43C, you must pay the amount and send any required notice to HMRC without waiting for a demand. Both the payment and the notification must be made within 14 days of the end of the 90‑day period set out in regulation 43C(a).
Repay VAT to HMRC and send required notification within 14 days
If HMRC tells you that a VAT repayment you have received must be returned, you must pay the amount back and send any required notice within 14 days after the end of the 90‑day review period. You do not have to wait for a formal demand – the repayment must be made proactively.
Repay VAT to HMRC within 14 days and notify them
If HMRC tells you that you must repay VAT (under regulation 43C), you must send the money back and any required notification within 14 days after the 90‑day waiting period ends. You cannot wait for HMRC to ask you to do it – you must act proactively.
Repay VAT to HMRC within 14 days and send required notice
If HMRC decides that you must repay VAT after you have made a claim, you must send the repayment and any required notification to HMRC within 14 days of the end of the 90‑day waiting period, without waiting for a formal demand. You need to track that deadline and ensure the payment and notice are dispatched promptly.
Report auction or sale and pay VAT within 21 days
If you run an auction or sell goods that are treated as supplied under Schedule 4 paragraph 7, you must, within 21 days of the sale, send HMRC a detailed statement of the transaction, pay any VAT due, and give a copy of that statement to the owner of the goods. The owner must then exclude that VAT from their own VAT return.
Stop VAT scheme and pay correct VAT when withdrawn
If HMRC decides you must leave a VAT scheme – for example because you’ve been convicted of a VAT offence, received a penalty, failed to leave when told, or the Commissioners deem it necessary – you must cease using the scheme. You then have to submit a VAT return for the period you stopped and pay the VAT you would have owed had you not been in the scheme, adjusting for any VAT already paid.
Submit written undertakings and repay VAT claims to consumers
When you make a VAT repayment claim, you must give HMRC a signed written undertaking that names any consumers you have or will reimburse. You must then pay the full amount (and any interest) back to those consumers within 90 days of receiving the money, keep the required records and repay any part you fail to pass on to HMRC.
Withdraw from VAT scheme and pay VAT due on cessation
If your business is operating a VAT scheme and you are convicted of a VAT offence, receive a penalty, fail to leave the scheme when required, or HMRC decides you must leave, you must stop using the scheme. You then have to submit a VAT return for the period you left and pay the VAT you would have owed if you were not in the scheme, less any VAT already paid under the scheme.
Record keeping 318
Account for and keep VAT records for six years
You must calculate and pay any VAT due by the deadline for the accounting period in which you receive payment for a supply, and you must retain a dated, receipted VAT invoice from each supplier and a copy of any receipt you issue for at least six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows).
Account for free services and private‑use goods in the correct VAT period
If your business supplies free services (or services listed in a Treasury order) or makes goods available for private use, you must treat those supplies as occurring on the last day of the VAT accounting period in which the goods are used or the service is performed. This means the VAT due on those supplies must be reported in the VAT return for that period, not earlier or later.
Account for VAT and keep supporting records
When you receive payment for a taxable supply you must work out the VAT due and pay it by the deadline for that accounting period. You also need to keep a dated, receipted VAT invoice from the supplier and a copy of any receipt you issue for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows). Input tax can be reclaimed in the period you pay or later if agreed with HMRC.
Account for VAT and retain invoices for six years
You must calculate, report and pay any VAT you owe by the deadline for the accounting period in which you receive payment for a supply. You also need to obtain and keep a dated, receipted VAT invoice from any supplier you pay for a taxable supply, plus a copy of any receipt you give them, for at least six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows). HMRC can ask to see those invoices, and you must provide them.
Account for VAT and retain invoices/receipts for six years
You must pay the VAT you owe on each supply by the deadline for the accounting period in which you receive payment, and you must keep a dated VAT invoice and the related receipt for at least six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows). This means maintaining up‑to‑date VAT records and paying the tax on time.
Account for VAT at the correct time on construction supplies
When you supply services (or services with goods) for building, demolition or repair work and you invoice or get paid periodically, you must treat each supply as happening at the earliest of when you receive payment, issue a VAT invoice, or on the actual day the work is done (or 18 months after, for certain historic periods). This determines when you must account for VAT.
Account for VAT correctly on removal of goods
If you move goods from Northern Ireland to another EU Member State, or between EU Member States (including NI), you must only record VAT payable in your VAT account when the conditions set out in the Removal Order are not met. When the required condition is breached and VAT becomes due, you must enter the VAT amount for the accounting period in which the breach occurred; otherwise you must not make any VAT entry for that removal.
Account for VAT correctly on removed goods
If your business moves goods between Northern Ireland and other EU Member States and the removal falls under the specific Removal Order rules, you must not record any VAT payable for the period in which the VAT would normally be due. If the conditions of article 5 are not met and VAT becomes due, you must record the VAT payable in the relevant accounting period.
Account for VAT correctly on removed goods
If your business moves goods from Northern Ireland to another EU member state, or between EU member states (including to Northern Ireland), you must not record any VAT payable for the accounting period in which you would normally be liable for that removal, unless a specific condition under the Removal Order has not been met. If that condition is breached and VAT becomes due, you must record the VAT amount in the period when the breach occurred.
Account for VAT each time you receive payment or issue an invoice on construction contracts
If you carry out construction, alteration, demolition, repair or maintenance work under a contract that pays you periodically, HMRC expects you to treat each payment you receive or each VAT invoice you issue as a separate taxable supply. For certain services you must also treat the supply as occurring on the day the work is done. This means you need to calculate and record VAT at each of those moments rather than waiting until the whole project is finished.
Account for VAT on each royalty or similar payment
If you provide a service and the total price isn’t fixed at the time you do the work, any later royalty‑type payments you receive (or invoice for) must be treated as a new supply for VAT purposes. This means you have to calculate, record and pay VAT on each of those payments just as you would on any other sale.
Account for VAT on goods removed to/from NI and EU
If you move goods from Northern Ireland to another EU Member State, or between EU Member States (including NI), you must handle the VAT accounting correctly. You should not record any VAT payable for the period you would normally owe VAT, unless the removal does not meet the conditions set out in the Removal Order. If those conditions are not met and VAT becomes due, you must record the VAT payable in the accounting period when the condition failed.
Account for VAT on goods removed to/from NI and the EU
If you move goods between Northern Ireland and any EU Member State (or between two EU Member States) under the specific Removal Order rules, you must not record any VAT payable for the period in which the removal is chargeable. If the removal does not meet the required conditions, you must record the VAT due for that accounting period.
Account for VAT on removed goods correctly
If your business moves goods between Northern Ireland and an EU Member State, or between Member States (including NI), and the removal meets the specific conditions set out in the Removal Order, you must record any VAT due in the correct accounting period. Only if the condition in article 5 of the Removal Order is not met and VAT becomes payable should you make a positive entry for that VAT in the period where the breach occurred.
Account for VAT on removed goods correctly
When you move goods between Northern Ireland and another EU Member State (or between Member States) and the move falls under the specified removal rules, you must not record any VAT payable for that removal unless you have failed to meet the condition set out in article 5 of the Removal Order. If that condition is breached, you must record the VAT amount in the VAT account for the period in which the breach occurred.
Account for VAT when goods from outside the UK are paid for or removed
When you sell goods that are treated as supplied from outside the United Kingdom, you must treat the supply as having taken place at the moment you receive payment. If the consideration is not monetary, the supply is treated as occurring on the last day of the accounting period in which the goods are removed or become available to the customer. This determines the point at which you must account for and pay the VAT.
Adjust output tax by making a negative entry
When a VAT adjustment is required under regulation 172H(2), you must reduce the VAT you owe by entering a negative amount in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The negative entry must match exactly the amount specified in the 172H(2) adjustment.
Adjust output tax by making a negative entry in your VAT account
When you need to correct the amount of VAT you owe (as required by another VAT rule), you must enter a negative amount in the VAT payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The negative entry must match the amount of the original entry you are adjusting.
Adjust output tax by making a negative entry in your VAT account
When regulation 172H(2) tells you to record an output‑tax entry, you must also record a matching negative entry in the VAT payable part of the same accounting period. The two entries must be for the same amount, effectively reducing the output tax you owe.
Adjust output tax by making a negative VAT entry
If you need to correct the output VAT you have reported, you must record a negative entry in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The amount you enter must match the adjustment amount required under regulation 172H(2). This keeps your VAT return accurate.
Adjust output tax with a negative entry in your VAT account
If you need to change the amount of VAT you owe on your sales (as required by regulation 172H(2)), you must record a negative entry in the VAT payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The negative entry must be for exactly the same amount as the adjustment you are required to make.
Adjust output tax with a negative VAT entry
If you are required to make a VAT adjustment under regulation 172H(2), you must record a negative amount in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The negative entry must be exactly the same amount as the original entry, so your VAT liability is reduced correctly.
Adjust output VAT in your VAT account as required
If you are entitled to adjust the VAT you owe under section 55A(6), you must record a negative entry in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period, matching the amount you would otherwise have to enter. If you later make a further entry for the same supply under regulation 172I, you must also record a matching positive entry of the same amount.
Adjust VAT account after correcting a supply entry
If you first record VAT on a supply using regulation 172L and later correct that same supply with regulation 172I, you must also make a matching positive entry in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The amount of this entry must be exactly the same as the amount you entered under regulation 172I.
Adjust VAT account entries when supply status changes
If the price of a sale changes so that it now falls under (or no longer falls under) the special reverse‑charge rules for missing‑trader fraud, you must update your VAT records. Both you as the supplier and the customer must make the required entries in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT accounts.
Adjust VAT account for input‑tax repayment
If you have to repay input tax because a claim has been made on a VAT deduction you claimed, you must record a negative entry in your VAT account for the accounting period in which the claim was made. The amount to record is the deduction you claimed multiplied by the proportion of the claim to the total VAT on that supply.
Adjust VAT account for input‑tax repayment claims
If your business has claimed VAT on a purchase as input tax and you later receive a repayment claim for part or all of that VAT, you must record a negative entry in your VAT account for the accounting period in which the claim is made. The entry must be calculated using the proportion of the claim to the total VAT on the original supply.
Adjust VAT account for repaid input tax
If your business has claimed input VAT on a purchase and later a repayment claim is made, you must record a negative entry in your VAT account for the accounting period in which the claim is made. The entry should reflect the proportion of the input tax that corresponds to the repayment claim.
Adjust VAT account for repayment claims
If you have claimed input VAT on a purchase and later make a claim for a repayment, you must record a negative entry in your VAT account for the accounting period in which the claim is made. The amount to reverse is calculated proportionally based on the claim amount and the original VAT charge.
Adjust VAT accounts when a supply changes its missing‑trader fraud status
If the price of a supply you sell or buy goes up or down and that change means the supply now falls inside, or moves out of, the special missing‑trader fraud rules (section 55A(6)), you must update the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account to reflect the change. Both the supplier and the customer need to make the correct entries.
Adjust VAT accounts when a supply’s status changes for missing‑trader fraud
If the price you charge for a sale goes up and the supply then falls under the missing‑trader fraud rules, or if the price goes down and it no longer falls under those rules, you must update your VAT records. Both you (the supplier) and the buyer need to make the correct entries in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT accounts to reflect the change.
Adjust VAT accounts when a supply’s tax status changes
If the price of a product or service changes so that it now falls under (or no longer falls under) the anti‑fraud rules in section 55A(6), you and your customer must update the VAT payable part of your VAT records to reflect that change. This ensures the correct amount of VAT is shown on your VAT return.
Adjust VAT accounts when a supply’s tax status changes
If the price you charge (or pay) for a supply changes so that it either starts to fall under, or stops falling under, the special anti‑fraud rules in section 55A(6), you must immediately update the VAT‑payable part of your VAT records. Both the supplier and the customer have to make the appropriate entries.
Adjust VAT accounts when a supply’s VAT status changes
If the price of a supply you sell or buy goes up or down and that change means the supply now falls under (or no longer falls under) the special VAT rules for missing‑trader fraud (section 55A(6)), you must immediately update the VAT‑payable portion of your VAT account to reflect the change. Both you as the supplier and your customer have to make the correct entries.
Adjust VAT accounts when a supply’s VAT status changes
If the price of a sale or purchase changes so that the supply either becomes subject to, or stops being subject to, the anti‑fraud rule in section 55A(6) of the VAT Act, you and the other party must update your VAT records. Both the supplier and the customer must make the appropriate entry in the VAT‑payable part of their VAT accounts to reflect the change.
Adjust VAT account to restore input tax credit
If your business has claimed a repayment of input tax, lodged the VAT return for that period and paid the VAT due, you must record a further entry in your VAT account whenever you later pay part or all of the original purchase price. This restores the credit you lost when the repayment was made.
Adjust VAT account to restore input tax credit when you pay for supplies
If you have claimed an input tax repayment on a purchase and later pay part or all of the price for that supply, you must increase your VAT account by a calculated amount. This restores the credit you lost when the repayment was made and keeps your VAT records accurate.
Adjust VAT account when you later pay for a supply
If your business has claimed a repayment of input VAT for a purchase, filed the VAT return and paid any VAT due, and then you pay part or all of the cost of that purchase after the accounting period ends, you must record a restoring entry in your VAT account. The entry restores the proportion of the input tax credit that corresponds to the amount you have now paid.
Adjust VAT account when you later pay for a supply after claiming input tax repayment
If you have claimed an input tax repayment in a VAT period and later pay part or all of the price for that supply, you must record a corrective entry in your VAT account. The entry restores a proportion of the credit you claimed, based on how much of the price you have now paid.
Adjust VAT output tax entries for supplies under section 55A(6)
If you have to adjust the VAT you charge on a supply that falls under section 55A(6), you must record a negative entry in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period as the original entry. If later you make a further adjustment under the related rules, you must record a matching positive entry.
Adjust VAT output tax entries for the same supply
If you have already recorded a VAT adjustment for a supply (under regulation 172L) and later make another adjustment for the same supply (under regulation 172I), you must also increase the VAT‑payable amount in your VAT account for that accounting period by the same amount as the later adjustment.
Adjust VAT output tax for qualifying supplies
If you have a supply that falls under the VAT adjustment rules (section 55A (6)), you must record a negative entry in your VAT account to reduce the output tax you owe for the same accounting period. If later you make a further adjustment for the same supply, you must record a corresponding positive entry in the same period.
Adjust VAT records when a supply starts or stops being covered by section 55A(6)
If the price you charge for a supply changes so that the supply either becomes subject to, or ceases to be subject to, the special missing‑trader fraud rules (section 55A(6) VAT), you and your customer must update the VAT‑payable part of your VAT accounts to reflect the change. This ensures the correct amount of VAT is recorded and paid.
Adjust VAT records when a supply’s tax status changes
If the price you charge for a good or service goes up or down and that change makes the supply fall under (or out of) the special missing‑trader fraud rules (section 55A(6)), you and the customer must update your VAT accounts to reflect the change. This means entering the correct amount in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT records as soon as the change occurs.
Adjust your VAT account for output tax adjustments
If you make an output‑VAT adjustment under section 55A(6), you must record a matching negative entry in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. If you later record a related entry under regulation 172I for the same supply, you must also add a matching positive entry. These entries ensure your VAT returns reflect the correct amount of tax to pay.
Adjust your VAT account when you later pay for a supply
If you have claimed a repayment of input tax for a purchase and later pay part or all of the purchase price that was still unpaid at the end of the VAT period, you must record a positive entry in your VAT account to restore the credit. The amount you add is proportional to the payment you make compared with the part of the purchase price that was outstanding.
Allocate input tax on mixed‑use services to taxable supplies
If your business pays VAT on services such as accounting, legal, advertising or similar that you use for both financial supplies and other activities, you must split that VAT proportionally. Only the part used for the financial (relevant) supply can be claimed as input tax, and you must work out and record the correct percentage each accounting period.
Allocate input tax to investment gold correctly
2 years imprisonmentIf your VAT‑registered business buys, transforms or sells investment gold, you can only reclaim the VAT on costs that relate directly to that gold. Any costs that are shared with other supplies must be split proportionally, and you can claim credit only for the portion that meets the rules. You need to keep clear records showing how the input tax is attributed each VAT period.
Allocate payment amounts to each VAT supply correctly
If you sell more than one item or service to the same customer and they pay you with a single amount, you must split that payment between the individual supplies. Use the earliest supply first, unless the customer has told you a specific amount for a particular supply and paid it in full. When supplies are on the same day, split the payment proportionally based on how much is still owed for each.
Allocate payments to each supply in your VAT records
When you sell more than one product or service to the same customer and receive a single payment that covers those sales, you must split that payment between the supplies. The amount should be assigned to the earliest supply first, then to later supplies, unless the customer has already told you how to allocate it. This allocation must be shown in your VAT accounting records.
Allocate received payments to each supply correctly
If you sell more than one supply to the same customer and they pay you in a single sum, you must split that payment across the individual supplies. Use the earliest‑supply rule (or a proportional split when supplies are on the same day) unless the customer has told you exactly how the payment should be allocated. This keeps your VAT records accurate.
Allocate VAT between goods and credit on hire‑purchase payments
If your business sells goods and also provides credit under a hire‑purchase, conditional sale or credit sale agreement, you must split every payment you receive into a part that relates to the credit (interest) and a part that relates to the goods. The split is calculated using the interest‑to‑total‑payable fraction (AB) and the rule that applies depends on when the goods were supplied. This allocation determines how much VAT you account for on the goods versus the credit.
Apply correct VAT on excise goods to non‑taxable EU customers
2 years imprisonmentWhen you sell excise‑duty goods (such as alcohol, tobacco or energy products) to a customer who is not registered for VAT in another EU Member State, you must treat the supply according to the VAT rules for such sales. This usually means applying the correct VAT treatment (often zero‑rating) and keeping evidence that the buyer was not taxable in the other Member State.
Apply zero‑rate VAT on eligible excise goods supplies to non‑taxable EU customers
If you sell excise goods (e.g., alcohol, tobacco) that are moved from Northern Ireland to a EU member state and the buyer is not registered for tax there, you must charge VAT at 0% provided the goods are moved under the excise movement rules and you haven’t chosen the margin scheme. You need to keep records proving each condition was met.
Apportion input VAT on specified services used for financial supplies
If your business pays VAT on services such as accounting, legal, advertising or similar, and you use those services both for making financial supplies (e.g. loans, insurance or other regulated financial services) and for other business activities, you must split the input VAT proportionally. The portion that relates to the financial supplies must be attributed to those supplies on your VAT return.
Attribute input tax to taxable supplies for foreign and specified goods/services
If your business pays VAT on imported goods or services that you use partly for taxable sales (including foreign sales that would be taxable if made in the UK, or other supplies listed in an Order), you must work out what share of that VAT relates to the taxable part and claim only that share. You need to keep a clear record of how you worked out the proportion for each VAT accounting period.
Attribute input VAT correctly to investment‑gold supplies
If your business supplies investment gold, buys gold to turn into investment gold, or uses services that change gold’s form, you can only reclaim VAT on costs that relate directly to those activities. Any shared costs must be split proportionally, and you must keep clear records to support the amount of input tax you claim.
Attribute input VAT to investment gold supplies and keep records
If your business sells, produces or transforms investment gold, you can only reclaim VAT on the costs that relate directly to that gold. You must work out what proportion of your input tax is linked to investment gold – for example purchases of the gold, transformation work, and services that change its form – and claim credit only for that amount. You also need to keep the calculations and supporting documents for each VAT accounting period.
Calculate and attribute input tax to taxable supplies
For every VAT accounting period you must work out how much of the VAT you have paid (input tax) can be reclaimed. You do this by identifying which purchases are used only for taxable supplies, which are for exempt activities, and applying the proportioning and rounding rules set out in the regulation. The amount you attribute to taxable supplies is the amount you can deduct on your VAT return.
Calculate and attribute input tax to taxable supplies
Each VAT accounting period you must work out how much VAT you can reclaim by attributing the input tax on your purchases to the parts of your business that make taxable supplies. You need to identify what you bought, exclude certain items, apply the correct proportioning rules and round the result as set out in the regulations before you submit your VAT return.
Calculate and attribute input tax to taxable supplies
For each VAT accounting period you must work out how much VAT you can reclaim by attributing the input tax to the supplies that are taxable. You must allocate all input tax that relates only to taxable supplies in full, exclude any that relates only to exempt or non‑VAT activities, and apply the residual‑tax calculation rules for mixed use. The resulting figure is the amount you can deduct on your VAT return.
Calculate and record taxable use of capital items for VAT
If your business owns a capital item (e.g., plant, equipment or a building) that is used for both taxable and exempt supplies, you must work out each period how much of the input VAT on that item relates to taxable supplies. You can use the standard VAT rules or an agreed method with HMRC, and you must keep the calculations as evidence for future VAT returns.
Calculate and record taxable use of each capital item
If your business owns a capital item (for example a building, plant or equipment) that you use for both taxable and exempt supplies, you must work out each year (or other VAT adjustment period) what proportion of the VAT you reclaimed on that item relates to your taxable supplies. You may use the standard VAT rules, a method you have agreed with HMRC, or any method HMRC directs. Keep the calculations and any agreement as evidence.
Calculate taxable use of capital items for VAT input tax
If you own a capital item such as equipment or a building and have reclaimed VAT on it, you must work out how much of that VAT relates to making taxable supplies. You need to do this for each VAT adjustment period, using the method set out in the VAT Act or a method you have agreed with HMRC. Any exempt supply that comes from a zero‑rated lease of the building is ignored in the calculation.
Charge UK VAT on excise goods sold to non‑taxable EU customers
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sells excise goods such as alcohol, tobacco or energy to a customer in another EU member state who is not registered for VAT there, you must treat the sale as a standard‑rated UK supply. That means you charge UK VAT, account for it on your VAT return and keep proof that the buyer was not taxable in the other state.
Determine and record first entry‑into‑service date for new transport
When you buy a new ship, aircraft or motor‑powered vehicle you must work out the exact date it first entered service for VAT purposes. Use the delivery date, registration date or first demonstration use, whichever comes first, and keep the relevant paperwork. If you cannot prove the date, treat the invoice date as the entry date.
Determine taxable use of capital items for VAT input tax
If your business owns a capital asset (such as equipment or a building) that is used for both taxable and exempt supplies, you must work out how much of the VAT you paid on that asset can be reclaimed. You do this for each VAT adjustment period, using the rules in sections 24‑26 of the VAT Act or a method you have agreed with HMRC. Any exempt supply that comes directly from a zero‑rated lease of the building must be ignored when you calculate the taxable proportion.
Ensure EU acquisition invoices meet prescribed requirements
When you buy goods from another EU member state, the VAT rules say the time of acquisition is based on the invoice date. You must make sure the invoice – whether issued by the overseas supplier or by you – follows the description and format set out in the regulations and is issued under the supplier’s member‑state law. This keeps your VAT accounting correct and avoids penalties.
Ensure intra‑EU invoices meet legal and format rules
If you buy goods from another EU country and the acquisition date is set by the invoice issue date, you must have an invoice that is either issued by the foreign supplier or by you, and it must be drawn up under the law of the supplying country and follow the description prescribed by HMRC. Check that each such invoice complies before you record the purchase for VAT purposes.
Ensure VAT zero‑rating certificates contain required information
If your business provides services on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing scheme and you want to zero‑rate those services for VAT, you must obtain a certificate that includes all the details set out in the form prescribed by HMRC. In practice you need to complete the correct form and keep the completed certificate as proof.
Ensure VAT zero‑rating certificates contain required information
If your business provides services that are zero‑rated because the goods are held under a fiscal or other warehousing regime, you must have a certificate that meets HMRC’s prescribed format. The certificate must include every detail set out in the notice issued by the Commissioners, otherwise you cannot lawfully claim the zero‑rate.
Ensure VAT zero‑rating certificates contain the required information
If your business provides services on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing regime and you want to zero‑rate those services for VAT, you must issue a certificate that includes all the details set out in the form issued by HMRC. In practice this means checking the latest notice from the Commissioners and making sure the certificate you submit matches that template.
Ensure VAT zero‑rating certificates contain the required information
If you supply services that you want to zero‑rate because the goods involved are in a fiscal or other warehousing scheme, you must obtain a certificate that includes all the details set out in the form the Commissioners publish. The certificate must be complete before you treat the services as zero‑rated on your VAT return.
Ensure VAT zero‑rating certificates contain the required information
When you need a VAT zero‑rating certificate for services performed on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing scheme, you must complete the certificate using the exact format and details set out in the notice issued by the Commissioners. In practice this means using the prescribed form and filling in all the required fields before submitting the certificate to HMRC.
Ensure zero‑rating certificates contain required information
If your business claims VAT zero‑rating for services performed on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing scheme, the supporting certificate you submit must include the exact details set out in the form published by HMRC. Use the prescribed format for every such certificate to keep the claim valid.
Ensure zero‑rating certificates contain the prescribed information
If you provide services on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing scheme and you want those services to be zero‑rated for VAT, you must obtain a certificate that follows the exact layout set out by HMRC. The certificate must include all the details shown on the form that HMRC publishes in a notice.
Get and keep proper VAT invoices from foreign suppliers
If you buy goods or services from a supplier in another EU member state, that supplier must give you a VAT‑compliant invoice. You need to receive that invoice within 15 days of the supply date and keep it for your VAT return. Without a proper invoice you may lose the right to recover VAT and could face VAT penalties.
Include required details on all VAT invoices
2 years imprisonmentWhenever you issue a VAT invoice you must put a set list of information on it – a unique invoice number, dates, supplier and customer details, a clear description of what was supplied, quantities, prices, the VAT rate and amount, the total VAT in sterling and any special references such as reverse charge, margin scheme or free‑zone. The same rules apply to invoices to other EU states from Northern Ireland and to electronic batches of invoices.
Include required details on every VAT invoice
Whenever you issue a VAT invoice you must put a set list of details on it – a unique invoice number, dates, supplier and customer names and addresses, description of the goods or services, quantities, prices, VAT rates, total VAT, and any special references such as margin‑scheme or reverse‑charge notices. The same rules apply if you are a Northern‑Ireland VAT‑registered business invoicing customers in other EU states, with a few extra pieces of information required.
Include required details on every VAT invoice
If your business is VAT‑registered you must put a set list of information on each VAT invoice you issue. This includes a unique invoice number, dates, supplier and customer details, a clear description of the goods or services, quantities, VAT rates, amounts (excluding VAT), total VAT in sterling and any special references such as reverse charge or margin‑scheme. The invoice must contain all of these items each time you bill a customer.
Include required details on every VAT invoice
If your business is VAT‑registered, every VAT invoice you issue must contain a set list of items – a unique invoice number, dates, supplier and customer details, a clear description of what was supplied, quantities, unit prices, the VAT rate, the amount before VAT, the total VAT payable in sterling and any special notices such as reverse charge or margin‑scheme references. Missing any of these makes the document not a valid VAT invoice.
Include required details on every VAT invoice
Whenever you issue a VAT invoice, you must make sure it contains all the information set out in the Regulations – a unique invoice number, dates, supplier and customer details, a clear description of the goods or services, quantities, unit prices, VAT rates, total amounts and any special references such as reverse charge or margin scheme. Failing to include any of these details can lead to penalties and may prevent your customer from reclaiming VAT.
Include required details on every VAT invoice
Whenever your business issues a VAT invoice you must put a set list of information on it – a unique invoice number, dates, supplier and customer details, description of the goods or services, amounts, VAT rates, total VAT, and any special references such as reverse charge or margin‑scheme. The same rules apply to invoices sent from Northern Ireland to EU customers, with extra NI‑specific details.
Include required details on fiscal warehousing certificates
When you supply goods that are to be placed in fiscal warehousing, you must issue a certificate that contains all the information set out in the form published by the Commissioners. The certificate must be completed correctly at the time you issue it, otherwise you could be liable under the VAT rules.
Include required details on fiscal warehousing certificates
When you supply goods that are to be placed in fiscal warehousing, you must issue a certificate that contains all the information set out in the form specified by HMRC in a published notice. This ensures the certificate meets the required format and can be used for VAT purposes.
Include required details on fiscal warehousing certificates
2 years imprisonmentWhen you supply goods that will be placed in fiscal warehousing, you must issue a certificate that contains all the information set out in the form the Commissioners publish. In practice this means checking the latest notice and making sure every certificate you create includes those details before it is handed to the customer or customs.
Include required details on fiscal warehousing certificates
If your business supplies goods that will be placed in fiscal warehousing, you must issue a certificate that contains exactly the information set out in the form published by HMRC. Use the current HMRC template and fill in every required field before the goods are warehoused.
Include required information on every VAT invoice
Whenever you issue a VAT invoice you must put a set of specific details on it – a unique reference number, dates, supplier and customer names and addresses, a clear description of what you’re selling, quantities, prices, VAT rates, the total VAT amount and any special notes for margin schemes, reverse charge or free zones. If you sell to customers in other EU states from Northern Ireland or send invoices in electronic batches, extra details are also required. You must also separate exempt or zero‑rated items and show their totals on the same invoice.
Include required information on fiscal warehousing certificates
When you supply goods that are to be placed in fiscal warehousing, you must issue a certificate that contains the exact details set out by HMRC in their notice. Check the latest HMRC form and make sure every required field is filled in before giving the certificate to your customer.
Include required information on fiscal warehousing certificates
When you supply goods that are going to be placed in fiscal warehousing, you must issue a certificate that contains all the details set out in the form published by HMRC. The certificate must be completed correctly at the time you make the supply.
Include required information on VAT zero‑rating certificates
If you provide services on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing regime and want to zero‑rate the VAT, you must issue a certificate that contains exactly the details set out in the form published by HMRC. Using the correct form ensures the zero‑rating is accepted and avoids penalties.
Include required information on VAT zero‑rating certificates
If your business claims zero‑VAT for services performed on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing regime, the supporting certificate must contain exactly the details set out in the form published by HMRC. You need to use the correct form and ensure the certificate is completed with all required information.
Include required information on zero‑rating certificates for goods in fiscal or warehousing regimes
If your business supplies a service that you want to zero‑rate for VAT because the goods it relates to are in a fiscal or other warehousing arrangement, you must issue a certificate that contains exactly the details set out in the form published by the Commissioners. In practice this means using the specified template and keeping the completed certificate as evidence of the zero‑rating claim.
Issue an invoice for EU supplies subject to the reverse charge
If you’re a trader in the EU supplying goods or services to a UK VAT‑registered business and you want the supply to be treated under the UK reverse‑charge rules (paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA), you must give the UK recipient an invoice. The invoice has to be sent no more than 15 days after the supply and must show the full amount that would otherwise be treated as a UK supply.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate changes after you have issued a VAT invoice for a supply (and you have made an election under s.88), you must send the customer a credit note showing the VAT amount that is being corrected. The credit note must be sent within 45 days of the rate change (or any longer period HMRC allows).
Issue detailed VAT invoices for lease payments
2 years imprisonmentIf your business lets property or equipment under a tenancy or lease that is treated as a supply of goods, you must issue a VAT invoice at the start of each payment period (up to one year). The invoice must show when each payment is due, the net amount, the VAT rate and the VAT amount. You must also account for VAT each time a payment is received or when the invoice is issued, whichever comes first.
Issue EU acquisition invoices under the supplier’s law
When you buy goods from another EU member State and the acquisition date is based on the invoice issue date, you must make sure the invoice is issued either by the supplier or by you and that it follows the invoicing rules of the country where the goods were supplied, using the format the Commissioners prescribe. In practice this means keeping the correct type of invoice for every intra‑EU purchase.
Issue EU‑member‑state‑compliant invoice for cross‑border acquisitions
If your business buys goods from another EU member state and the acquisition date is set by the invoice issue date, you must ensure the invoice is either issued by the supplier or by you, under the law of the supplying country, and follows the format prescribed by HMRC. This means obtaining or producing an invoice that meets those foreign‑law requirements before you treat the goods as acquired.
Issue fiscal warehousing certificates with required information
If you supply goods that are to be placed in fiscal warehousing, you must provide a certificate that includes all the details set out in the form the Commissioners publish. The certificate lets HMRC identify the goods and their VAT status, so you need to make sure the required information is on it each time you make such a supply.
Issue invoice for intra‑EU supplies
If your business (as a VAT‑registered trader) sells goods or services to a customer in another EU Member State that falls under Schedule 9ZA paragraph 6(9), you must give that customer an invoice. The invoice must contain all the details required by VAT Regulations 13 and 14, whether it is paper or electronic.
Issue or obtain compliant EU acquisition invoices
When you buy goods from another EU Member State and the VAT rules say the acquisition date is set by the invoice date, you must have an invoice that meets the prescribed format. The invoice must be issued by the supplier or by you, under the law of the Member State where the goods were supplied.
Issue proper VAT invoice for intra‑EU supplies
If your VAT‑registered business sells goods or services to a customer in another EU member state under paragraph 6(9) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give that customer a VAT invoice. The invoice must contain all the details required by VAT Regulations 13 and 14.
Issue required invoice for intermediate supplies
When you, as an intermediate supplier, sell goods that fall under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give your customer an invoice that meets the VAT rules. The invoice has to be issued within 15 days of the date the supply would normally be treated as taking place, and it must show the full extent of the transaction.
Issue simplified VAT invoice for supplies ≤ £250
When you sell goods or services worth £250 or less and you are a VAT‑registered business (including in Northern Ireland), you only need to give a simplified VAT invoice. That invoice must show your name, address and VAT number, the supply date, a description of what you sold, the total amount payable (including VAT) and the VAT rate(s) applied. This keeps your invoicing light‑weight for small transactions.
Issue simplified VAT invoices for sales up to £250
When you sell goods or services for £250 or less and you’re VAT‑registered in Northern Ireland, you only need to give a simplified VAT invoice. The invoice must show your name, address and VAT number, the supply date, a description of what was sold, the total amount payable (including VAT) and, for each VAT rate, the gross amount and the rate applied. This saves you time and paperwork on low‑value sales.
Issue simplified VAT invoices for supplies ≤ £250
When you sell goods or services worth £250 or less and you are a VAT‑registered trader in Northern Ireland (and the customer isn’t in another EU Member State), you only need to give a simplified VAT invoice. That invoice must show your name, address and VAT number, the date of the supply, a description of what you sold, the total amount payable including VAT, and for each VAT rate the amount and the rate itself.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If you sell goods or services and a supplementary charge becomes payable under the Finance Acts, but your original VAT invoice didn’t include that charge, you must send the customer a separate ‘Supplementary charge invoice’ within 45 days. The invoice must contain specific details linking it to the original VAT invoice.
Issue VAT‑compliant invoice for intermediate supplies
2 years imprisonmentIf your business acts as an intermediate supplier and makes a sale that falls under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give the customer an invoice that meets the VAT rules of the EU member state that issued your VAT number, includes at least the whole supply, and is sent no later than 15 days after the date the supply would otherwise be treated as having taken place. If you’ve already issued an invoice that satisfies most of the requirements, you do not need to send a second one.
Issue VAT‑compliant invoice for intermediate supplies
If your business acts as an intermediate supplier and sells goods that have been removed to the UK, you must give your customer an invoice that meets the required VAT rules. The invoice has to be issued within 15 days of the date the sale would normally be treated as taking place and must cover the whole supply. If you have already issued an invoice that meets most of the requirements, you do not need to send another one.
Issue VAT invoice for EU supplies
When you sell goods or services to a customer in another EU member state that falls under the specific VAT rule, you must give them a VAT invoice that meets the standard invoice requirements. This means you need to prepare and send the correct invoice for each such sale.
Issue VAT invoice for services on goods in fiscal/warehousing schemes
If your business provides services on goods that are stored under a fiscal or other warehousing regime and you want to zero‑rate those services for VAT, you must give the customer a VAT invoice. The invoice must contain a set list of details and be sent within 30 days of when the service was provided.
Issue VAT invoice for services under fiscal warehousing regime
If your business provides services that relate to goods held in a fiscal or other warehousing scheme, you must give the customer a VAT invoice that shows all the required details – including that the VAT rate is 0% – and you must do this within 30 days of delivering the service. The invoice must contain the supplier and customer details, a description of the services, the amount payable (excluding VAT), any cash discount, and a statement that the conditions for zero‑rating have been met.
Issue VAT invoice for zero‑rated services within 30 days
If you provide services on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing scheme and you want those services to be zero‑rated for VAT, you must give the customer a VAT invoice that includes all the required details. The invoice must be sent within 30 days of when the service was actually performed (or later if HMRC grants an extension).
Issue VAT invoices for lease payments with required details
If you let property and charge rent or lease payments on a periodic basis, you must treat each payment as a separate supply of goods for VAT. You need to issue a VAT invoice at the start of each payment period (not longer than one year) that shows the payment dates, the amount before VAT, the VAT rate and the VAT amount, and account for VAT when the payment is due or when you receive it.
Keep all required VAT records
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep a full set of records for VAT accounting. This includes your business and accounting books, your VAT account, copies of every sales and purchase VAT invoice, certificates for intra‑EU transactions, import/export paperwork and any self‑billing agreements.
Keep and maintain a detailed VAT account
If your business is registered for VAT you must keep a separate VAT account for each accounting period. The account must be split into a ‘VAT payable’ part (outgoing tax you owe) and a ‘VAT allowable’ part (tax you can reclaim), and each part must include the specific totals and any adjustments set out in the regulations. This record must be kept up‑to‑date and be available for inspection by HMRC.
Keep and maintain a VAT account for each accounting period
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep a separate VAT account for every tax period. The account has two parts – a payable side for the VAT you owe (output tax, import VAT, adjustments) and an allowable side for the VAT you can reclaim (input tax, adjustments). This record must be kept up to date so you can correctly file your VAT returns.
Keep and maintain VAT records electronically
If your business is VAT‑registered you must store all required VAT information in an electronic account. The account has to be kept on software that HMRC has approved, and you must update it with the required details for each accounting period before you submit your VAT return, and correct any changes or errors by the end of that period.
Keep and provide a fiscal warehousing record
If you run a fiscal warehouse you must keep a detailed record of all goods stored there, in a format that HMRC approves. The record has to be kept for at least six years after the goods leave the warehouse and must be shown to HMRC officers when they ask for it or allow them to inspect the goods.
Keep and retain VAT records for six years
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep your accounting records and copies of all invoices that fall under the VAT scheme, and you must hold them for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC permits). You also need to follow any extra record‑keeping instructions that HMRC may give you.
Keep and retain VAT records for six years
If your business is VAT‑registered, you must keep your accounting records and a copy of every VAT invoice you issue. Store them safely and keep them for at least six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows). This lets HMRC check your VAT returns if needed.
Keep business and invoice records for 6 years
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep your accounting books and copies of all invoices covered by the VAT rules, and retain them for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows). You also have to follow any extra record‑keeping instructions that HMRC may issue.
Keep detailed records for each VAT claim
Whenever you make a claim to HMRC for a VAT refund (e.g. for a bad debt), you must keep a detailed record of that claim. The record must include the VAT amount, the accounting period it relates to, invoice details or other identifying information, any payments received, the outstanding amount, the claim amount, the period you made the claim, and a copy of the required notice. All such records must be stored together in a single “refunds for bad debts” account.
Keep detailed records for each VAT claim
Whenever you make a claim to HMRC for a VAT refund you must keep a record of that claim. The record must show the VAT amount on each supply, the accounting period it was paid, invoice details (or enough info to identify the sale), any payments received, the outstanding amount, the total claim amount, the period you made the claim and a copy of the notice required. All these records must be stored together in a single ‘refunds for bad debts’ account.
Keep detailed records for each VAT refund claim
Whenever your business makes a claim to HMRC for a VAT refund (e.g., bad‑debt relief), you must keep a record of that claim. The record must contain specific details such as the VAT amount, accounting period, invoice information, payments received, the outstanding amount, the claim amount and the notice you sent. All of these records must be stored together in one dedicated “refunds for bad debts” account.
Keep detailed records for VAT bad debt claims
If you claim a VAT refund for a bad debt, you must keep a detailed record for each claim. The record must include the VAT amount, the accounting period, invoice details (or enough information to identify the transaction), any payments received, the outstanding amount, the claim amount, the period in which you made the claim and a copy of the required notice. All of these records must be stored together in a single “refunds for bad debts” account.
Keep detailed records for VAT bad‑debt refund claims
If you claim a VAT refund for a bad debt, you must keep a record of each claim with specific details – the VAT amount, the accounting period it relates to, invoice or identifying information, any payments received, the outstanding amount, the claim amount, the accounting period you made the claim and a copy of the notice required by regulation 166A – and store all of these records in one dedicated “refunds for bad debts” account.
Keep detailed records for VAT bad‑debt refund claims
If your business claims a VAT refund because a customer has not paid (a bad debt), you must keep a record for each claim that includes the VAT amount, the accounting period, invoice details or other identifying information, any payment received, the outstanding debt, the claim amount, the period the claim is made, and a copy of the required notice. All these records must be stored together in a single “refunds for bad debts” account.
Keep detailed records for VAT refund claims
Whenever you make a claim to HMRC for a VAT refund (for example, a bad‑debt claim), you must keep a record of that claim. The record must contain specific details – the VAT amount, the accounting period, invoice details or other identifying information, any payment received, the outstanding amount, the claim amount, the period the claim was made and a copy of the notice required under regulation 166A – and it must be stored in a single “refunds for bad debts” account.
Keep detailed records of VAT bad‑debt claims
If your business makes a claim to HMRC for a VAT refund on a bad debt, you must record the claim in detail. The record must include the VAT amount, the accounting period, invoice details, any payment received, the outstanding amount, the claim amount, the period you made the claim and a copy of the required notice. All these records must be kept together in a single “refunds for bad debts account”.
Keep detailed records of VAT bad‑debt claims
When you make a claim to HMRC for a VAT refund on a bad debt, you must keep a record of each claim showing the VAT amount, the accounting period it relates to, invoice details (or enough information to identify the sale), any payment received, the outstanding amount, the total claim amount, the accounting period the claim was made, and a copy of the notice required by regulation 166A. All of these records must be kept together in a single “refunds for bad debts” account.
Keep detailed records of VAT refund claims
If your business makes a claim to HMRC for a VAT refund (for example, on a bad‑debt), you must keep a record of each claim. The record must show the VAT amount, the accounting period, invoice details, any payments received, the outstanding amount, the claim amount, the period you made the claim and a copy of the required notice. All such records have to be stored together in a single “refunds for bad debts” account.
Keep detailed records of VAT refund claims
Whenever you make a claim to HMRC for a VAT refund (for example, on a bad debt), you must keep a record of that claim. The record must include the VAT amount, the accounting period, invoice details, any payment received, the outstanding amount, the claim amount, the period the claim was made and a copy of the required notice, and all of these records must be stored in a single “refunds for bad debts” account.
Keep evidence for VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons abroad
2 years imprisonmentIf you sell excise‑duty goods (such as alcohol, tobacco or fuel) to a buyer who isn’t registered for VAT in another EU member state, you must retain the proper paperwork to prove the supply. This evidence is needed to support any VAT deduction you claim on those goods.
Keep full VAT records
If your business is registered for VAT you must keep a complete set of records for every VAT transaction. This includes your normal accounting books, a VAT account, copies of all VAT invoices you issue and receive, certificates for intra‑EU trade, and any other documents required by HMRC. The records must be available for inspection whenever HMRC asks.
Keep proper evidence before making a VAT claim
Before you lodge a claim for a VAT refund, you must have the relevant paperwork ready. This includes a copy of the VAT invoice (or, if none was required, a document showing the details of the sale), proof that you have accounted for and paid the VAT, and evidence that any unpaid amount has been written off as a bad debt. Without these records the claim can be rejected.
Keep records of all consumer reimbursements
Whenever you pay back a consumer (or plan to), you must record who they are, how much you paid them, any interest you included and the date of the payment. This helps HMRC check that your VAT returns are correct and that you have evidence of the transactions.
Keep records of consumer reimbursements
If your business reimburses a consumer (or plans to do so) you must keep a written record of each reimbursement. Record the consumer’s name and address, the total amount paid back, any interest added, and the date you made the payment. These records must be kept and be available for inspection if HMRC asks for them.
Keep records of consumer reimbursements
If your business reimburses a consumer (or plans to), you must keep a clear record of each payment. This includes the consumer’s name and address, how much you paid, any interest added, and the date of the payment. The records must be kept so you can show them to HMRC if asked.
Keep records of consumer reimbursements
If your business reimburses a consumer (or plans to do so) you must maintain a record for each payment. The record must show the consumer’s name and address, the total amount paid, any interest that was part of the payment, and the date the reimbursement was made. This helps HMRC verify that any VAT adjustments are correct.
Keep records of consumer reimbursements
If your business refunds customers, you must keep a clear record for each refund. Record the consumer’s name and address, the total amount you paid back, any interest included, and the date of the payment. These records are needed for VAT compliance and to satisfy HMRC if they check your claims.
Keep records of consumer reimbursements
If your business pays back a consumer – whether as a refund, compensation or any other reimbursement – you must record who was paid, how much they received, any interest included and the date of the payment. Keeping these details lets HMRC check that the correct VAT has been accounted for.
Keep records of consumer reimbursements
If your business reimburses a consumer (or plans to), you must keep a record of each repayment. The record must show the consumer’s name and address, the total amount paid back, any interest included, and the date the payment was made. HMRC can ask to see these records, so you need them readily available.
Keep records of consumer reimbursements
If your business repays, or plans to repay, a consumer you must keep a simple record for each case. The record must show the consumer’s name and address, how much you paid them, any interest included, and the date of the payment. This information must be kept up‑to‑date and available for inspection.
Keep records of consumer reimbursements
Whenever your business reimburses a consumer – or plans to do so – you must record who the consumer is, how much you paid them (including any interest) and the date of the payment. These details must be kept as part of your VAT records.
Keep records of consumer reimbursements
If your business reimburses a consumer (or plans to do so), you must keep a record of each case. The record must show the consumer’s name and address, how much you paid them, any interest you included, and the date of the payment. This helps HMRC check that any VAT refunds are correctly accounted for.
Keep records of consumer reimbursements
Whenever you refund a customer you must keep a clear record that shows the customer’s name and address, the total amount you paid them, any interest you added, and the date you made the payment. These records let HMRC verify that any VAT refunds you’ve claimed are correct.
Keep required documents before making a VAT claim
Before you claim a VAT deduction (for example, a bad‑debt relief claim), you must have the appropriate paperwork on hand. You need a copy of the VAT invoice (or a document showing the details of the supply if no invoice was required), proof that you have accounted for and paid the VAT, and evidence that the amount has been written off as a bad debt in your accounts.
Keep required documents before making a VAT claim
Before you submit any claim for VAT (for example a refund or credit), you must have the proper paperwork ready. You need a copy of the VAT invoice (or other proof of the sale), proof that you have accounted for and paid the VAT, and records showing any bad‑debt written off. Without these you cannot lodge the claim.
Keep required evidence before making a VAT bad‑debt claim
If you want to claim VAT relief on a debt you’ve written off, you must have the supporting paperwork ready before you submit the claim. This means keeping a copy of the VAT invoice (or, if no invoice was required, a document showing the time, nature, buyer and amount), proof that you’ve accounted for and paid the VAT, and evidence that the debt has been written off as a bad debt.
Keep required evidence before making a VAT claim
Before you submit a VAT claim (for example, to recover VAT on a bad debt), you must have the proper paperwork ready. You need a copy of the VAT invoice (or a document showing the sale details), proof that you’ve accounted for and paid the VAT, and evidence that the debt has been written off as a bad debt.
Keep required evidence before making a VAT claim
If you want to claim back VAT, you must have the proper paperwork ready for each supply you’re claiming on. This includes a copy of the VAT invoice (or, if no invoice was required, a document showing the date, nature, buyer and amount), proof that you have accounted for and paid the VAT, and evidence that any unpaid amount has been written off as a bad debt. All of this must be held before you submit the claim to the Commissioners.
Keep required evidence before making a VAT claim
If your business wants to claim VAT relief (for example, on a bad debt), you must have on hand the supporting paperwork before you submit the claim. This means you need the invoice (or equivalent document), proof you have accounted for and paid the VAT, and evidence that the debt has been written off as a bad debt.
Keep required evidence before submitting a VAT bad‑debt claim
If your business wants to claim VAT back on a bad debt, you must have the proper paperwork ready before you make the claim. You need a copy of the original VAT invoice (or a suitable alternative document), proof that you have accounted for and paid the VAT, and records showing the debt has been written off as bad. Without these you cannot support your claim to HMRC.
Keep required evidence before submitting a VAT claim
Before you claim a VAT refund or deduction, you must have on hand a copy of the VAT invoice (or another document that shows the time, nature, purchaser and amount of the supply), proof that you have accounted for and paid the VAT, and evidence that the debt has been written off as a bad debt. Without these records your claim may be rejected.
Keep required records before making a VAT claim
If you want to claim back VAT from HMRC, you must have the proper paperwork ready first. This includes a copy of any VAT invoice (or an alternative document showing the sale details), proof that you have accounted for and paid the VAT, and evidence that any unpaid amount has been written off as a bad debt. Without these documents your claim may be rejected.
Keep required VAT evidence before making a claim
Before you submit any VAT claim to HMRC, you must have the proper paperwork ready. This means keeping a copy of the VAT invoice (or, if no invoice was required, a document showing the time, nature, buyer and price of the supply), plus records that show you have accounted for and paid the VAT and that any unpaid amounts have been written off as bad debts. If you don’t have this evidence, your claim can be rejected.
Keep required VAT records
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep a full set of VAT‑related records – your normal business and accounting books, a VAT account, copies of every VAT invoice you issue and receive, and all documents relating to intra‑EU trade, imports, exports and self‑billing agreements. The same applies if you are not VAT‑registered but buy excise goods or a new means of transport from another EU state, as HMRC may require records for those acquisitions. You need to retain these records and make them available for inspection.
Keep required VAT records
If your business is VAT‑registered, you must keep a full set of records for VAT accounting. This includes your normal business and accounting records, a VAT account, copies of all VAT invoices you issue and receive, relevant certificates, import and export paperwork, self‑billing agreements, supplier details, and any extra records the Commissioners later require.
Keep required VAT records
If your business is registered for VAT, you must retain a full set of records that HMRC can inspect. This includes your accounting books, VAT account, copies of all VAT invoices you issue and receive, certificates for intra‑EU transactions, import/export paperwork, self‑billing agreements and any electronic account required by regulation 32A. The list can be expanded by HMRC notices, so you should keep everything that relates to your VAT accounting.
Keep required VAT records
If your business is registered for VAT you must retain a full set of records for VAT accounting. This includes your normal business and accounting books, your VAT account, copies of every VAT invoice you issue and receive, certificates for intra‑EU transactions, transport documents, import‑export paperwork, any self‑billing agreements and any extra records HMRC may later require. Keeping these records organised and available is essential for VAT returns and any HMRC enquiries.
Keep required VAT records
If your business is registered for VAT, you must retain a full set of records to support your VAT accounting. This includes your normal business and accounting records, a separate VAT account, copies of every VAT invoice you issue and receive, certificates and documents for any intra‑EU trade, transport paperwork, import/export documents, self‑billing agreements and any other records that HMRC may add later. You need to keep these records up‑to‑date and available for inspection.
Keep required VAT records
If your business is registered for VAT, you must retain a full set of VAT‑related documents. This includes your normal accounting records, your VAT account, copies of every VAT invoice you issue and receive, certificates and paperwork for intra‑EU transactions, import‑export documents, self‑billing agreements and any other records the Commissioners may later require. Keeping these records lets HMRC check that you have accounted for VAT correctly.
Keep required VAT records
If your business is VAT‑registered, you must retain a full set of VAT‑related records – such as your business and accounting books, your VAT account, copies of every VAT invoice you issue and receive, certificates for intra‑EU transactions, import/export paperwork, self‑billing agreements and any electronic account required. These records support your VAT returns and must be kept and available for inspection.
Keep required VAT records before making a claim
Before you submit a VAT claim (for example to recover VAT on a bad debt), you must have the relevant paperwork ready – a VAT invoice or other evidence of the sale, proof you’ve accounted for and paid the VAT, and proof the debt has been written off. If you don’t hold these documents you cannot make the claim.
Keep VAT claim documents for 4 years and produce them on request
If you make a VAT claim, you must keep all the invoices, receipts and other paperwork that support the claim for four years from the date you lodge it. When HMRC or another authorised official asks, you must let them inspect those records and take copies at a reasonable time.
Keep VAT claim documents for 4 years and provide them on request
If you submit a VAT claim, you must retain all supporting paperwork – invoices, receipts and other records – for four years from the date of the claim. If HMRC or another authorised person asks, you must show those documents and let them inspect them at a reasonable time.
Keep VAT claim documents for 4 years and provide them on request
When you make a VAT claim you must hold onto all the related invoices, records and other documents for four years from the date you lodge the claim. If HMRC or another authorised officer asks, you must show those documents and allow them to inspect or copy them at a reasonable time.
Keep VAT claim records for 4 years and produce them on request
When you submit a VAT claim you must keep all related invoices and records for four years from the date you made the claim. If HMRC or another authorised person asks, you must show them the documents and let them inspect them at a reasonable time.
Keep VAT claim records for 4 years and produce them on request
When you make a VAT refund claim, you must hold onto all the related invoices, documents and records for four years from the date you lodged the claim. If HMRC or another authorised person asks, you must show them those records and let them inspect or copy them.
Keep VAT claim records for 4 years and produce them on request
If you make a VAT reclaim, you must retain all the invoices, receipts and other documents that support the claim for four years from the date you submit the claim. When HMRC or another authorised person asks, you must show those records and allow them to take copies for a reasonable period.
Keep VAT claim records for 4 years and produce them on request
If your business makes a VAT refund or other VAT claim, you must hold on to all the supporting paperwork for four years from the date you make the claim. HMRC (or another authorised officer) can ask to see those documents at any time, and you must let them inspect and copy them. Failing to keep or produce the records can lead to enforcement action.
Keep VAT claim records for 4 years and produce them on request
When your business makes a VAT claim (for example, a refund claim) you must keep all supporting invoices, documents and records for four years from the date of the claim. If HMRC or another authorised officer asks to see those documents, you must provide them and allow them to inspect them at a reasonable time.
Keep VAT claim records for 4 years and provide them on request
If your business makes a VAT refund claim, you must retain all related invoices and records for four years from the date you submit the claim. When HMRC or another authorised person asks, you must show those documents and let them inspect them.
Keep VAT claim records for 4 years and provide them on request
When you make a VAT claim you must hold on to all the invoices, receipts and other paperwork that support that claim for four years from the date you lodged the claim. If HMRC or another authorised person asks to see those documents, you must show them the records and let them copy them at a reasonable time.
Keep VAT claim records for 4 years and provide them on request
If you make a VAT claim you must retain all the supporting documents, invoices and records for four years from the date you submit the claim. When HMRC or another authorised officer asks to see them, you must produce the records for inspection and let them review them at a reasonable time.
Keep VAT claim records for 4 years and provide them on request
If you make a VAT claim, you must hold onto all the invoices, receipts and other records that support that claim for four years from the date you lodged the claim. When HMRC or another authorised person asks, you must show those documents and let them inspect them at a reasonable time.
Keep VAT invoices and claim input tax on time
When your business pays VAT on purchases, imports or EU acquisitions you must claim the amount back on your VAT return for the period when the tax became chargeable, and you must hold the appropriate invoice or supporting document at the time you claim. If you don’t have the document yet you can claim in the first period you receive it, but you must not wait more than four years (and you cannot claim for periods that should have been filed before 31 Mar 2006). Keep the correct paperwork for each type of supply and, if you can’t work out the exact amount, estimate it and adjust later.
Keep VAT records and invoices for six years
If you are VAT‑registered, you must retain your business and accounting records together with copies of every VAT invoice required by the regulations. Keep these records safe and be ready to show them to HMRC for up to six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows).
Keep VAT records and invoices for six years
If you are a VAT‑registered business (a certified person), you must retain all your business and accounting records plus copies of the invoices that count for input tax. You also have to follow any extra record‑keeping directions HMRC gives you, and you must keep everything for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows).
Keep VAT records and invoices for six years
If you are a VAT‑registered business you must keep all of your business and accounting records, plus copies of every VAT invoice covered by regulation 209(3). These records have to be preserved for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC allows). You also need to follow any extra record‑keeping rules the Commissioners may issue.
Keep VAT records and make them available to HMRC
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is registered for VAT, you must keep all VAT‑related paperwork (invoices, receipts, import/export documents, VAT returns, etc.) for at least six years. You also have to be ready to show those records to HMRC when they ask for them. Failing to do so can lead to fines and prosecution.
Keep VAT records and produce them on HMRC request
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is registered for VAT, you must keep all VAT‑related paperwork – invoices, receipts, import/export documents and accounting records – for at least six years. You also have to be ready to show those records to HMRC whenever they ask. Failing to keep or provide the documents can attract unlimited fines and possible imprisonment.
Keep VAT records and produce them on HMRC request
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep all VAT‑related paperwork (invoices, receipts, account books, etc.) for at least six years. You must be ready to show these records to HMRC whenever they ask. Failing to do so can lead to enforcement action and financial penalties.
Keep VAT records and provide them to HMRC on request
If your business is registered for VAT, you must retain all VAT‑related paperwork – sales invoices, purchase invoices, import/export documents, VAT returns and supporting records – for the required period. You also need to be able to show these records to HMRC whenever they ask. Not doing so can lead to civil penalties.
Keep VAT records and provide them to HMRC on request
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is registered for VAT you must retain all VAT‑related paperwork – sales and purchase invoices, receipts, credit notes, import/export documents and your VAT account – for the required period. You must be able to show these records to HMRC whenever they ask. Not keeping them can lead to unlimited fines and even imprisonment.
Keep VAT records for 6 years
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is VAT‑registered you must retain all of your accounting records and copies of every VAT invoice for six years. You also have to follow any additional record‑keeping rules that HMRC may give you. This means setting up a system to store, protect and retrieve these documents whenever they are needed.
Keep VAT records for 6 years and provide them on request
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is registered for VAT, you must keep all VAT‑related documents (invoices, receipts, import/export paperwork, VAT returns, etc.) for at least six years. HMRC can ask to see these records at any time, and you must be able to produce them promptly.
Keep VAT records for at least 6 years
If your business is VAT‑registered you must retain your accounting books and copies of all invoices covered by regulation 209(3), plus any other records HMRC tells you to keep. You must preserve these records for six years (or a shorter period if the Commissioners allow it), so you need a safe, organised system and be ready to produce them on request.
Keep VAT records for at least 6 years and produce them on request
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is registered for VAT, you must keep all VAT‑related paperwork – sales invoices, purchase invoices, receipts, VAT returns and any other supporting documents – for a minimum of six years. HMRC can ask to see these records at any time, and you must provide them without undue delay.
Keep VAT records for at least 6 years and produce them on request
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep all the paperwork that supports your VAT returns – invoices, receipts, import/export documents, VAT account sheets, etc. – for a minimum of six years after the end of the accounting period they relate to. HMRC can ask to see these records at any time, and you must be able to provide them.
Keep VAT records for at least 6 years and provide them on HMRC request
If your business is registered for VAT, you must retain all VAT‑related paperwork – sales invoices, purchase receipts, import documents, your VAT account and any other supporting records – for a minimum of six years. HMRC can ask to see these records at any time, and you must be able to produce them promptly.
Keep VAT records for at least six years and provide them on request
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is VAT‑registered you must retain all the paperwork that underpins your VAT returns – sales invoices, purchase invoices, import/export documents, credit notes and your VAT account – for a minimum of six years. HMRC can ask to see these records at any time, so you need to keep them organised and readily accessible.
Keep VAT records for six years
If your business is a VAT‑registered (certified) person, you must keep full business and accounting records and copies of all invoices required under the VAT Regulations. You have to retain these records for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC permits) and follow any extra record‑keeping directions the Commissioners give you. Failure to do so could lead to enforcement action.
Keep VAT records for six years
If you're a VAT‑registered business you must keep all your business and accounting records, plus the copies of invoices required by regulation 209(3), for at least six years. You also have to follow any extra record‑keeping rules that HMRC may tell you about.
Keep VAT records for six years
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep your accounting books and a copy of every VAT invoice you issue (or that is issued on your behalf). HMRC can also ask you to keep any other records they notify you about. You must retain all these records for six years, or for a shorter period if HMRC permits.
Keep VAT records for six years and produce them on request
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is VAT‑registered you must retain all VAT‑related paperwork – invoices, receipts, account books, digital files, etc – for at least six years after the end of the accounting period they relate to. You also have to be ready to show those records to HMRC whenever they ask. In practice this means setting up a filing or digital storage system that keeps the documents safe and searchable for the whole retention period.
Keep VAT records for six years and provide them on request
2 years imprisonmentYou must retain all documents that support your VAT returns – invoices, receipts, accounting entries and any digital files – for at least six years. HMRC can ask to see these records at any time, so you need to be able to produce them promptly.
Maintain a detailed VAT account each accounting period
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep a separate VAT account for every tax period. The account must be split into a ‘VAT payable’ side (what you owe) and a ‘VAT allowable’ side (what you can reclaim), each containing the specific totals and any adjustments required by the regulations.
Maintain and provide a fiscal warehousing record
If you run a fiscal warehouse, you must keep a detailed record of the goods stored, in a format that HMRC can inspect, and retain the information for up to six years after the goods leave the warehouse. You also have to show the record or let officers inspect the goods whenever they ask.
Maintain and provide a fiscal warehousing record
If your business operates a fiscal warehouse, you must keep a detailed record of the goods stored there, in a format HMRC accepts. Keep the record for up to six years after the goods leave the regime, and be ready to show the record or the goods themselves to any HMRC officer who asks.
Maintain and provide a fiscal warehousing record
If your business operates a fiscal warehouse, you must keep a detailed record of all goods held under the fiscal warehousing scheme. The record must be kept in a format the Commissioners accept, be easy for inspectors to use, and be kept for at least six years after the goods leave the scheme. You also have to show the record to any HMRC officer who asks for it and allow them to inspect the goods.
Maintain and provide a fiscal warehousing record
If your business operates a fiscal warehouse, you must keep a detailed fiscal warehousing record that meets HMRC’s requirements and can be easily inspected or reproduced. The record must be kept for up to six years after any goods leave the warehouse, and you must show the record (or copies) and allow inspection of the goods whenever a proper officer asks.
Maintain and provide a fiscal warehousing record
If you run a fiscal warehouse, you must keep a detailed record of all goods stored there in a format that HMRC (the Commissioners) will accept. The record has to be easy for an officer to view or copy, and you must keep it for at least six years after the goods leave the warehouse. You also have to show the record or let officers inspect the goods whenever they ask.
Maintain and provide fiscal warehousing records
If you run a fiscal warehouse you must keep a detailed record of all goods stored, in a format that HMRC officers can inspect and copy. Keep the record for at least six years after any goods leave the warehouse, and show the record or allow inspection of the goods whenever a tax officer asks.
Maintain and provide fiscal warehousing records
If you run a fiscal warehouse, you must keep a detailed record of all goods stored there, in a format approved by HMRC. Keep this record for at least six years after the goods leave the warehouse and be ready to show it or let officers copy it whenever HMRC asks.
Maintain and provide fiscal warehousing records
If your business operates a fiscal warehouse, you must keep a detailed fiscal warehousing record for each warehouse you run. The record must meet the requirements in Schedule 1A, be kept for at least six years after the goods leave the regime, and be ready for inspection or copying by HMRC officers on request. You also have to allow officers to inspect any goods stored in the warehouse.
Maintain and provide fiscal warehousing records
If your business operates a fiscal warehouse, you must keep a detailed record of the goods stored, retain that record for at least six years after the goods leave the warehouse, and be ready to show the record (or the goods themselves) to HMRC officers when they ask.
Maintain and provide fiscal warehousing records
If you run a fiscal warehouse you must keep a detailed record of all goods stored there, in a format the tax authorities accept. Keep the record for up to six years after the goods leave the warehouse and be ready to show it – or let officers inspect the goods – whenever a proper officer asks.
Maintain and provide fiscal warehousing records
If your business runs a fiscal warehouse you must keep a detailed record of the goods stored, in a format that HMRC officers can use. The record has to meet the specified requirements, be kept for up to six years after the goods leave the regime, and must be shown to an officer or allow inspection of the goods when they ask.
Maintain and retain VAT records for six years
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep all of your business and accounting records, plus copies of every invoice required under VAT rules. You must preserve these records for six years (or a shorter period if HMRC permits) and follow any additional record‑keeping instructions the Commissioners send you.
Maintain an electronic VAT account
If your business is registered for VAT you must keep an electronic VAT record (the “electronic account”) that contains the details set out in the regulation. The account must be kept using software approved by HMRC, populated with the required transaction data for each accounting period before you submit your VAT return, and updated promptly if details change or errors are found.
Maintain an electronic VAT account
You must keep a digital VAT account that records your business details and a full breakdown of every supply you make and receive for each VAT accounting period. The account has to be kept in HMRC‑approved software and the information must be entered by the VAT return deadline, with any errors corrected promptly.
Maintain an electronic VAT account with required details
You must keep a digital record – the ‘electronic account’ – of the information HMRC requires for VAT. This includes your business name, address, VAT number, any accounting schemes you use, and details of every supply you make or receive each VAT period. The account must be kept on software approved by HMRC and updated by the filing deadline for each period, with any changes or errors corrected by the end of that period.
Maintain a register of temporary movement of goods to/from EU
2 years imprisonmentIf your business sends goods to, or receives goods from, another EU member state and the goods are expected to be returned within two years, you must keep a detailed log of each movement. The log must record dates of removal and return, a description of the goods, any processing carried out, and the values involved. HMRC can inspect this register at any time.
Maintain a register of temporary movement of goods to/from EU states
If you send goods to or receive goods from another EU Member State and plan to return them within two years, you must keep a detailed log of each movement. The log must record the dates of removal and receipt, a clear description of the goods, any processing carried out, and the value of the goods and any work done. This register is required for VAT purposes and may be inspected by HMRC.
Maintain a register of temporary movement of goods to/from EU states
If your business moves goods to or receives goods from another EU member state and you intend to return them within two years, you must keep a detailed register of each movement. The register must record dates, descriptions, any processing done, and the values involved. HMRC can check this register during a VAT inspection.
Maintain a register of temporary movement of goods to/from other EU states
If your business moves goods to or receives goods from another EU member state and you intend to return them within two years, you must keep a detailed register of those movements. The register must include dates of removal and return, a clear description of the goods, any work carried out on them, and the value of the goods and any processing. HMRC may require additional information to be recorded.
Maintain a register of temporary movement of goods to/from other EU states
If you send goods to, or receive goods from, another EU member state and you intend to return them within two years, you must keep a detailed log of each movement. The log must record dates of export and return, a description of the goods, any processing carried out, and the amounts involved. HMRC can inspect this register at any time.
Maintain a register of temporary movement of goods to/from other EU states
If your business is VAT‑registered and you send goods to, or receive goods from, another EU member state with the intention of returning them within two years, you must keep a detailed log. The log has to record the dates of the movements, a clear description of the goods, any processing done, and the value of the goods and any services provided.
Maintain a register of temporary movements of goods to/from EU states
2 years imprisonmentIf your business moves goods to, or receives goods from, another EU member state and you expect them to be returned within two years, you must keep a detailed log of each movement. The log must record the dates of removal and return, a clear description of the goods, any processing carried out, and the value of the goods and any work done.
Maintain a register of temporary movements of goods to/from other EU states
If your VAT‑registered business moves goods to or receives goods from another EU Member State and you intend to bring them back within two years, you must keep a detailed register of each movement. The register must include dates of export and return, a clear description of the goods, any processing carried out, and the amounts charged.
Maintain a register of temporary movements of goods to/from other EU states
If your business moves goods to or receives goods from another EU member state and you intend to return them within two years, you must keep a detailed register of those movements. The register must record dates, descriptions, any processing carried out, and the value of the goods and any work done on them. HMRC can check this register at any time, so it needs to be up‑to‑date and complete.
Maintain a VAT account for each accounting period
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep a detailed VAT account for every VAT accounting period. The account must be split into a payable side (output tax, import VAT, required adjustments) and an allowable side (input tax and related adjustments). This record is the basis for your VAT return and must be kept up to date.
Maintain a VAT account for each accounting period
If your business is registered for VAT you must keep a separate VAT account for every VAT accounting period. The account must be split into a ‘payable’ side (output tax, EU acquisitions, import VAT, and any adjustments) and an ‘allowable’ side (input tax, EU acquisitions, and adjustments). This record is the basis for calculating the VAT you owe or can reclaim.
Maintain a VAT account for each accounting period
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep a separate VAT account for every tax period. The account has to be split into a payable side (output tax, import VAT, and any adjustments) and an allowable side (input tax and any adjustments). You need to update it regularly so it reflects the figures required for your VAT returns.
Maintain a VAT account split into payable and allowable parts
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep a separate VAT account for each accounting period. The account has to be divided into a ‘VAT payable’ section (output tax, import VAT, etc.) and a ‘VAT allowable’ section (input tax, recoverable EU acquisitions, etc.), showing the totals and any required adjustments.
Maintain a VAT account split into payable and allowable parts
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep a VAT account for every VAT accounting period. The account has to be split into a ‘VAT payable’ section (output tax, imports, EU acquisitions, and any adjustments) and a ‘VAT allowable’ section (input tax you can reclaim and any adjustments). This record must be kept up to date and be available for inspection by HMRC.
Maintain a VAT account split into payable and allowable portions
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep a separate VAT account for each accounting period. The account has to be divided into a ‘VAT payable’ part (output tax, intra‑EU acquisitions, import VAT, etc.) and a ‘VAT allowable’ part (input tax you can reclaim), and you must record any corrections or adjustments required by other VAT regulations.
Maintain a VAT account with payable and allowable sections
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep a VAT account for every accounting period. The account has to be split into a VAT payable part (output tax, acquisition tax, import VAT, etc.) and a VAT allowable part (input tax) and must include all required totals and any adjustments. This record lets you work out how much VAT you owe and how much you can reclaim.
Maintain a VAT account with payable and allowable sections
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep a VAT account for every accounting period. The account must be split into a ‘VAT payable’ part (what you owe HMRC) and a ‘VAT allowable’ part (what you can reclaim), and each part must record the totals and any adjustments set out in the regulations.
Maintain a VAT account with payable and allowable sections
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is VAT‑registered, you must keep a VAT account for every tax period. The account has two parts – one showing all VAT you owe (output tax, import VAT, EU acquisitions, etc.) and one showing all VAT you can reclaim (input tax, EU acquisitions, adjustments). This record must be kept up to date and be available for HMRC to inspect.
Maintain detailed records for VAT refund claims
Whenever you claim a VAT refund for a bad debt, you must keep a full record for each claim. The record must show the VAT amount, the accounting period, invoice details or other identifying information, any payment received, the outstanding amount, the claim amount, the period the claim was made and a copy of the required notice. All of these records have to be kept together in one “refunds for bad debts” account.
Maintain electronic VAT records
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep an electronic VAT account that contains your business details and the details of every supply you make or receive each accounting period. The records must be kept in approved software and updated by the filing deadline, with any changes or errors corrected by the end of the period they occur.
Maintain electronic VAT records and submit them on time
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep all the information HMRC requires in an electronic ‘VAT account’. This includes your business details, the details of every sale and purchase each accounting period, any adjustments and the proportion of outputs by rate. You must use software approved by HMRC, enter the data by the filing deadline and correct any errors as soon as you notice them.
Maintain electronic VAT records as required
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep a digital VAT account that contains your business details, the VAT scheme you use and, for every accounting period, details of every sale and purchase – including dates, values, tax rates and input tax claimed. The account must be kept in software approved by HMRC, updated by the filing deadline, and any errors must be corrected as soon as they are found.
Maintain electronic VAT records (electronic account)
If you are VAT‑registered you must keep all the information HMRC requires in an electronic ‘account’. This includes your business details, any VAT schemes you use and, for each accounting period, details of every supply you make or receive, adjustments and the breakdown of rates. The record must be kept in software approved by HMRC and updated by the filing deadline for each VAT return.
Maintain electronic VAT records (electronic account)
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep all the required VAT information in an electronic account. The account must contain your business details, the VAT schemes you use and, for every accounting period, the time, value and VAT rate of each supply and purchase, plus any adjustments. The data must be entered and kept up to date using software approved by HMRC.
Maintain electronic VAT records (electronic account)
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep an electronic account that contains your name, business address, VAT number, any VAT schemes you use, and detailed information about every supply you make or receive each accounting period. The record has to be kept in software approved by HMRC, updated by the filing deadline and corrected promptly if you spot any errors.
Maintain electronic VAT records in approved software
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep an electronic VAT account that contains your name, address, registration number, any VAT schemes you use and, for each accounting period, details of every supply you make and receive, adjustments and the breakdown of standard, reduced, zero‑rated, exempt and outside‑scope sales. The account has to be kept in HMRC‑approved “functional compatible” software and updated by the filing deadline, with any errors corrected as soon as they are spotted.
Maintain electronic VAT records using approved software
If your business is VAT‑registered you must keep an electronic VAT account that contains your business details, the VAT schemes you use and detailed information on every sale and purchase for each accounting period. The data has to be entered by the earlier of the VAT return deadline or the filing date, updated by the end of the period for any changes, and corrected promptly if errors are found. You must use software that HMRC has approved as “functional compatible”.
Maintain records of consumer reimbursements
If your business reimburses a consumer (or plans to do so), you must keep a record of each payment. For every reimbursement you need to note the consumer’s name and address, the total amount paid, any interest added, and the date the payment was made.
Maintain register of temporary movement of goods
If you move goods to or from another EU member state and intend to bring them back within two years, you must keep a detailed register of those movements. The register must record the dates of removal and return, a clear description of the goods, any processing done, and the value of the goods and any work carried out.
Maintain register of temporary movement of goods to/from EU
If your business temporarily exports or imports goods to or from another EU member state and plans to have them back within two years, you must keep a detailed register of each movement. The register must record dates, descriptions, any processing done, and the value of the goods and services. HMRC can ask to see this register, so it needs to be up‑to‑date and retained for the required period.
Maintain register of temporary movement of goods to/from EU
If your business sends goods to, or receives goods from, another EU member state and expects them to be returned within two years, you must keep a detailed register. The register must record the dates of removal and return, a description of the goods, any processing carried out, and the value of the goods and any work done. HMRC can check this register, so it needs to be kept up‑to‑date and readily available.
Maintain required VAT records
If your business is registered for VAT you must keep a full set of records to show how you calculate your VAT. This includes your normal business and accounting records, a VAT account, copies of every VAT invoice you issue and receive, certificates and documents for EU acquisitions and supplies, import‑export paperwork, any self‑billing agreements and any extra records HMRC may later require. The records have to be kept for VAT accounting and be available for inspection.
Maintain required VAT records
If your business is registered for VAT, you must keep a full set of records to support your VAT accounting. This includes your normal business and accounting records, a VAT account, copies of every VAT invoice you issue and receive, certificates for intra‑EU transactions, import/export paperwork and any self‑billing agreements. You need to retain these records continuously so they are available for inspection by HMRC.
Maintain required VAT records for accounting
If your business is registered for VAT you must keep a full set of records to support your VAT returns. This includes your normal business and accounting records, a VAT account, copies of every VAT invoice you issue and receive, relevant certificates and any other documents the Commissioners may require. Keeping these records lets HMRC check your VAT calculations and protects you from penalties.
Make a negative VAT entry to adjust output tax
When a VAT adjustment is required under regulation 172H(2), you must record a negative entry in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The amount of this negative entry must exactly match the amount of the original entry you are adjusting.
Make a negative VAT entry to adjust output tax
If, under the VAT rules, you need to correct the amount of output tax you have accounted for, you must record a negative entry in the VAT payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The negative entry must be exactly the same amount as the entry you are correcting under regulation 172H(2).
Make a negative VAT entry to adjust output tax
When another VAT rule (Regulation 172H(2)) tells you to record a change, you must also enter a matching negative amount in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. This reduces the output tax you owe by the exact amount required.
Make VAT account entry for later supply payment
If you have already claimed an input‑tax repayment on a purchase, filed your VAT return and paid any VAT due, then later pay part or all of the price for that purchase, you must record a positive entry in your VAT account for the period in which the payment is made. The amount to record is the input‑tax repayment multiplied by the proportion of the payment to the amount that was still unpaid at the end of the original accounting period.
Make VAT adjustment entries for supplies covered by section 55A(6)
If your business makes a supply that falls under VAT rule section 55A(6) and you are entitled to adjust the VAT you owe, you must enter a negative amount in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period, matching the amount of the original entry. If later you need to reverse that adjustment, you must add a matching positive entry for the same amount.
Make VAT adjustment entry for readjusted output tax
If you have already recorded output tax for a supply (under regulation 172L) and later need to adjust that same supply using regulation 172I, you must also record a positive entry in your VAT account for the same accounting period. The amount you add must equal the amount of the 172I entry, ensuring your VAT payable figure is correct.
Manage fiscal warehousing transfers and provide required certification
If your business operates a fiscal warehouse and you want to move eligible goods to another fiscal warehouse, you must first get a written promise from the receiving warehouse that they will record the receipt and send you a certificate. The receiving warehouse must record the entry, allocate the goods to its regime, send you the certificate within 30 days of the goods leaving your warehouse, and keep a copy of that certificate.
Obtain and keep a compliant invoice from EU suppliers
When you buy goods or services from a business in another EU member state and they want to rely on paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA, you must receive an invoice that meets the invoicing rules. Keep that invoice as your evidence for VAT and to treat it as a VAT invoice under UK law.
Provide a compliant invoice for intermediate supplies
If your business acts as an intermediate supplier of goods that have been moved into the UK from another EU member state, you must give your customer an invoice that meets the VAT rules. The invoice has to cover the whole supply, include the correct VAT identification number and be sent no later than 15 days after the date the supply would have been treated as occurring for VAT purposes. This keeps the transaction properly recorded for VAT compliance.
Provide a compliant invoice for intermediate supplies
If you sell goods as an intermediate supplier and the supply is covered by Schedule 9ZA paragraph 6(2), you must give your customer an invoice that meets the VAT rules. The invoice must be issued within 15 days and must show at least the same amount of supply as would have been treated as a normal VAT‑taxable supply.
Provide a compliant invoice to UK VAT‑registered customers
If you are a business based in another EU/EEA state and you supply goods or services to a UK VAT‑registered customer under the reverse‑charge rules, you must send them an invoice. The invoice must meet the invoicing rules of your own country, be issued within 15 days of the date the supply would be treated as occurring under UK VAT law, and cover the full amount of the supply.
Provide a compliant VAT invoice to UK customers
If you are a business in another EU country and supply goods or services to a UK company that is VAT‑registered, you must send them a proper VAT invoice. The invoice must match the rules of your own country, be given within 15 days of the supply date (as treated under UK law) and cover the whole supply. Once you’ve sent such an invoice you don’t need to send another.
Provide an invoice for intermediate supplies under Schedule 9ZA
If your business acts as an intermediate supplier and makes a supply that falls under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give the customer an invoice that meets the relevant VAT rules. The invoice must cover the whole supply and be sent no later than 15 days after the date the supply would have been treated as taking place under the VAT Act. This invoice is treated as a VAT invoice for tax purposes.
Provide a VAT invoice for EU cross‑border supplies
When you sell goods or services to a customer in another EU member state under the type of supply covered by paragraph 6(9) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give that customer an invoice that meets the detailed VAT invoice rules. The invoice has to be issued when the supply is made and must be kept as a record of the transaction.
Provide correct information on VAT zero‑rating certificates
If your business supplies services on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing scheme and you want to claim the zero‑rate, you must use a certificate that contains all the details set out in the form published by the Commissioners. The certificate must be completed correctly before you rely on the zero‑rating.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC
If HMRC sends you a written notice asking for the VAT records you must keep, you must hand those records over at the place, date and time set out in that notice. This applies to any business that has made a VAT claim and is therefore required to keep the relevant records.
Provide VAT invoice on request and include required details
If your business is a VAT‑registered retailer, you must give a VAT invoice whenever a customer who is also a taxable person asks for one. The invoice must contain the retailer’s name, address, registration number, supply date, description of the goods or services, total amount (including VAT) and the VAT rate(s). For sales of £250 or less (and for Northern‑Ireland retailers selling to non‑EU customers) you can use a shortened format, but you must never mention any exempt supply on the invoice.
Provide VAT invoice on request for small supplies
If you run a retail business and a VAT‑registered customer asks for a VAT invoice for a purchase of £250 or less (and, where you are registered for VAT in Northern Ireland, the sale is not to another EU member state), you must give them a simplified invoice. The invoice must show your name, address and VAT number, the time of supply, a description of the goods or services, the total amount payable including VAT and the VAT rate applied. It must not contain any reference to exempt supplies.
Provide VAT invoice to taxable customer on request (≤ £250)
If your business is a VAT‑registered retailer and a customer who is also a taxable person asks for an invoice, you must give them a VAT invoice as long as the price of the supply is £250 or less (and, for retailers in Northern Ireland, the supply is not to someone in another EU member state). The invoice has to contain only a short set of details and must not refer to any exempt supplies.
Provide VAT records for inspection on HMRC request
If HMRC asks, you must make your VAT records available at your main place of business (or another reasonable location) at a time they specify. You must let them copy or take extracts of the documents and then give you a free copy of any document they remove. If HMRC loses or damages a document they took, they must compensate you for the cost of replacement.
Provide VAT records to HMRC on demand
If HMRC asks to see your VAT records, you must make them available at your main place of business (or another reasonable location) at the time they specify. You must also let them copy or extract the documents and, if you need the document back for your own use, give you a free copy as soon as possible. Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action.
Provide VAT records to HMRC on request
If HMRC asks to see your VAT records, you must make them available at your main place of business (or another reasonable location) at the time they specify. You must also let them copy or extract the documents and give you a free copy of any document they remove. If HMRC loses or damages a document they took, they must compensate you for the replacement costs.
Provide VAT records to HMRC on request
If HMRC asks you to show your VAT records, you must produce the documents at your main place of business (or another location they reasonably require) at the time they ask. You also have to let them copy or extract the records and give you a free copy back if they keep the original.
Provide VAT records to HMRC on request
If HMRC asks to see your VAT records, you must make them available at your main place of business (or another reasonable location) at the time they ask, and let them copy or extract the documents. If they take a copy you need for your business, you must give you a free replacement copy as soon as possible.
Provide VAT records to HMRC on request
If HMRC asks to see your VAT records, you must show them the documents they specify, at your main business premises (or another reasonable location) and at a reasonable time. You also have to let them copy or take extracts of the records and give you a free copy if they need it for their own business. HMRC must compensate you if any of the documents they remove are lost or damaged.
Provide VAT records to HMRC on request
If HMRC (or another authorised officer) asks, you must show them the VAT records they specify, at your business premises and at the time they reasonably require. You also have to let them copy or take the documents, and if they need a copy for your own use you must give it back free of charge. The duty applies to every business that is VAT‑registered.
Provide VAT records to HMRC on request
If HMRC asks you for the VAT records listed in regulation 210(1), you must make them available for inspection at your business premises (or another reasonable place) at a reasonable time. You must also allow HMRC to copy or extract the documents. If a copy is needed for your own business, you must give you a free copy as soon as practicable.
Provide VAT records to HMRC when requested
If HMRC asks to see your VAT records, you must make the specified documents available for inspection at your main place of business (or another reasonable location) at a reasonable time. You must also let them copy or extract the documents, and give you a free copy if the document is needed for your own business.
Provide VAT records when HMRC requests them
If HMRC (or another authorised officer) asks to see your VAT records, you must show them the documents they specify, at the place and time they reasonably require. You also have to let them copy or take the records, and give you back any copy you need free of charge. If the records are lost or damaged while in their possession, the Commissioners must compensate you for the replacement cost.
Provide VAT records when HMRC requests them
If HMRC inspectors ask to see your VAT records, you must produce the documents at your main place of business (or another reasonable location) at the time they reasonably require. You also have to let them copy or take the records for inspection. This duty applies whenever a demand is made, regardless of the size of your business.
Receive a compliant VAT invoice for EU cross‑border supplies
If you buy goods or services from a supplier in another EU member state, that supplier must give you a special VAT invoice that meets the rules set out in the VAT regulations. You need to keep that invoice and use it when you file your VAT returns. If the supplier hasn’t sent the invoice within 15 days, you can still treat the invoice you receive as a VAT invoice for your records.
Record and certify fiscal warehousing transfers
If your business acts as a fiscal warehousekeeper and you receive eligible goods from another fiscal warehouse, you must record the entry, allocate the goods to your own fiscal warehousing regime and, within 30 days, send a certificate to the original warehousekeeper confirming this. The original warehousekeeper must also obtain a written undertaking before allowing the goods to leave their warehouse.
Record a negative VAT entry when a repayment claim is made
If your business has claimed back VAT that you previously deducted as input tax, you must record a negative entry in the VAT account for the accounting period in which the claim is made. The amount to record is the deduction amount multiplied by the proportion of the claim to the total VAT originally charged on the supply.
Record a negative VAT output‑tax entry to adjust output tax
When you have to make an adjustment under regulation 172H(2), you must enter a negative amount in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period, matching the amount of that adjustment. This corrects your output tax figure on your VAT records.
Record entries of goods into fiscal warehouses
When eligible goods are brought into a fiscal warehouse, you must log their arrival in a dedicated fiscal warehousing record and keep that record up‑to‑date while the goods remain under the fiscal warehousing regime. The record must show that the goods are allocated, not transferred, and remain until they are removed.
Record entry and status of goods in fiscal warehouse
When eligible goods come into your fiscal warehouse you must log them in a fiscal warehousing record. That record must show which regime the goods are in, whether they have been transferred and when they are removed, so HMRC can see the goods’ status at all times.
Record entry of eligible goods in fiscal warehouse
If your business operates a fiscal warehouse, you must log every eligible item that comes into the warehouse. The log must show when the goods are allocated to the fiscal warehousing regime, any transfers, and when they leave the regime, so HMRC can see which items are covered at any time.
Record entry of eligible goods in fiscal warehouse
If your business operates a fiscal warehouse, you must log every eligible item that comes into the warehouse in a dedicated fiscal‑warehousing record. The record must be kept up‑to‑date to show when goods are allocated to the regime, transferred or removed, so that the VAT treatment remains correct.
Record entry of eligible goods in fiscal warehouse record
When eligible goods arrive at a fiscal warehouse you must log them in your fiscal warehousing record. The record must show each item’s allocation to the regime and be kept up‑to‑date until the goods are transferred or removed.
Record entry of eligible goods in fiscal warehousing record
When eligible goods are placed in a fiscal warehouse, you must immediately log their entry in your fiscal warehousing record and keep that record up‑to‑date. The record determines when the goods are considered to be in the fiscal warehousing regime – only while they are allocated, not transferred, and before they are removed.
Record entry of eligible goods in fiscal warehousing record
When any eligible goods arrive at your fiscal warehouse, you must immediately note them in the warehouse’s fiscal warehousing record. That record must show each item’s allocation to the regime, whether it has been transferred and when it is removed; otherwise the goods are not regarded as being in the fiscal warehousing regime.
Record entry of eligible goods in fiscal warehousing register
When eligible goods arrive at your fiscal warehouse you must log them in a dedicated fiscal warehousing record. The record must show each item’s allocation to the regime, whether it has been transferred and when it is removed. Keeping this register up‑to‑date is required to maintain the VAT relief you claim.
Record entry of eligible goods into a fiscal warehouse
When eligible goods arrive at a fiscal warehouse, your business (as the fiscal warehouse‑keeper) must immediately log the arrival in a dedicated fiscal warehousing record. This record is the only way the goods can be treated as being in a fiscal warehousing regime.
Record entry of eligible goods into fiscal warehouse
When any eligible goods are placed in a fiscal warehouse, you must immediately log their entry in the warehouse’s fiscal warehousing record. This record determines whether the goods remain under the fiscal warehousing regime. Keeping an accurate log helps you stay compliant with VAT rules.
Record entry of goods in a fiscal warehouse
When eligible goods are placed in a fiscal warehouse you must log their arrival in a dedicated fiscal‑warehousing record. The record must show that the goods are allocated to the regime, have not been transferred, and remain in the regime until they are removed. Keeping accurate records ensures the goods are correctly treated for VAT.
Record entry of goods into fiscal warehouse
When eligible goods arrive at your fiscal warehouse you must log them in the required fiscal warehousing record. Keep the goods listed in that record while they remain in the fiscal warehousing regime, and update the record when they are transferred or removed.
Record input‑tax repayment correctly in your VAT account
If you have claimed a deduction for VAT on a purchase and a repayment claim is later made, you must adjust your VAT records. You need to enter a negative amount in the allowable part of your VAT account for the accounting period in which the claim is made, using the formula provided. This ensures HMRC sees the reduction to your input tax.
Record negative VAT entry to claim repayment of import VAT
If your business has paid import VAT that you later discover was not actually due (for example because the duty was reduced or later repaid), you can get the money back by making a negative entry in your VAT account. You must also reverse any input tax you already claimed on that import VAT. The adjustment must be recorded in the period you become aware of the entitlement, but no later than four years after the end of the accounting period in which the goods were imported.
Record negative VAT entry when repaying input tax
If you have claimed a deduction for VAT on a purchase and then receive a claim to repay part of that input tax, you must adjust your VAT account. Make a negative entry for the accounting period of the claim, using the formula: deduction amount × (claim amount ÷ total VAT on the supply). This ensures your VAT return reflects the reduced input tax.
Record repayment claim as a negative VAT entry
If you have claimed a repayment of VAT and have already deducted that VAT as input tax, you must record a negative entry in your VAT account for the period in which the claim is made. The amount to record is the deduction you claimed multiplied by the proportion of the claim to the total VAT on the original supply.
Record repayment of import VAT in your VAT account
If your business has paid import VAT that you later discover you were not actually required to pay – for example because the duty was reduced, refunded or not due – and you have not already accounted for it under the standard import‑VAT accounting rules, you must adjust your VAT records. You need to make a negative entry for that import VAT (and any input tax you already claimed) in your VAT account, within the accounting period you become aware of the entitlement, but no later than four years after the import.
Record repayment of input tax in VAT account
If you have reclaimed VAT on a purchase and later make a repayment claim, you must put a negative entry in your VAT account for the period the claim relates to. The amount is worked out by multiplying the VAT you deducted by the proportion of the repayment claim to the total VAT charged on that supply.
Record repayment of input tax in your VAT account
If your business has claimed input VAT and you later make a claim to get that VAT repaid, you must enter a negative amount in your VAT account for the accounting period in which the claim is made. The amount you record is calculated by proportioning the claim against the total VAT charged on the original supply.
Record repayment of input tax in your VAT account
If you have made a claim to recover VAT you have already deducted as input tax, you must adjust your VAT records. You need to enter a negative amount in the allowable part of your VAT account for the accounting period in which the claim is made, calculated in the way set out in the regulation.
Record repayment of input tax in your VAT account
When you have made a claim to get back input VAT you have already deducted, you must adjust your VAT records. This means entering a negative amount in the allowable part of your VAT account for the accounting period in which the claim was made, using the formula given in the regulations.
Record restoration of VAT credit when you pay for a supply
If you have claimed an input tax repayment on a VAT return and later pay all or part of the price for that supply, you must adjust your VAT account to restore the credit. You add a positive entry for the period in which the payment is made, calculated proportionally to the amount you actually paid.
Record restored VAT credit when you later pay for a supply
If you have claimed an input tax repayment, filed your VAT return and paid any VAT due, and then later pay part or all of the price for the goods or services you claimed the repayment on, you must record a new credit in your VAT account. The credit is calculated proportionally to the amount you have now paid. This entry must be made for the accounting period in which the payment occurs.
Record VAT adjustments when a supply’s status changes
If the price you charge for a good or service rises or falls and, because of that change, the supply becomes (or stops being) one that falls under the special VAT fraud rules (s55A(6)), you and your customer must update your VAT accounts. Both parties need to make the correct entries in the VAT‑payable part of their VAT records to reflect the change.
Record VAT adjustments when a supply’s status under section 55A(6) changes
If the price of a sale goes up or down and, because of that change, the supply either becomes or stops being a type of transaction that falls under section 55A(6) (where the customer must account for VAT to prevent missing‑trader fraud), you must update your VAT records. Both the seller and the buyer need to make the appropriate entry in the VAT‑payable part of their VAT accounts.
Record VAT adjustments when a supply’s tax status changes
If the price of a supply you sell or buy changes and that change means the supply now falls under, or no longer falls under, the special VAT rules for missing‑trader fraud (section 55A(6)), you must update your VAT account to reflect the new situation. Both the party that supplies the goods/services and the party that receives them have to make the appropriate entries.
Record VAT correctly for removed goods
If you move goods between Northern Ireland and another EU Member State (or between Member States and Northern Ireland) and the removal falls under the specified removal order, you must not record a VAT payable amount for that accounting period unless the removal condition in article 5 is not met and VAT is actually due. In that case you must make a positive VAT entry for the period. This ensures your VAT account reflects the right liability.
Record VAT correctly for removed goods
If you move goods from Northern Ireland to an EU Member State, or between Member States or to Northern Ireland, you must handle the VAT accounting for that movement correctly. You must NOT enter any VAT payable for the removal in your VAT account unless the specific condition in article 5 of the Removal Order is breached. If that condition is not met and VAT becomes due, you must record the amount in the VAT payable part of the account for the relevant accounting period.
Record VAT entries to restore input tax credit
If you have claimed a repayment of input VAT and later pay all or part of the purchase price for that supply, you must make a positive entry in your VAT account for the credit you’re entitled to. The amount is calculated proportionally to the payment you make after the accounting period.
Record VAT input tax repayment restoration
If you have claimed a VAT input tax repayment for a supply and later pay all or part of the price for that supply, you must adjust your VAT account to restore the credit. You need to record a positive entry for the period when the payment is made, calculating the amount proportionally to the payment made.
Record VAT on removed goods correctly
If you move goods between Northern Ireland and an EU Member State (or between two Member States) under a Removal Order, you must only enter VAT payable in your VAT account when the condition in article 5 of that order has not been met. If the condition is met, you must not make any VAT‑payable entry for that removal. This affects the entries you make in the accounting period covering the removal.
Record VAT readjustment entry for output tax
If you have already made a VAT entry under regulation 172L and later make another entry under regulation 172I for the same supply, you must also add a positive entry to the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period. The amount of this new entry must equal the amount you entered under regulation 172I, ensuring your VAT records are correctly adjusted.
Update VAT account when you later pay for a supply
If you have claimed a VAT repayment on a purchase but only pay for that purchase after the VAT period has ended, you must adjust your VAT records to restore the credit you’re now entitled to. You need to add a positive entry to your VAT account for each payment, calculated as a proportion of the repayment you previously claimed.
Use a compliant EU‑member‑state invoice for acquisition timing
If you buy goods from another EU member state and the acquisition date is set by the invoice date, you must have an invoice that is either issued by the supplier or by you and that is created under the law of the country where the goods were supplied. The invoice must also follow the UK VAT invoice rules (regs 13, 13A and 14). This ensures the correct VAT treatment of the purchase.
Use a compliant invoice for cross‑border VAT acquisitions
When you buy goods from another EU member State and the VAT time‑of‑acquisition is set by the date on an invoice, you must make sure that invoice is issued either by you or by your supplier and that it follows the law of the country where the goods were supplied. The invoice must meet the same standards as UK VAT regulations 13, 13A and 14.
Use approved electronic system with validation for HMRC communications
When you need to send any required information to HMRC (for example a VAT return), you must do it using an electronic system that HMRC has approved. That system must include a validation feature that automatically records the time the communication was sent and who sent it. You must keep those validation records as proof that the communication was made.
Registration and licensing 13
Apply for flat‑rate VAT scheme certification
If you want to join the flat‑rate VAT scheme you must convince HMRC that you run a qualifying business, have not been convicted of any VAT‑related offence or penalty in the last three years, your taxable supplies in the past year are £150,000 or less, and you are not part of a VAT group, division or associated with another person. You must submit your application on the form HMRC prescribes.
Apply for VAT flat‑rate scheme certification
If you want to join HMRC’s flat‑rate VAT scheme you must prove you meet a set of conditions – you run a designated activity, have no VAT‑related convictions or penalties in the past three years, your taxable supplies in the last year were £150,000 or less, and you are not part of a VAT group, division or associated with another trader. You then need to submit a certification application on the form HMRC prescribes.
Apply to join the VAT Flat Rate Scheme
If you want to use the VAT flat‑rate scheme you must prove you meet a set of conditions – you must be carrying out a designated activity, your taxable supplies in the past year must be £150,000 or less, you must have no VAT‑related convictions or penalties in the last three years, and you must not have been part of a VAT group, division or associated with another trader in the past 24 months. You then need to complete and send the prescribed application form to HMRC.
Meet eligibility criteria to join VAT scheme
If you want to be authorised to account for VAT under the scheme, you must satisfy a set of conditions. Your forecast taxable supplies for the next year must be £150,000 or less, you must not be a tour operator or use the margin scheme, you must have no recent VAT convictions, penalties or group registration, and you must not be associated with another VAT‑registered business. Failing to meet any of these points means you cannot be authorised to use the scheme.
Notify HMRC and apply to transfer VAT registration for a going‑concern sale
If you sell (or buy) all or part of your business as a going concern, you and the buyer must jointly submit HMRC’s prescribed application on the day of the transfer. HMRC will then cancel the seller’s VAT registration and re‑register the buyer under the same VAT number, and the buyer takes over all VAT liabilities, input‑tax rights and record‑keeping duties.
Notify HMRC and register VAT when transferring a going‑concern
If you sell or transfer all or part of your business as a going concern, you must jointly apply to HMRC to cancel the seller’s VAT registration and register the buyer on the same VAT number. The buyer then takes on all VAT liabilities, input‑tax rights and must keep the business records required by VAT law.
Notify HMRC and transfer VAT registration when selling a business as a going concern
If you sell all or part of your business as a going concern, you must jointly apply to HMRC to cancel your VAT registration and have the buyer registered in your place, using the prescribed form. The buyer then takes over all your VAT liabilities, rights to input‑tax refunds and any required record‑keeping duties. The transfer must be effective from the date of the sale.
Notify HMRC and transfer VAT registration when selling a going concern
If you sell your whole business or part of it as a going concern and you are VAT‑registered, you and the buyer must jointly inform HMRC. You must apply to cancel your VAT registration and have the buyer registered on the same VAT number. The buyer then takes over all VAT liabilities, rights and record‑keeping duties.
Notify HMRC and transfer VAT registration when selling a going‑concern
If you sell all or part of your business as a going concern, you and the buyer must jointly apply to HMRC to cancel the seller’s VAT registration and re‑register the buyer using the same VAT number. From the date of transfer the buyer takes over all VAT liabilities, rights and record‑keeping duties.
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any changes
If your business reaches a VAT registration threshold you must tell HMRC that you are liable to register by completing the prescribed form. Once you are registered, you also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your business name, structure, ownership or any other event that could affect your VAT registration, giving full details of the change.
Notify HMRC of your VAT representative appointment and any changes
If you are appointed as a VAT representative for another business, you must inform HMRC within 30 days, giving the details they require and proof of your appointment. You also have to tell HMRC within 30 days of any change to your business details, ownership, or if you stop acting as the representative.
Transfer VAT registration when selling a business as a going concern
If you sell your whole business or part of it as a going concern, you and the buyer must jointly apply to HMRC to cancel your VAT registration and register the buyer using the same VAT number. From the transfer date the buyer takes over all VAT liabilities, rights and record‑keeping duties.
Transfer VAT registration when selling a business as a going concern
If you sell all or part of your business as a going concern, you and the buyer must together tell HMRC so that the seller’s VAT registration is cancelled and the buyer is registered on the same number. You also need to keep any VAT‑related records that the law requires and make sure any VAT returns or payments after the transfer are treated as the buyer’s.
Reporting and filing 285
Account for certain free services and private‑use goods at period end
If your business supplies the free services listed in Schedule 4 paragraph 5(4) of the VAT Act, or any services that the Treasury has specified, you must treat those supplies as if they occurred on the last day of your VAT accounting period. This means you include them in the VAT return for that period, even if the goods were used or the service was performed earlier.
Account for VAT correctly on removed goods
If you move goods between Northern Ireland and an EU member state (or between two EU states) under a Removal Order, you must not record any VAT payable for the accounting period in which the removal occurs, unless the specific condition in article 5 of the Removal Order is breached. If that condition is not met and VAT becomes due, you must enter the VAT amount as payable for that same accounting period.
Account for VAT each time you receive payment or issue an invoice for water, gas, power or related supplies
If your business supplies water, gas, electricity, heat, cooling, ventilation or similar gases, you must treat each payment you receive (or each VAT invoice you issue) as a separate supply for VAT purposes. For supplies billed periodically, you must issue a detailed VAT invoice at the start of the period showing the payment dates, amounts, the VAT rate and the VAT due, and then treat each payment as its own supply when it becomes due or is received.
Account for VAT on construction services at the correct time
2 years imprisonmentWhen you supply construction, alteration, demolition, repair or maintenance services (or those services together with goods) under a contract that is paid for periodically, you must treat each service as a taxable supply at the earliest of three moments – when you receive a payment, when you issue a VAT invoice, or on the day the work is carried out (for work after June 1999). This determines when you must account for the VAT on your VAT return.
Account for VAT on overseas services at the correct tax point
When you supply services that originate outside the UK, you must treat the supply as made at the time the service is performed, or at the end of each payment/invoice period for ongoing services, unless a payment is received earlier. This determines when you must record the sale and account for VAT on your VAT return.
Account for VAT on overseas services at the correct time
When your business supplies services from outside the UK, you must work out the exact moment the supply is treated as made – either when the service is performed, at the end of the invoiced period, or when you receive payment (in certain cases). You then need to include the VAT for that service in the VAT return covering that period.
Account for VAT on overseas services at the correct time
When your business buys services from a supplier outside the UK, you must decide when those services are treated as supplied for VAT. Depending on the situation they are treated as supplied when the work is performed, at the end of the invoicing period, or when you make a payment. You need to record the correct supply date so the right amount of VAT is shown on your VAT return.
Account for VAT on private‑use goods and free services at period end
2 years imprisonmentIf your business supplies certain services that are free or provided for private use, you must treat the supply as happening on the last day of the accounting period in which the related goods are used or the service is performed. The VAT due on those supplies must be included in that period’s VAT return.
Adjust and report input‑tax deductions for capital items
If the way you use a capital item (e.g. plant, equipment) for taxable supplies goes up or down, or you sell, lose, steal or destroy that asset, you must recalculate the VAT you can reclaim (or must pay) for the affected accounting periods. The adjustment amount must be shown on your VAT return for the second accounting period after the change and you must keep records of how you worked it out.
Adjust and report VAT on capital items when usage changes
2 years imprisonmentIf the proportion of a capital asset that you use for taxable supplies goes up or down, or you sell or otherwise dispose of part of the asset, you must recalculate the amount of input VAT you can reclaim (or must repay). The adjusted amount must be shown in your VAT return for the second accounting period after the change (or in your final return if you have deregistered).
Adjust input tax when taxable use of a capital item changes
If the proportion of a capital asset you use for taxable supplies goes up or down, you must increase or reduce the amount of input tax you have claimed on that asset. The adjustment is calculated using the change in usage percentage and must be reported on your VAT return for the second accounting period after the change (or after a sale of part of the asset).
Adjust output tax with a negative entry in your VAT account
If you have to adjust your output tax under regulation 172H(2), you must record a negative entry in the VAT‑payable part of your VAT account for the same accounting period, and the amount you enter must exactly match the adjustment amount required.
Adjust VAT input tax deductions when use of capital items changes
If the way you use a capital item (such as equipment) for taxable supplies goes up or down, or you sell, partially sell, lose or destroy the item, you must recalculate the VAT you can claim back or must repay. The adjusted amount has to be shown on the VAT return for the second accounting period after the change (or on your final return if you have deregistered).
Adjust VAT input tax on capital items and report the change
2 years imprisonmentIf you own a capital asset (e.g., plant, equipment or building) and the way you use it for taxable supplies goes up or down, or you sell or lose part of it, you must recalculate the VAT you can reclaim or must pay. The adjustment is worked out as the total VAT you originally paid on the asset multiplied by the change in taxable use, and you must put the amount on the appropriate VAT return.
Adjust VAT input tax on capital items when their taxable use changes
If the way you use a capital item (e.g. machinery, equipment) for taxable supplies goes up or down, or you sell part of it, you must recalculate the VAT you can claim or have to repay. The adjustment amount must be worked out using the original input tax and the change in usage, and reported in the appropriate VAT return.
Adjust VAT input tax on capital items when usage changes
If the proportion of a capital asset (e.g., machinery, vehicle) that you use for taxable supplies goes up or down, you must recalculate the VAT you can reclaim (or must repay) on that asset. The adjustment amount must be shown in your VAT return for the second accounting period after the change, and any amount owing must be paid to HMRC. The same rules apply when you sell or otherwise dispose of part of the asset.
Adjust VAT input tax on capital items when usage changes
If the percentage of a capital item (like machinery or equipment) that you use for taxable supplies goes up or down, you must recalculate the VAT you can reclaim (or must pay) for the relevant period. The adjustment is based on the total input VAT you paid for the item and the change in usage percentage, and it has to be shown in your VAT return two accounting periods after the change. The same rules apply if you sell, dispose of, lose or destroy the asset.
Adjust VAT input tax on capital items when use changes
2 years imprisonmentIf you own a capital asset (e.g., plant, equipment) and the proportion of its use for taxable supplies goes up or down, you must recalculate the amount of VAT you can reclaim (or must repay) for the period in which the change occurs. The adjustment is worked out using the total input tax you paid on the asset and the change in the taxable‑use percentage, and you must report the resulting amount in your VAT return for the second accounting period after the change.
Adjust VAT input tax when use of a capital item changes
If the proportion of a capital asset that you use to make taxable supplies goes up or down, you must recalculate the VAT you can reclaim (or must repay) on that asset. The adjustment has to be shown in your VAT return for the second accounting period after the change (or in your final return if you cease to be VAT‑registered). You also need to keep records of the calculations.
Adjust VAT on capital items when taxable use changes
If your business has bought a capital item (for example, a machine or vehicle) and reclaimed the VAT you paid, you must recalculate that VAT each time the proportion of the item used for taxable supplies goes up or down. Depending on the change you either claim extra VAT back or pay extra VAT, and you must record the adjustment on the appropriate VAT return.
Adjust VAT on capital items when usage changes
If the proportion of a capital asset (e.g., machinery or equipment) that you use to make taxable supplies goes up or down, you must recalculate the input VAT you can reclaim or must pay. The same applies when you sell or otherwise dispose of part of the asset. The resulting amount has to be shown in the appropriate VAT return.
Apply for VAT repayment on imports and supplies
If you import goods or receive supplies in the UK and have already paid VAT, you may be able to get that VAT back. This right is available when there is no other way to recover the VAT, such as normal input‑tax relief. To claim it, you need to file the appropriate repayment claim with HMRC.
Apply for VAT repayment on imports or unschedulable supplies
If you import goods and pay VAT that you can’t claim back by any other relief, you can get that VAT back from HMRC. To do so you must submit a repayment claim, showing the VAT you paid and evidence that no other relief applies. The claim will bring cash back into your business if you meet the conditions.
Attribute input tax on imported goods to taxable foreign supplies
If your business is VAT‑registered and you buy goods or services that you will use, in whole or in part, to make supplies that would be taxable if they were made in the UK (e.g., exports) or for certain specified supplies, you must work out what proportion of the input VAT belongs to those taxable supplies. You can use a sector‑based calculation method if it reflects the actual use, but you must exclude the value of any supplies made from an overseas establishment when not using sectors. This calculation determines how much input tax you can recover on your VAT return for each accounting period.
Attribute input tax to taxable supplies for each VAT period
If your business makes both taxable and exempt supplies, you must work out how much of the VAT you have paid can be reclaimed. This means separating purchases used only for taxable sales, excluding those used only for exempt sales, and applying a proportionate calculation for mixed‑use items, then rounding the result as the regulations require. The figure you calculate is the amount you can deduct on your VAT return.
Calculate and complete VAT return boxes correctly
Each time you have to submit a VAT return, you must work out the amounts from your VAT account for that accounting period. Put the total VAT you owe in Box 1 (unless it relates to Northern Ireland EU acquisitions – those go in Box 2) and the total reclaimable VAT in Box 4. If you are correcting a previous return, the new return replaces the old one.
Calculate and complete your VAT return correctly
If your business is VAT‑registered you must work out the amounts to put in each box of your VAT return exactly as set out in the regulations. Total VAT you owe for the period goes in Box 1 (except output tax on Northern‑Ireland EU acquisitions, which goes in Box 2) and total allowable VAT goes in Box 4. Any corrected return you submit replaces the earlier one.
Calculate and submit accurate VAT return figures
When you are required to file a VAT return, you must work out the amounts for each box using the figures from your VAT account for the relevant accounting period. This includes the total VAT due (Box 1), the output tax on Northern Ireland EU acquisitions (Box 2), and the total allowable VAT (Box 4). Any correction you make must replace the earlier return it amends.
Calculate and submit VAT return amounts correctly
When you need to send a VAT return, you must work out the figures for each box exactly as set out – total VAT due on sales goes in Box 1 (except Northern Ireland EU acquisitions, which go in Box 2), and total recoverable VAT goes in Box 4. If you make a correction, the new return replaces any earlier return.
Calculate VAT return amounts correctly
If your business must submit a VAT return, you need to work out the figures for each box exactly as set out in the regulations. Add together all VAT payable entries for the accounting period and put the total in Box 1 (or Box 2 for Northern Ireland EU acquisitions). Add all allowable VAT entries for the period and put the total in Box 4. Any corrected return replaces the earlier one.
Calculate VAT return amounts correctly
If your business is required to submit a VAT return, you must work out the figures for each box using your VAT account. The total VAT you owe for the period goes in Box 1 (except output tax on Northern‑Ireland EU acquisitions, which goes in Box 2), and the total reclaimable VAT goes in Box 4. Any corrected return replaces earlier returns for that period.
Calculate VAT return boxes correctly
When your business must submit a VAT return to HMRC, you need to work out the figures for each box exactly as set out in this regulation. Total all VAT you owe for the period and put it in Box 1 (except output tax on Northern Ireland EU acquisitions, which goes in Box 2). Total all VAT you can reclaim and put it in Box 4. If you later correct the return, the new return replaces the earlier one.
Claim Flat‑rate Addition credit on your VAT return
If you receive an invoice that includes a ‘Flat‑rate Addition’ (FRA) amount, you must claim that amount as an input‑tax credit on the VAT return for the accounting period in which the invoice was issued. To do this you need a proper invoice that contains all the details set out in the regulation.
Claim Flat‑rate Addition input tax credit on VAT return
If your business receives an invoice that includes a Flat‑rate Addition (FRA) – an amount that must be treated as VAT – you have to claim that amount as an input‑tax credit on the VAT return for the period in which the invoice is issued. The invoice must contain a set of specific details (certified person’s number, your details, supply description, and the FRA amount) before you can make the claim.
Claim input tax on VAT return and retain supporting documents
When your business pays VAT on purchases, you must reclaim that amount on your VAT return for the accounting period in which the tax became chargeable (or the first period you have the invoice). You must keep the relevant invoice or other supporting document and you can only claim up to four years after that period. If you miss the deadline you lose the chance to recover the VAT.
Claim input tax on your VAT return with supporting documents
Whenever you pay VAT on purchases, imports or EU acquisitions you must claim that VAT back on the VAT return for the period in which the tax became chargeable. You need to keep the relevant invoice or customs document at the time you make the claim, and you must submit the claim within four years of the first period you were entitled to claim. If you cannot work out the exact amount you may estimate it, but you must correct the figure in a later return.
Claim input VAT and keep supporting documents within time limits
When you want to reclaim VAT you have paid on purchases, imports or EU acquisitions, you must include the claim on the VAT return for the period when the tax became chargeable, and you must have the correct invoice or customs document at that time (or claim in the first period you receive it). You also have to claim within four years of that return and retain the required documents as proof.
Claim input VAT and retain supporting documents
When you incur VAT on purchases, imports or EU acquisitions, you must claim the input tax on your VAT return for the period when the tax became chargeable, and you must keep the relevant invoice or customs document as proof. The claim must be made within four years of the filing deadline for that period (or the first period you have the document), and you cannot claim the same input tax twice.
Claim input VAT and retain supporting documents
When you incur VAT on purchases, imports or acquisitions that you can recover, you must include the claim on your VAT return for the period when the tax became chargeable (or the first period you have the supporting paperwork). You also have to keep the relevant invoice, customs document or other evidence, and you cannot wait more than four years to make the claim.
Claim input VAT on the correct return and retain supporting documents
When you incur VAT on purchases, you must claim the corresponding input tax on the VAT return for the accounting period in which the tax became chargeable (or the first period you have the required invoice). You must keep the relevant invoice or other supporting document, and you cannot make a claim later than four years after that return is due.
Claim input VAT on time and retain supporting documents
When your business incurs VAT on purchases, imports or EU acquisitions you must claim the input tax on the VAT return for the accounting period in which the tax became chargeable (or the first period you hold the required invoice). You can only claim up to four years after that period and must keep the appropriate invoice or other supporting document. Failure to do so means you lose the right to recover the VAT.
Claim input VAT on your VAT return with supporting documents
When your business pays VAT on purchases, imports or intra‑EU acquisitions, you must recover that VAT by making a claim on your VAT return for the accounting period in which the charge became due (or the first period you have the required invoice). You need to keep the appropriate invoice or customs document as proof, and you cannot claim later than four years after you were first entitled to the deduction.
Claim input VAT with required documents and within time limits
When your business pays VAT on purchases, imports or EU acquisitions, you must keep the appropriate invoice or supporting document and claim the input tax on your VAT return for the accounting period when the tax became chargeable (or the first period you have the document). The claim must be made within four years of that period and cannot be made for certain periods after 31 March 2006.
Claim recoverable VAT and retain supporting documents
When you incur VAT on purchases, you must recover that input tax on the VAT return for the accounting period in which the tax became chargeable, or on the first return after you receive the required invoice. You also need to keep the appropriate invoice or supporting document for each type of supply, and you can only claim up to four years after the period you were first entitled to do so.
Claim repayment of import VAT correctly
If your business has paid import VAT on goods that entered Northern Ireland and later discovers you are entitled to a refund (e.g., the VAT was not actually due or has been repaid under customs rules), you must make a claim and record the repayment in your VAT account. The claim and the accounting entry must be made within the time limits set out in the regulations.
Claim repayment of import VAT you have paid
If your business has paid import VAT on goods brought into Northern Ireland and you later discover you were not actually liable for it, you must claim the money back. Non‑VAT‑registered businesses (or those paying on behalf of someone else) must apply for a refund, while VAT‑registered businesses must record a negative entry in their VAT account. The claim must be made within the time limits set out in the regulations.
Claim repayment of VAT on imports or supplies you’re not a VAT‑payer
If you’ve paid VAT on goods you’ve brought into the UK or on supplies you’ve bought for yourself and you’re not a registered VAT‑payer, you can get that money back from HMRC. You need to make a formal claim and give proof of the VAT you paid and that you’re not eligible to use it as input tax.
Claim VAT credit for Flat‑rate Addition and retain proper invoice
If you buy goods or services from a certified person who isn’t VAT‑registered and the invoice shows a ‘Flat‑rate Addition’ (FRA) amount, you must keep an invoice that includes all the required details and claim that amount as an input‑tax credit on the VAT return for the period in which the invoice was issued.
Claim VAT credit for flat‑rate addition (FRA)
If your business buys goods or services from a certified person and the invoice includes a flat‑rate addition, you can treat that amount as VAT and claim it as input tax. You must record the claim on the VAT return for the period in which the invoice is issued and keep the invoice that shows all required details.
Claim VAT input credit for flat‑rate addition and keep proper invoice
If your business receives a supply from a certified person that includes a flat‑rate addition (FRA), you can treat that amount as VAT and claim it as input tax. To do so you must have an invoice that contains all the required details and you must include the claim on the VAT return for the accounting period in which the invoice is issued.
Claim VAT input tax on time and keep required documents
When your business pays VAT on purchases, you must claim the amount back on your VAT return for the period when the tax became chargeable, or the first period you have the supporting invoice. You also need to keep the appropriate invoice or customs document for each type of purchase, and you cannot wait more than four years after the filing deadline to make the claim.
Claim VAT refund on eligible import or supply costs
If you import goods into the UK, or buy supplies that would normally be treated as input tax, you can get the VAT back – as long as no other relief applies. You need to keep proper records and include the amount you’re claiming in your VAT return.
Claim VAT refund on imports and UK supplies when no relief
If you buy goods from outside the UK (or buy goods in the UK) but can’t use any other VAT relief, you’re entitled to get the VAT back. This means you need to notify HMRC that you want the money refunded. You must prove you paid VAT and that no other relief applies.
Claim VAT refund on your VAT return
When your business has more VAT to reclaim than you owe (i.e. you’re entitled to a refund), you must record the refund amount in the specific box on your VAT return for that accounting period, or in a later return if allowed. If you stop submitting normal VAT returns, you must follow any alternative method HMRC (the Commissioners) tells you to use.
Claim VAT refund on your VAT return
When your business becomes entitled to a VAT refund, you must put the correct refund amount into the “VAT reclaimed in this period on purchases and other inputs” box on the VAT return for that accounting period (or a later return if allowed). If you stop submitting VAT returns, you must follow any alternative method HMRC tells you to use.
Claim VAT refunds in your VAT return
When you have more input VAT than output VAT and are entitled to a refund, you must put the correct refund amount into the ‘VAT reclaimed in this period on purchases and other inputs’ box on your VAT return for that accounting period (or a later return if allowed). If you stop submitting VAT returns, you must follow any HMRC directions on how to claim the refund.
Claim VAT refunds on eligible imports and supplies
If you’re a trader and you pay VAT on goods you import (or on supplies you receive) that you can’t normally recover, the law lets you ask HMRC to repay that VAT. You need to apply for the refund and keep the paperwork to prove you’re entitled.
Claim VAT refunds on eligible imports and supplies
If you import goods into the UK or buy supplies for your business and you end up paying VAT that you can’t actually use as input tax (or would be usable if you were VAT‑registered), you have the right to ask HMRC to pay you back the VAT. You’ll need to submit a claim with the appropriate documents to prove the VAT was paid and that no other relief applies.
Claim VAT refunds on imported goods and certain supplies
If you import goods into the UK and haven’t got any other VAT relief, or if you supply goods where the VAT would normally be treated as input tax, you can get that VAT back. To do it you must submit a refund claim to HMRC, providing the relevant invoices and import documents.
Claim VAT refunds on imports and qualifying supplies
If you import goods into the UK or buy goods in the UK and the VAT would normally be your input tax, you can ask HMRC to refund that VAT – as long as no other relief applies. This means you’ll need to keep accurate records of the import and include a claim in your VAT return or other refund application.
Claim VAT refunds on your VAT return
When your business is owed a VAT refund, you must tell HMRC about it by putting the correct amount into the “VAT reclaimed in this period on purchases and other inputs” box on the VAT return for the period you become entitled. If you have stopped submitting VAT returns, you must claim the refund using the method HMRC tells you to.
Claim VAT refunds on your VAT return
When your business is due a VAT refund, you must put the correct refund amount into the ‘VAT reclaimed in this period on purchases and other inputs’ box on your VAT return for the period you become entitled. If you’ve stopped submitting VAT returns, you must follow any alternative method HMRC tells you to use.
Claim VAT refunds on your VAT return
When your business has more VAT on purchases than you owe on sales, you must claim the refund by putting the correct amount into the “VAT reclaimed in this period on purchases and other inputs” box on your VAT return for the period you become entitled (or on a later return if allowed). If you stop submitting regular VAT returns, you must follow any direction the Commissioners give you to make the claim.
Claim VAT refunds on your VAT return
When your business is due a VAT refund, you must tell HMRC the amount by putting it in the “VAT reclaimed on purchases and other inputs” box on the VAT return for the accounting period when the refund becomes payable (or on a later return if allowed). If you stop sending VAT returns, you must follow any other method HMRC tells you to use.
Complete customs entry, exit and transit formalities for goods moving through Northern Ireland
If your business moves goods into or out of Northern Ireland to/from territories that are treated as outside the EU, you must carry out the required customs declarations before the goods enter or leave. When goods enter the UK via Northern Ireland and are then sent on to an EU Member State, you also have to use the internal Community transit procedure.
Complete customs entry, exit and transit formalities for goods moving through Northern Ireland
If your business brings goods into Northern Ireland from territories that are outside the EU, you must complete the customs entry paperwork required by the Union Customs Code. The same applies when you send goods from Northern Ireland to those territories. When those goods are then moved on to another EU member state, you must also use the internal Community transit procedure.
Complete customs entry, exit and transit formalities for goods moving through Northern Ireland
If your business brings goods into Northern Ireland from territories treated as outside the EU, you must complete the EU customs entry procedures. The same applies when you export goods from Northern Ireland to those territories – you must file the export paperwork. And if those goods are then sent on to another EU member state, you must use the internal Community transit procedure while they pass through Northern Ireland.
Complete customs entry, exit and transit formalities for goods moving via Northern Ireland
If your business moves goods into or out of Northern Ireland from territories that are treated as outside the EU, you must carry out the required customs entry or export procedures under the Union Customs Code. When those goods are then sent on to an EU Member State and pass through another Member State, you must also use the internal Community transit system. In practice this means filing the correct customs declarations and keeping the supporting paperwork.
Complete customs entry/exit and transit formalities for goods moving via Northern Ireland
If your business moves goods into or out of Northern Ireland from the specified non‑EU territories, you must carry out the required customs entry or export procedures. When those goods are then sent on to an EU member state and pass through another member state, you must also use the internal Community transit procedure. In practice this means filing the correct customs declarations and keeping the supporting paperwork.
Complete customs entry, exit and transit formalities for NI trade
If your business moves goods into Northern Ireland from territories that are treated as outside the EU, you must complete the EU customs entry formalities. The same applies when you export goods from Northern Ireland to those territories. When those goods are then sent on to an EU member state, you must also use the internal Community transit procedure.
Complete customs formalities for goods entering or leaving NI
If your business moves goods through Northern Ireland from territories that are treated as outside the EU, you must complete the EU customs entry procedures when the goods arrive. The same applies when you export goods from Northern Ireland to those territories. When those goods are then sent on to an EU Member State and must pass through a Member State, you must use the internal Community transit procedure.
Complete customs formalities for goods moving through Northern Ireland
If your business brings goods into Northern Ireland from territories that are treated as outside the EU, you must carry out the EU customs entry procedures. The same applies when you export goods from Northern Ireland to those territories. When goods enter the UK via Northern Ireland and are destined for another EU Member State, you also need to use the internal Community transit procedure. In practice this means filing the correct customs declarations and keeping the related paperwork.
Complete VAT return boxes correctly for each accounting period
When you have to send a VAT return, you must work out the figures for the required boxes from your VAT account for that period. Put the total VAT due in Box 1 (unless it’s output tax on goods bought in Northern Ireland from the EU, which goes in Box 2) and the total recoverable VAT in Box 4. Any return you file under these rules replaces earlier returns for the same period.
Complete your VAT return with correct box amounts
When you have to send a VAT return, you must fill in the totals from your VAT account for the accounting period. The VAT you owe goes in Box 1 (except output tax on Northern Ireland‑EU goods, which goes in Box 2) and the recoverable VAT goes in Box 4. If you later need to correct a return, the corrected return replaces the earlier one.
Comply with eligibility and reporting rules for the VAT accounting scheme
If you want to use the VAT annual accounting scheme you must be sure your expected taxable supplies are under £1.35 million when you apply and stay below £1.6 million each year. If you think you will exceed £1.6 million you must tell HMRC within 30 days. When the scheme ends you must lodge a final VAT return and pay any VAT you owe within two months.
Comply with VAT scheme rules and notify HMRC if supplies exceed £1.6 million
If your business is authorised under the VAT scheme you must give only true information in your application, lodge every required VAT return and make any payments by the prescribed dates, and tell HMRC within 30 days if you expect your taxable supplies to go above £1.6 million in the current accounting period. Failing to do so can lead to the scheme being cancelled and penalties.
Comply with VAT scheme rules and notify HMRC if supplies exceed £1.6 million
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is authorised to use the VAT scheme you must keep your application truthful, file every required VAT return and pay any VAT due on time. As soon as you think your taxable supplies will go above £1.6 million in the current accounting period you must tell HMRC in writing within 30 days, otherwise your authorisation can be withdrawn.
Continue VAT compliance after death or incapacity
If you become the personal representative, trustee, liquidator or similar for someone who was registered for VAT and that person dies or can no longer manage their affairs, you must keep up with all their VAT duties. This means filing returns, keeping records and paying any VAT due, but you only have to pay out of the assets you control.
Correctly calculate and attribute input tax to taxable supplies
If your business makes both taxable and exempt supplies, you must work out how much of the VAT you have paid (input tax) relates to the taxable part of your business. This calculation must be done for each VAT accounting period and the correct amount claimed as a deduction on your VAT return.
Ensure VAT zero‑rating certificate includes required information
If your business provides services on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing arrangement and you want those services to be zero‑rated for VAT, you must obtain a certificate that contains exactly the information set out in the form HMRC publishes. Using the correct form is essential; otherwise the services may not qualify for the zero‑rate.
Enter correct amounts in VAT return boxes
When you submit a VAT return you must put the total VAT you owe for the period into Box 1 (unless the VAT is on goods bought in Northern Ireland from the EU, which goes in Box 2) and the total reclaimable VAT into Box 4. Any return you file after a correction replaces the earlier return for that period.
File a final VAT return and pay any outstanding VAT when authorisation ends
If your business loses its special VAT authorisation – for example because your taxable supplies exceed £1.6 million, HMRC terminates it, you become insolvent or you decide to stop using the scheme – you must submit a final VAT return and pay any VAT due for the period up to the cessation date. The return must be filed within two months of the cessation date (or by the end of the accounting period if you stop at period‑end).
Give a compliant VAT invoice to UK VAT‑registered customers
If you’re VAT‑registered in the UK and a trader based in another EU country supplies you goods or services, that foreign trader must send you a proper VAT invoice. The invoice must be delivered within 15 days of the supply, cover the full value of the supply that would normally be treated as a domestic VAT transaction, and comply with the laws of that trader’s own member state.
Give purchaser a written notice of VAT bad‑debt claim
If you are claiming a VAT bad debt on a supply made before 1 January 2003 to a purchaser who is also VAT‑registered, you must send that purchaser a written notice within 7 days of making the claim. The notice must include specific details such as the dates, invoice numbers and the amounts involved.
Include correct VAT refund amount on your VAT return
When you have more VAT to reclaim than you owe, you must put the exact refund figure into the “VAT reclaimed in this period on purchases and other inputs” box on your next VAT return. If you stop submitting VAT returns, you still need to claim the refund in whatever way HMRC tells you.
Include required details on every VAT invoice
Whenever you issue a VAT invoice you must put a set list of information on it – a unique invoice number, dates, supplier and customer details, description of the goods or services, quantities, VAT rates, amounts before and after VAT, and any special references such as reverse charge or margin‑scheme indicators. The same rules apply if you’re a VAT‑registered trader in Northern Ireland invoicing customers in another EU state, with a few extra items to add. Failing to include these details means the invoice is not a valid VAT invoice and you could face HMRC penalties.
Include required details on fiscal warehousing certificates
When you supply goods that are to be placed in fiscal warehousing, you must issue a certificate that contains all the information set out in the form notice published by HMRC. The certificate must match the specified layout and data requirements.
Include required information on fiscal warehousing certificates
When you sell goods that are to be placed in fiscal warehousing, you must issue a fiscal warehousing certificate that contains all the details set out in the form prescribed by HMRC. The certificate acts as evidence you can claim VAT deduction, so it must be accurate and complete at the time you issue it.
Include required information on fiscal warehousing certificates
When you supply goods that are to be placed in a fiscal warehouse, you must issue a certificate that contains all the details set out in the form announced by HMRC. The certificate must be completed correctly at the time you make the supply, otherwise you may face enforcement action.
Include VAT refund amount on your VAT return
When your business is owed a VAT refund, you must enter the exact refund amount in the “VAT reclaimed in this period on purchases and other inputs” box on the VAT return for the accounting period when the refund arises (or on any later return). If you stop submitting VAT returns, you must follow HMRC’s directions on how to claim the refund.
Include VAT refund amount on your VAT return
When you have more VAT on purchases than you owe on sales, you must claim the refund by putting the correct amount into the ‘VAT reclaimed on purchases and other inputs’ box on your next VAT return (or a later one if allowed). If you stop filing returns, HMRC will tell you how to claim.
Include VAT refund amount on your VAT return
When your business becomes entitled to a VAT refund, you must claim it by entering the correct refund figure in the ‘VAT reclaimed in this period on purchases and other inputs’ box on the VAT return for that accounting period (or a later return if allowed). If you stop submitting VAT returns, you must follow any specific instructions HMRC gives you for making the claim.
Issue a compliant invoice for Schedule 9ZA (6‑2) supplies
If your business acts as an intermediate supplier and makes a supply that falls under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give the customer an invoice that meets the VAT rules. The invoice has to show the correct VAT identification number, cover the whole supply and be sent no later than 15 days after the date the supply would normally be treated as having taken place.
Issue an invoice for qualifying EU supplies
If your VAT‑registered business sells goods or services to a customer in another EU member state as set out in Schedule 9ZA paragraph 6(9), you must give that customer an invoice. The invoice must meet the detailed requirements laid out in VAT Regulations 13 and 14.
Issue anti‑forestalling charge invoice within 45 days
If you make a supply that attracts an anti‑forestalling charge and you have already issued a VAT invoice that did not include that charge, you must send a separate invoice called ‘Anti‑forestalling charge invoice’. The invoice must show the charge amount and reference the original VAT invoice, and it must be sent within 45 days of the charge becoming due.
Issue anti‑forestalling charge invoice within 45 days
If you supply goods or services and an anti‑forestalling charge becomes payable under Schedule 27 of the Finance Act 2012, you must send the customer a separate invoice for that charge if it was not already shown on the VAT invoice. The invoice has to be sent within 45 days of the charge becoming due and must contain the details set out in the regulation.
Issue anti‑forestalling charge invoice within 45 days
If you owe an anti‑forestalling charge under Schedule 27 of the Finance Act 2012 and you should have issued a VAT invoice for the supply, you must send a separate invoice titled “Anti‑forestalling charge invoice” with the required details. This invoice must be sent within 45 days of the charge becoming due, even if the original VAT invoice omitted the charge.
Issue anti‑forestalling charge invoice within 45 days
If you supply goods or services that attract an anti‑forestalling charge and you have already issued a VAT invoice that does not include that charge, you must send a separate invoice called an “Anti‑forestalling charge invoice”. The invoice must be sent within 45 days of the charge becoming due and must contain the specific details set out in the regulations.
Issue anti‑forestalling charge invoice within 45 days
If you have to charge an anti‑forestalling amount (a supplemental VAT charge) on a supply that would have required a normal VAT invoice, you must send the customer a separate invoice called an “Anti‑forestalling charge invoice”. The invoice must be sent within 45 days of the charge becoming due and must contain specific details of the charge and the original VAT invoice.
Issue anti‑forestalling charge invoice within 45 days
If a supply you make attracts an anti‑forestalling charge under Schedule 27 and you would normally have issued a VAT invoice for that supply, you must send the customer a separate invoice for the charge. The invoice must be headed “Anti‑forestalling charge invoice” and include the details set out in the regulation. It has to be sent no later than 45 days after the charge becomes due.
Issue a VAT invoice for qualifying supplies to EU customers
If your business is VAT‑registered and you sell a service or good that falls under paragraph 6(9) of Schedule 9ZA to a customer in another EU Member State, you must give that customer an invoice. The invoice must contain all the details required by VAT Regulations 13 and 14.
Issue a VAT invoice for services under fiscal/warehousing regimes
When you supply services on goods that are held in a fiscal or other warehousing regime and you want the supply to be zero‑rated for VAT, you must give the customer a VAT invoice. The invoice must contain all the details listed in the regulation and must be sent within 30 days of the service being provided.
Issue a VAT invoice for zero‑rated services in fiscal/warehousing regimes
If your business supplies services on goods that are stored under a fiscal or other warehousing scheme and you want to zero‑rate those services for VAT, you must give the customer a VAT invoice. The invoice must contain all the details listed in the regulation and must be sent within 30 days of when the service was provided.
Issue compliant invoice for EU supplies
When your VAT‑registered business sells goods or services to a customer in another EU member state under the specific rules of paragraph 6(9) Schedule 9ZA, you must give that customer an invoice. The invoice has to contain the information set out in VAT Regulations 13 and 14.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate (or the rules on exempt, zero‑rated or reduced‑rate supplies) changes and you have already issued a VAT invoice for a supply that later gets an election under section 88, you must send the customer a credit note within 45 days (or longer if HMRC allows). The credit note must clearly show the invoice it relates to and the amount of VAT being credited.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate changes after you have issued an invoice for a supply and you later make a VAT election, you must send the customer a credit note. The credit note must be issued within 45 days of the change (or a longer period if HMRC allows) and include specific details of the original invoice and the VAT amount being credited.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate (or an exempt/zero‑rate/reduced‑rate classification) changes after you have issued a VAT invoice for a supply and you have made an election under s.88, you must send the customer a credit note showing the VAT amount being reclaimed. The credit note has to be sent within 45 days of the change (or a longer period if HMRC allows). This ensures your records and the customer’s invoice reflect the correct VAT.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate (or the classification of a supply as exempt, zero‑rated or reduced‑rate) changes after you have issued a VAT invoice for a supply that the customer will later elect to treat under the new rate, you must send the customer a credit note correcting the VAT. The credit note must be sent within 45 days of the rate change (or any longer period HMRC allows) and must contain the required details.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the standard rate of VAT changes and you have already sent a VAT invoice for a supply that later becomes subject to a different rate, you must send the customer a credit note showing the VAT correction. The credit note must be issued within 45 days of the rate change (or a longer period if HMRC allows).
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate (or the classification of a supply as exempt, zero‑rated or reduced‑rate) changes after you have issued a VAT invoice for a supply where you later make an election, you must send the customer a credit note showing the VAT correction. The credit note must be sent within 45 days of the rate change (or a longer period if HMRC allows it) and include the details set out in the regulation.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate (or the classification of supplies as exempt, zero‑rated or reduced‑rate) changes after you have issued an invoice, and you later make a VAT election under s.88, you must send your customer a credit note within 45 days showing the corrected VAT amount and the required details.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate (or the status of a supply as exempt, zero‑rated or reduced‑rate) changes after you have issued a VAT invoice, you must send the customer a credit note showing the VAT adjustment. The credit note has to be issued within 45 days of the change (or a longer period if HMRC allows it) and must contain specific details about the original invoice and the amount of VAT credited.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes
If the VAT rate changes after you have sent a VAT invoice for a supply and you later make an election under s.88, you must send the customer a credit note showing the VAT adjustment. The credit note has to be issued within 45 days of the rate change (or any longer period HMRC allows) and must contain specific details such as invoice numbers, dates and the amount of VAT being credited.
Issue credit note when VAT rate changes after invoicing
If the VAT rate (or the classification of a supply as exempt, zero‑rated or reduced‑rate) changes after you have sent a VAT invoice for a relevant supply, you must send the customer a credit note showing the VAT amount being corrected. The credit note must be issued within 45 days of the change (or a longer period if HMRC allows) and contain the specific details listed in the regulation.
Issue fiscal warehousing certificates with the required information
If your business supplies goods that will be placed in fiscal warehousing, you must provide a fiscal warehousing certificate that includes all the details set out in the form published by HMRC. The certificate must be completed correctly at the time you make the supply.
Issue invoice for intermediate supplies under Schedule 9ZA
If your business acts as an intermediate supplier of goods that have been moved into the UK from the EU and you want the special VAT treatment in Schedule 9ZA, you must give the customer an invoice that meets the required VAT details. The invoice has to be sent within 15 days of the date the supply would otherwise be treated as having taken place.
Issue invoice for intermediate supplies under Schedule 9ZA
If your business acts as an intermediate supplier and makes a supply that uses the special VAT treatment in paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give your customer an invoice that meets the required VAT details. The invoice must be issued within 15 days of the date the supply would have been treated as a normal VAT supply and must cover the full extent of that supply. If you have already issued an invoice that meets most of the requirements, you do not need to send another one.
Issue simplified VAT invoice for low‑value supplies
When you sell goods or services that cost £250 or less, and you are a VAT‑registered business in Northern Ireland selling to a UK customer, you only need to give a simplified VAT invoice. The invoice must show your name, address and VAT number, the supply date, a brief description of what you sold, the total amount payable (including VAT) and the VAT rate applied.
Issue simplified VAT invoice for low‑value supplies
If you sell goods or services and the total charge is £250 or less, and you are a VAT‑registered trader in Northern Ireland selling to a UK customer, you may use a simplified VAT invoice. That invoice only needs to show a few key details – your name and VAT number, when the supply was made, what you supplied, the total amount payable (including VAT) and the VAT rate(s) applied.
Issue simplified VAT invoices for supplies ≤ £250
If your business is VAT‑registered in Northern Ireland and you sell goods or services for £250 or less (and the customer isn’t in another EU state), you only need to give a simple VAT invoice. The invoice must show your name, address and VAT number, the time of supply, a description of the goods or services, the total amount payable including VAT and, for each VAT rate charged, the gross amount and the rate.
Issue simplified VAT invoices for supplies ≤ £250
If you make a taxable supply that costs £250 or less, you are a VAT‑registered trader in Northern Ireland and the customer isn’t in another EU member state, you only need to give a simple VAT invoice. That invoice must show your name, address and VAT number, the date of the supply, a clear description of what you sold, the total amount (including VAT), and for each VAT rate the amount and rate applied.
Issue simplified VAT invoices for supplies ≤ £250
When you sell goods or services worth £250 or less, you’re VAT‑registered (including in Northern Ireland) and the customer isn’t in another EU member state, you can use a simplified VAT invoice. That invoice only needs your name, address and VAT number, the time of supply, a description of what was supplied, the total amount payable including VAT, and the VAT rate(s) applied. Keep a copy of each simplified invoice for the normal VAT record‑keeping period.
Issue simplified VAT invoices for supplies up to £250
If you sell goods or services worth £250 or less, you’re VAT‑registered in Northern Ireland, and the customer isn’t in another EU member state, you only need to give a simple VAT invoice. The invoice must show: (a) your name, address and VAT registration number; (b) the time of supply; (c) a description of what you supplied; (d) the total amount payable including VAT; and (e) for each VAT rate, the gross amount and the rate applied. No other details are required.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If you have already issued a VAT invoice for a supply but a statutory supplementary charge later becomes payable and wasn’t included on that invoice, you must send the customer a separate “Supplementary charge invoice” within 45 days. The invoice must contain specific details linking it to the original VAT invoice and showing the charge amount.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If a supplementary charge (under the Finance Act 2009/2010) becomes payable on a supply and your original VAT invoice did not include that charge, you must send the customer a separate supplementary charge invoice. The invoice must contain specific details and be sent within 45 days of the charge becoming due.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If you supply goods or services and a supplementary charge (such as a climate change levy) becomes payable, but your original VAT invoice did not include that charge, you must send the customer a separate supplementary charge invoice within 45 days of the charge becoming due. The invoice must contain specific details linking it to the original VAT invoice.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If a supplementary charge (such as a levy under the Finance Acts) becomes payable on a supply and your original VAT invoice did not include it, you must send the customer a separate supplementary‑charge invoice. This invoice must be sent within 45 days of the charge becoming due and contain specific details about the charge and both invoices.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If a supplementary charge (under the 2009 or 2010 Finance Acts) applies to a supply you have made and the VAT invoice you sent did not show that charge, you must send the customer a separate “supplementary charge invoice”. It must be sent within 45 days of the date the charge is due and contain all the required details.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If you have supplied goods or services and a supplementary charge (such as a climate‑change levy) becomes payable after you have already issued a VAT invoice that doesn’t contain that charge, you must send the customer a separate supplementary‑charge invoice. It has to be sent within 45 days of the charge becoming due and must include specific details about the charge, both parties and the original VAT invoice.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If you have supplied goods or services and a supplementary charge (e.g., a levy under the Finance Acts) becomes payable after you have already issued a VAT invoice that does not show that charge, you must send the customer a separate “supplementary charge invoice” within 45 days. The invoice must list the charge, your and the customer’s details, and reference the original VAT invoice.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If you supply goods or services and a supplementary charge (e.g., for fuel or climate levy) becomes payable after you have already sent a VAT invoice that does not show that charge, you must send the customer a new ‘supplementary charge invoice’ within 45 days of the charge becoming due. The new invoice must contain the required details, linking it to the original VAT invoice.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If you have already issued a VAT invoice for a supply but a supplementary charge (under the relevant Finance Act schedules) later becomes payable and wasn’t on that invoice, you must send the customer a separate ‘Supplementary charge invoice’ within 45 days. The invoice must contain specific details of the charge and link back to the original VAT invoice.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If you make a supply and a supplementary charge (e.g. under the Finance Act) later becomes payable, and your original VAT invoice did not include that charge, you must send the customer a new invoice called a “supplementary charge invoice”. It must be issued within 45 days of the charge becoming due and must show the charge amount and link back to the original VAT invoice.
Issue supplementary charge invoice within 45 days
If you have supplied goods or services that attract a supplementary VAT charge and you have already sent a normal VAT invoice that does not show that charge, you must send a separate “Supplementary charge invoice” to your customer within 45 days of the charge becoming due. The invoice must contain specific details about the charge, both parties and the original VAT invoice.
Issue VAT invoice for EU supplies
If your business is VAT‑registered and you make a supply that falls under paragraph 6(9) of Schedule 9ZA to a customer in another EU Member State, you must give that customer a VAT invoice. The invoice must meet the normal VAT invoice requirements set out in Regulations 13 and 14.
Issue VAT invoice for EU supplies
If your business supplies goods or services to a customer in another EU Member State under Schedule 9ZA paragraph 6(9), you must give that customer a VAT invoice. The invoice must contain the information set out in VAT Regulations 13 and 14.
Issue VAT invoice for EU supplies under Schedule 9ZA
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is VAT‑registered and you sell goods or services to a customer in another EU member state that fall under paragraph 6(9) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give them a VAT invoice that meets the normal invoice rules. The invoice must be provided when the supply is made and kept as evidence of the transaction.
Issue VAT invoice for intermediate supplies
If your business acts as an intermediate supplier (you sell goods that were brought into the UK from another EU member state directly to a UK customer), you must give the customer an invoice that meets the UK VAT rules. The invoice must be issued within 15 days of the sale and must cover the full extent of the supply, and it will be treated as a VAT invoice for tax purposes.
Issue VAT invoice for services on goods fiscal warehousing regimes
If your business supplies services that relate to goods held in a fiscal or other warehousing regime and you want to zero‑rate those services for VAT, you must issue a VAT invoice. The invoice must contain a set list of details and be sent to the customer within 30 days of the service being performed (unless HMRC gives you more time). Failure to do so breaches the VAT Regulations.
Issue VAT invoice for services on goods in fiscal or warehousing regimes
If your business provides services on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing arrangement, you must give the customer a VAT invoice that shows all the required details and declares a 0 % VAT rate. The invoice must be sent within 30 days of when the service was actually supplied (or a longer period if HMRC allows it).
Issue VAT invoice for services on goods in fiscal/warehousing regimes
When you provide services on goods that are stored in a fiscal or other warehousing regime and want the supply to be zero‑rated for VAT, you must send the customer a VAT invoice. The invoice must contain all the details listed in the regulation and be issued within 30 days of the service being performed.
Issue VAT invoice for services on goods in fiscal/warehousing regimes
If your business provides services on goods that are held in a fiscal or other warehousing regime and you want those services to be zero‑rated for VAT, you must give the customer a VAT invoice that contains a set list of details. The invoice has to be sent within 30 days of when the services were supplied (unless HMRC gives you more time).
Issue VAT invoice for services on warehoused goods
If your business provides services on goods that are in a customs or other warehousing scheme and you want those services to be zero‑rated for VAT, you must give the customer a VAT invoice that contains a set list of details. The invoice must be sent to the customer within 30 days of the service being performed (unless HMRC grants a longer period).
Issue VAT invoice for specific cross‑border supplies
When your VAT‑registered business makes a supply to a customer in another Member State that falls under paragraph 6(9) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give that customer a VAT invoice. The invoice must contain all the information required by VAT Regulations 13 and 14.
Issue VAT invoice for zero‑rated services in fiscal warehousing
If your business provides services on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing regime and you want the supply to be zero‑rated for VAT, you must give the customer a VAT invoice showing a 0 % rate and all required details. The invoice has to be issued within 30 days of the service (or a longer period if HMRC allows it).
Issue VAT invoices for each water, gas or power supply
If your business sells water, gas, electricity, heat, cooling or ventilation you must treat each payment or each invoice as a separate supply. You need to issue a VAT invoice at the earlier of when you receive payment or when you issue the invoice, and for ongoing contracts you must list the payment dates, amounts and the VAT rate on the invoice. If the VAT rate changes before a payment is due, the original invoice stops being valid for those later payments.
Issue VAT invoices for water, gas, power and similar supplies
If your business supplies water, gas, electricity, heat, cooling or ventilation (unless the supply is exempt), you must treat each payment you receive or each VAT invoice you issue as a separate supply for VAT purposes. For supplies billed periodically, you must issue a VAT invoice at the start of the period (up to one‑year) that shows the payment dates, amounts (excluding VAT) and the rate of VAT that will apply.
Issue VAT invoices with the required details
Whenever your business supplies goods or services and you are VAT‑registered, you must give your customer a VAT invoice that includes all the information set out in the regulation – things like a unique invoice number, supply date, supplier and customer details, description of the goods/services, amounts, VAT rates, any discounts, margin‑scheme or reverse‑charge references, etc. The same rules apply for invoices to customers in other EU member states if you are in Northern Ireland, with a few extra details.
Issue VAT invoice when a taxable customer asks
If your business is a VAT‑registered retailer, you normally don’t have to give a VAT invoice. However, whenever a customer who is also VAT‑registered requests one you must provide it. For sales of £250 or less (and where you are identified for VAT in Northern Ireland and the sale is not to another EU Member State) the invoice can be very brief and only needs the five listed details. The invoice must never mention any exempt supply.
Issue VAT invoice within 14 days of buyer appropriating goods
If you sell goods but keep legal ownership until the buyer takes them (a retention‑of‑title sale), VAT is due from the earliest of three dates – when the buyer appropriates the goods, when you issue a VAT invoice, or when you receive payment. You must therefore send a VAT invoice (or accept a self‑billed invoice that meets the rules) within 14 days of the buyer’s appropriation, and keep records of those dates to work out the correct VAT treatment.
Issue VAT invoice within 14 days of buyer taking goods
If you sell goods but keep ownership until the buyer actually takes them, you must send a VAT invoice (or accept a proper self‑billed invoice) no later than 14 days after the buyer appropriates the goods. This ensures the VAT is accounted for at the correct time.
Issue VAT zero‑rate invoice for services on warehoused goods
If your business provides services on goods that are in a fiscal or other warehousing regime and you want those services to be zero‑rated for VAT, you must give the customer a VAT invoice that includes all the details listed in the regulation. The invoice has to be issued within 30 days of when the service was supplied (unless a longer period is authorised).
Maintain VAT scheme accounting and file final return when it ends
If your business is authorised under the VAT accounting scheme, you must keep accounting for VAT using that scheme until your authorisation ends. When you stop being authorised – for example because your taxable supplies exceed the £1.6 million limit, you become insolvent or you choose to leave – you must submit a final VAT return (within two months if you exit before the end of the accounting period) and pay any VAT due. From the day after you cease, you must account for VAT in the normal way.
Make VAT deduction claim within 6 months and meet minimum amounts
You must submit any claim to recover VAT within six months after the end of the tax year it relates to. The claim must cover a period of at least three months but not more than twelve months (shorter periods are allowed only at the very end of the year). Each claim must be at least £16, and if the period is less than a full year the claim must be at least £130 (unless it’s the final part of the year).
Make VAT reclaim claims within 6 months and meet minimum claim amounts
You must submit any claim to get back VAT you’ve paid no later than six months after the end of the tax year in which the VAT was charged. The claim must relate to a supply or import period of between three and twelve months (or a shorter period if it’s the final part of the year) and must be for at least £16 overall – or at least £130 if the period is less than a full tax year (unless it’s the final part of the year).
Notify HMRC and file final VAT return if you exceed the scheme limit
If your business is using the small‑VAT scheme, you must keep accounting under that scheme until you either exceed £1.6 million of taxable supplies in a 12‑month period or you stop using the scheme for any other reason (e.g., you become insolvent or cease trading). When the £1.6 m threshold is likely to be breached, you must tell HMRC within 30 days, submit a final VAT return within two months of leaving the scheme and pay any VAT you owe, then start accounting for VAT in the normal way.
Notify HMRC if you choose not to claim VAT exemption
If your business could claim a VAT exemption for the next accounting period but you want to stay taxable, you must tell HMRC before that period starts and give the exact start date. You can later reverse this choice, but you must also give notice, which will take effect from the following period.
Notify HMRC of VAT representative appointment and any changes within 30 days
If you act as a VAT representative for another business, you must tell HMRC when you are appointed and provide the required details and evidence within 30 days. You also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your company’s name, structure, ownership or if you stop acting as the representative.
Notify HMRC of your appointment and any changes as a VAT representative
If your business is acting as a VAT representative for another taxable person, you must tell HMRC within 30 days that you have been appointed and provide the required details and evidence. You also have to inform HMRC within 30 days of any change to your company’s name, structure, ownership, or if you stop being the representative.
Provide a compliant invoice for cross‑border supplies
If you’re a supplier based outside the UK and you supply goods or services to a UK trader under the rules for paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send that trader a valid invoice within 15 days. The invoice has to follow your national rules, cover everything that the supply would normally be reported for VAT, and be sufficient for VAT record‑keeping in the UK.
Provide a compliant invoice for EU supplies
If you are a supplier based in another EU member state and you sell goods or services to a UK VAT‑registered business under paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA, you must send the UK customer an invoice that meets the rules of your own country and the VAT regulations. The invoice must be sent within 15 days of the supply date and must cover the full extent of the supply.
Provide a compliant invoice for intermediate supplies
If you are an intermediate supplier and make a supply that falls under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give your customer an invoice that meets the required VAT rules. The invoice has to show the correct VAT identification number, cover the whole supply and be sent no later than 15 days after the date the supply would have been treated as taking place under the standard VAT rules.
Provide an invoice for outside‑EU supplies within 15 days
If you buy goods or services from a trader based in another EU member state and you want VAT treatment to apply, the trader must give you a valid invoice. That invoice must be issued no later than 15 days after the supply, must cover the full supply, and must meet the invoicing rules of the trader’s own member state. This keeps the supply recognised for UK VAT purposes.
Provide a VAT invoice for qualifying intra‑EU supplies
If your business supplies goods or services to a customer in another EU Member State under the rules in paragraph 6(9) of Schedule 9ZA, you must issue them an invoice. The invoice must meet the detailed requirements set out in VAT Regulations 13 and 14, so it includes all the information HMRC expects for cross‑border transactions.
Provide a VAT invoice on request for small supplies
If you run a VAT‑registered retail business and a customer who is also VAT‑registered asks for a VAT invoice, you must give them one for any sale of £250 or less (subject to the Northern Ireland rule). The invoice must contain only the five specific details listed and must not mention any exempt supplies.
Provide a VAT invoice when a taxable customer asks (≤ £250)
If your business is VAT‑registered and sells goods or services as a retailer, you normally don’t have to give a VAT invoice. However, when a customer who is also VAT‑registered (a taxable person) asks for one for a sale of £250 or less, you must issue a VAT invoice containing the required details. The invoice must not mention any exempt supplies.
Provide invoice for intermediate supplies under Schedule 9ZA
If your business acts as an intermediate supplier and makes a supply that falls under paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA, you must give the customer an invoice. The invoice has to meet the VAT identification rules, include at least the same details as a normal supply would, and be issued no later than 15 days after the date the supply would have been treated as taking place under the normal VAT rules.
Provide invoice to UK buyer for VAT‑deduction supplies
If you sell goods or services to a UK VAT‑registered business and want the buyer to be able to recover the input tax, you must send them an invoice that meets both your home country's invoicing rules and the UK VAT rules. The invoice must be issued within 15 days of the date the supply is treated as having taken place and must cover the full amount of that supply.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC
If HMRC (the Commissioners) sends you a written notice asking for the VAT records you are required to keep, you must hand those records over at the place, date and time set out in the notice. The duty applies to any business or individual that has made a VAT claim and is therefore a claimant under the regulations.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC
If HMRC (the Commissioners) send you a written notice asking for the VAT records you must keep, you have to give those records to them at the place and time set out in the notice. The notice will be signed, dated and will tell you exactly when and where to deliver the records.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC
If HMRC sends you a written notice telling you to hand over the VAT records you are required to keep, you must give those records to the officer at the date, time and place set out in the notice. This applies to any business that is a VAT claimant.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC
If HMRC sends you a written notice asking for the VAT records you must keep, you have to hand those records over at the place, date and time set out in the notice. This applies to any trader or business that is required to keep VAT records under the Regulations.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC
If HMRC sends you a written notice asking for the VAT records you are required to keep, you must hand over those records at the place and time set out in the notice. The notice will be signed by an HMRC officer and can be issued before or after any tax payment.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC
If HMRC (the Commissioners) sends you a written notice asking for the VAT records you must keep, you must give those records to them at the place, date and time set out in the notice. The notice will tell you exactly when and where to hand the records over.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC
If HMRC (the Commissioners) send you a written notice asking for the VAT records you must keep, you must hand those records over at the time and place set out in the notice. This normally happens when you’re claiming a VAT refund or deduction and HMRC wants to check your paperwork.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC when issued a notice
If HMRC sends you a written notice asking for the VAT records you must keep, you must give those records to them at the place, date and time the notice specifies. This applies whenever you are a claimant for a VAT credit and are asked to prove it.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC when notified
If HMRC (the Commissioners) sends you a written notice asking for the VAT records you are required to keep, you must hand those records over at the date, time and place set out in the notice. The notice will tell you exactly when and where to produce the documents.
Provide requested VAT records to HMRC when notified
If HMRC sends you a written notice asking for the VAT records you are required to keep, you must hand those records over at the place and time set out in the notice. This applies to any business that makes a VAT claim.
Provide required VAT records when HMRC requests them
If HMRC (the Commissioners) sends you a written notice asking for the VAT records you must keep, you must hand those records over at the place, date and time set out in the notice. The notice will be signed and dated by HMRC and can be given before or after any VAT payment is made.
Provide simplified VAT invoice for supplies ≤ £250
If your business is VAT‑registered in Northern Ireland and you sell goods or services costing £250 or less (and the customer is not in another EU Member State), you may issue a simplified VAT invoice. That invoice only needs to show your name, address and VAT number, the supply date, a description of what was supplied, the total amount payable including VAT, and the VAT amount and rate. This reduces the amount of detail you have to put on low‑value invoices.
Provide VAT invoice on request for low‑value sales
If a business customer (a taxable person) asks for a VAT invoice for a sale that costs £250 or less, you as a VAT‑registered retailer must give them an invoice. The invoice only needs to show the basic details listed in the regulation and must not mention any exempt supply. For retailers in Northern Ireland the same rule applies unless the customer is in another EU Member State.
Provide VAT invoice on request with required details
If your business is a VAT‑registered retailer, you normally don’t have to give a VAT invoice, but you must do so when a customer who is also a taxable person asks for one. For sales of £250 or less (and in Northern Ireland where the buyer isn’t in another EU state) the invoice can be a short one showing only the essentials. Any invoice you issue must never mention exempt supplies.
Provide VAT invoices with all required details
Whenever you issue a VAT invoice you must include a set list of details – a unique invoice number, dates, your and the customer’s name and address, VAT registration numbers, a clear description of the goods or services, quantities, unit prices, VAT rates, the amount before VAT, the total VAT due, and any special references such as margin‑scheme, reverse‑charge or free‑zone. The same rules apply to invoices you send from Northern Ireland to EU customers, with extra information like the “XI” prefix on your registration number.
Provide VAT invoices with all required details
Whenever you issue a VAT invoice you must include a set list of information – such as a unique invoice number, dates, supplier and customer details, description of goods or services, amounts, VAT rates, and any special references like reverse charge or margin scheme. The invoice must also show the total VAT amount in pounds and separate totals for exempt or zero‑rated supplies.
Provide VAT invoice to taxable customers on request (≤ £250)
If your business is a VAT‑registered retailer, you normally don’t have to give a VAT invoice. But when a taxable‑business customer asks for one for a sale of £250 or less (and, for a Northern Ireland retailer, the sale isn’t to someone in another EU member state), you must issue a simplified VAT invoice with the required details. The invoice must not mention any exempt supply.
Provide VAT invoice to taxable customers on request (≤ £250)
If your business is a VAT‑registered retailer you normally don’t have to give a VAT invoice. However, when a customer who is also VAT‑registered asks for one you must issue it. For supplies of £250 or less (and, for Northern Ireland retailers, where the customer is not in another EU member state) the invoice can be short but must contain the required details and must not mention any exempt supply.
Provide VAT invoice when requested by taxable customer
If your business is a VAT‑registered retailer, you must give a VAT invoice whenever a customer who is also VAT‑registered asks for one. For small sales of £250 or less made from Northern Ireland to customers in the UK, you can use a simplified invoice that only shows the basics. The invoice must never refer to any exempt supplies.
Provide VAT records to HMRC on demand
If HMRC (or another authorised officer) asks to see your VAT records, you must show them the relevant documents at your main place of business – or another reasonable location – at a reasonable time. You must also let them copy the documents and, if they need a copy for their own use, give you a free duplicate as soon as possible.
Provide written notice to purchaser when claiming a bad‑debt VAT relief
If you are claiming VAT relief on a bad debt for a supply made before 1 January 2003 to another taxable business, you must send the buyer a written notice within 7 days of making the claim. The notice must list the date of the notice, the date of the claim, the VAT invoice details, the amount written off as a bad debt and the total claim amount.
Report and pay VAT on auction (or deemed) sales within 21 days
If you sell goods at auction (or any other sale that is treated as a taxable supply under Schedule 4 paragraph 7), you must, even if you are not VAT‑registered, send a detailed VAT statement to HMRC, pay the VAT due and give a copy of that statement to the owner of the goods, all within 21 days of the sale.
Report and pay VAT on auction or third‑party sales
If you sell goods that are treated as supplied under Schedule 4 paragraph 7 – for example, an auctioneer selling items on behalf of the owner or a dealer selling goods not at auction – you must send a detailed statement to HMRC, pay the VAT due and give the original owner a copy of that statement within 21 days of the sale.
Report and pay VAT on goods sold under Schedule 4 para 7
If you sell goods that are treated as supplied under Schedule 4 paragraph 7 of the VAT Act – for example, when you run an auction – you must, within 21 days, send a detailed statement to HMRC, pay any VAT due, and give a copy of that statement to the original owner of the goods. The owner then must exclude that VAT from their own VAT return.
Report auction or non‑auction sales and pay VAT within 21 days
If you sell goods that fall under Schedule 4 paragraph 7 – for example, an auctioneer or anyone selling goods in a non‑auction sale where the tax rules treat you as the supplier – you must send a detailed statement to HMRC and pay the VAT due within 21 days of the sale. You also need to give the seller a copy of that statement, and the seller must exclude the VAT from their own return.
Report auction or sale details and pay VAT within 21 days
If you sell goods that are treated as supplies under Schedule 4 paragraph 7 (for example, an auction sale), you must, within 21 days, send HMRC a detailed statement, pay the VAT that is due, and give the seller a copy of that statement. This lets the VAT be correctly accounted for and deducted.
Report auction sale and pay VAT within 21 days
If you run an auction or sell goods that are treated as supplied by a taxable person under Schedule 4 paragraph 7, you must, within 21 days of the sale, send HMRC a detailed statement of the transaction, pay the VAT due, and give the seller a copy of that statement. This applies even if you’re not VAT‑registered.
Report auction sales and pay VAT within 21 days
If you sell goods at auction (or any other sale that falls under Schedule 4 para 7), you must send HMRC a detailed statement of the transaction, pay the VAT that is due, and copy the statement to the owner of the goods – all within 21 days of the sale. The seller of the goods must then remove that VAT from any VAT return they make.
Report sale and pay VAT within 21 days for auction or private sales
If you sell goods that are treated as a taxable supply under Schedule 4 para 7 – for example, an auctioneer or anyone selling goods in a private sale – you must, within 21 days, send HMRC a detailed statement of the sale, pay the VAT due, and give the original owner a copy of that statement. The owner then must leave that VAT off their own VAT return.
Report VAT refund on your VAT return
When your business becomes entitled to a VAT refund, you must tell HMRC by putting the correct refund amount into the ‘VAT reclaimed in this period on purchases and other inputs’ box on the VAT return for that accounting period (or the next return if allowed). If you have stopped filing returns, you must claim the refund using the method HMRC tells you to.
Send purchaser written notice of VAT claim within 7 days
If you claim a VAT deduction for a bad debt on a supply made before 1 January 2003 to another VAT‑registered business, you must send that buyer a written notice within seven days of making the claim. The notice must list the date of the notice, the date of the claim, the invoice date and number, the amount written off as a bad debt, and the total amount of the claim.
Send written notice to purchaser when claiming a pre‑2003 VAT bad debt
If your business makes a VAT claim for a bad‑debt on a supply that took place before 1 January 2003 and the buyer is also a taxable person, you must send the buyer a written notice within 7 days of making the claim. The notice must list the claim date, the invoice details, the amount written off as a bad debt and the total amount you are claiming.
Send written notice to purchaser when claiming a VAT bad‑debt
If you are claiming a VAT bad‑debt on a supply made before 1 January 2003 to a VAT‑registered customer, you must give that customer a written notice within 7 days of making the claim. The notice must list the claim date, invoice details and the amounts written off.
Submit complete VAT repayment claim with required certificates
When you want a VAT refund, you must send HMRC a claim form written in English together with a current certificate of status from the country where your business is established and any evidence that you’re entitled to deduct the input tax. If you already have a certificate issued within the last 12 months you can reuse it, but you must not attach any document that bears an official stamp showing it was used for a previous claim.
Submit complete VAT repayment claim with required evidence
When you want to claim a VAT refund, you must send the HMRC‑specified claim form in English, together with a certificate of status from the country where your business is established and any documents proving you’re entitled to deduct the input tax. If you already have a certificate that’s less than 12 months old, you don’t need to supply a new one.
Submit final VAT return and pay any outstanding VAT when leaving the scheme
If you stop being authorised to use the VAT scheme (e.g. because your turnover exceeds the limit, HMRC ends it, you become insolvent or you choose to leave), you must send a final VAT return within two months of the stop date (or at the end of the accounting period if you cease at period end) and pay any VAT you still owe. From the day after you leave the scheme you must account for VAT in the usual way.
Submit final VAT return and pay any outstanding VAT when you leave the scheme
If your business stops being authorised under the VAT scheme (for example because you exceed the turnover limit or the authority revokes it), you must send a final VAT return and pay any VAT you still owe. The return must be filed within two months of the date your authorisation ends (or at the end of the accounting period if it ends then), and from the following day you must account for VAT using the normal rules.
Submit final VAT return and pay any VAT due when leaving the scheme
When your business stops being authorised under the VAT scheme – for example because your supplies exceed £1.6 million, HMRC terminates the authorisation, you become insolvent, or you decide to leave – you must send a final VAT return and settle any VAT you owe. The return has to be filed within two months of the cessation date (or at the end of the accounting period if the scheme ends then), and from the following day you must account for VAT using the normal rules.
Submit final VAT return and pay VAT when leaving the annual accounting scheme
If your business is using the VAT annual accounting scheme you must keep accounting under that scheme until you stop being authorised. When you cease to be authorised – for example because your taxable supplies exceed £1.6 million or you quit the scheme voluntarily – you must file a final VAT return (within 2 months if you leave midway through a period) and pay any VAT owed, then switch to the normal VAT accounting method.
Submit full VAT repayment claim with required certificates
If you want a VAT refund, you must send HMRC a completed claim form in English, together with a current certificate of status from the authority of the country where your business is established, and any documentary evidence showing you’re entitled to deduct the input tax. You can skip the certificate if HMRC already has one that’s less than 12 months old, and you must not reuse documents that were stamped for a previous claim.
Submit required documents when claiming a VAT repayment
If you want a refund of VAT, you must send HMRC the claim form (in English) together with a current certificate of status from the country where your business is established and any evidence showing you are entitled to deduct the input tax. You don’t need to resend the certificate if you already gave one within the past 12 months, but you must not reuse a document that was stamped for a previous claim.
Submit required forms and documents to claim VAT repayment
If you want HMRC to repay VAT to your business, you must fill in the official claim form in English and send it to HMRC, together with a certificate of status from the country where your business is established and any other evidence showing you’re entitled to the input tax deduction. You can reuse a certificate that HMRC already holds if it’s less than 12 months old, and you must not submit any document that has already been stamped as used for a previous claim.
Submit required forms and documents when claiming VAT repayment
If your business wants HMRC to repay VAT you have paid, you must send them a claim form (in English) together with a certificate of status from the country where your business is established and any evidence that proves you are entitled to deduct the input tax. You don’t need to resend a certificate if HMRC already holds one issued in the past 12 months, and you must not reuse documents that have already been used for another claim.
Submit required HMRC communications using an approved electronic system
When you need to send any required information to HMRC (for example a VAT return), you must do it through an electronic system that HMRC has approved. The system must follow the approved form and include a validation step that records when and by whom the communication was sent. The electronic submission is treated the same as a paper one, so you must keep the validation records as proof.
Submit required VAT repayment claim documentation
When you want to claim a repayment of VAT, you must fill out the official claim form in English and send it to HMRC. At the same time you must provide a certificate of status for the country where your business is established and any other paperwork that proves you are entitled to deduct the input tax.
Submit VAT building claim within 6 months of completion
If your business is claiming VAT relief on a building, you must send the prescribed claim form to HMRC no later than six months after the building is finished. At the same time you must attach a completion certificate and all the other documents the Commissioners require, such as import‑VAT evidence, planning permission and a surveyor/architect’s statement.
Submit VAT claim for a building within 6 months of completion
If you want to claim VAT relief on a building, you must send the claim form to HMRC within six months of the building being finished. The claim must be accompanied by a completion certificate, proof of any imported goods and the VAT paid, the planning permission, a surveyor/architect statement that the goods were incorporated, and any extra evidence required for residential conversions.
Submit VAT claim for a building within 6 months of completion
If you want to claim VAT relief on a building you have finished, you must send the prescribed claim form to HMRC no later than six months after the building is completed. You must include a completion certificate, proof of any imported goods and VAT paid, the planning permission, and a qualified surveyor or architect’s statement that the goods were incorporated into the building.
Submit VAT claim for a building within 6 months of completion
If your business has incurred VAT on the construction of a building and wants to reclaim it, you must send a claim to HMRC within six months of the building being completed. The claim must use the form set out by HMRC and be accompanied by all the documents they require, such as the completion certificate and evidence of VAT paid on imported materials.
Submit VAT claim for building within 6 months
If your business is claiming VAT relief on a building, you must send the claim to HMRC within six months of the building’s completion. The claim must use the form set out by HMRC and be accompanied by all the documents that prove the building is finished and the costs are eligible.
Submit VAT claim for building within 6 months and provide required evidence
If you want to claim VAT back on a building you’ve completed, you must send HMRC a claim on the form they prescribe within six months of the building’s completion. At the same time you must include a completion certificate, proof of any imported materials and VAT paid, planning permission, and a surveyor or architect’s statement that the items were part of the building (and extra evidence for residential conversions).
Submit VAT claim for building within 6 months of completion
If you have built or renovated a property and want to claim back the VAT you paid on the construction costs, you must send a claim to HMRC within six months of the building’s completion. The claim must be on the form HMRC specifies and must be accompanied by a completion certificate and all the supporting evidence listed in the regulation.
Submit VAT claim for building within 6 months of completion
If you want to reclaim VAT on a building, you must send HMRC a completed claim form no later than six months after the building is finished. You also have to attach a completion certificate, proof of any imported goods and VAT paid, the planning permission, a surveyor/architect’s statement that the goods were incorporated, and, for residential conversions, evidence the building was previously non‑residential.
Submit VAT claim for building within 6 months of completion
If your business has completed a building and wants to claim VAT relief, you must send HMRC a completed claim form within six months of the building’s completion. At the same time you must provide all the supporting documents they require, such as the building completion certificate and evidence of any imported goods and VAT paid.
Submit VAT claim for building within 6 months of completion
If you’re claiming VAT relief on a building you have finished, you must send the required claim form to HMRC within six months of the building’s completion, together with a completion certificate and other supporting documents such as planning permission, proof of any imported goods and the VAT paid on them, and a surveyor/architect’s statement that the goods were incorporated.
Submit VAT claim for building within 6 months of completion
If your business has finished a building and wants to claim VAT relief, you must send the prescribed claim form to HMRC within six months, together with all the required supporting documents – a completion certificate, planning permission, proof of imported goods and VAT paid, and a surveyor/architect’s certificate confirming the goods were used in the building (and evidence of the building’s former non‑residential status for conversions). Failing to provide any of these can delay or block your claim.
Submit VAT claim within 6‑month deadline and meet minimum claim amounts
You must lodge any claim for a VAT repayment no later than six months after the end of the tax year it relates to. The claim must cover supplies or imports made over a period of at least three months (up to twelve months), unless it is for the very last part of the year. The claim amount must be at least £16, and at least £130 if the period covered is shorter than a full year (except for the final part of the year).
Submit VAT deduction claim for a building within 6 months
If your business has built, converted or otherwise completed a building and wants to reclaim the input VAT you paid, you must send a claim to HMRC within six months of the building’s completion. The claim must use the form set out by HMRC and be accompanied by all the supporting documents listed in the regulation (completion certificate, import paperwork, planning permission, etc.). Failure to meet the deadline or provide the required evidence can mean you lose the right to the VAT deduction.
Submit VAT refund claim for new means of transport on time
If you are claiming a VAT refund for a new vehicle, aircraft or ship, you must put your claim in writing. The claim can only be sent after at least one month, but no later than 14 days, before you actually supply the transport. Missing this window may mean you lose the refund.
Submit VAT refund claim for new transport on time
If your business wants a VAT refund for a new vehicle, aircraft or ship, you must put the claim in writing and send it to HMRC no earlier than one month before you supply the vehicle, and no later than 14 days before that supply date. Missing this window means you lose the chance to claim the refund.
Submit VAT refund claim in writing within prescribed window
If your business is claiming a VAT refund for a new means of transport, you must put the claim in writing. The claim can only be sent after one month but before 14 days have passed from the date you actually supply the vehicle, aircraft, ship, etc. Missing this window means you lose the right to the refund.
Submit VAT refund claim in writing within required time window
If you want a VAT refund for a new vehicle, aircraft, ship or other means of transport, you must send a written claim to HMRC no earlier than one month and no later than 14 days before you actually supply the transport. Plan your claim so it falls inside this window, otherwise the claim may be rejected.
Submit VAT refund claim in writing within the allowed timeframe
If your business supplies a new means of transport (e.g., a new vehicle, ship or aircraft) and you want to claim a VAT refund, you must put your claim in writing. The claim can only be made between one month and 14 days before you actually supply the transport.
Submit VAT refund claim in writing within the allowed time window
If your business is claiming a VAT refund for a new vehicle, aircraft or ship, you must put the claim in writing and send it to HMRC. The claim can only be made after the date that is one month before you supply the transport, and must be received no later than 14 days before the supply date. This timing rule must be followed to qualify for the refund.
Submit VAT refund claim in writing within the correct time window
If your business is claiming a VAT refund for a new vehicle, ship or aircraft, you must send the claim in writing no sooner than one month and no later than 14 days before you actually supply the item. Getting the timing right ensures the claim is valid under the VAT Regulations.
Submit VAT refund claim in writing within the required time window
If you are claiming a VAT refund for a newly‑acquired means of transport, you must send a written claim to HMRC. The claim can only be made after at least one month has passed and must be sent no later than 14 days before you actually supply the transport. Sending it too early or too late means the claim will be rejected.
Submit VAT refund claim in writing within the required window
If you want a VAT refund on a new means of transport you are supplying (e.g., a vehicle, aircraft or ship), you must put your claim in writing sometime between one month and 14 days before the supply date. Claims made earlier or later will not be accepted.
Submit VAT refund claim in writing within the required window
If your business is claiming a VAT refund for a new means of transport, you must send the claim in writing no earlier than one month and no later than 14 days before you actually supply the vehicle, aircraft, ship, etc. Getting the timing right ensures the claim is accepted by HMRC.
Submit VAT refund claim in writing within the set time window
If you’re claiming a VAT refund for a new vehicle, aircraft or ship you’ve supplied, you must send your written claim no sooner than one month before the supply and no later than 14 days before the supply. Getting the timing right avoids a rejected claim or possible penalties.
Submit VAT refund claims within 6 months and meet minimum thresholds
If you want HMRC to repay VAT you have paid, you must send your claim no later than six months after the end of the tax year that the VAT relates to. The claim must cover supplies or imports made over a period of 3‑12 months (or a shorter period only if it’s the final part of the year) and must be for at least £16, or £130 for periods shorter than a full year.
Submit VAT refund claim within 6 months of the tax year end
If you are VAT‑registered you must lodge any claim for a VAT repayment no later than six months after the end of the VAT accounting year it relates to. The claim must cover supplies or imports made over a period of 3‑12 months (or a shorter final‑year period) and must be for at least £16 overall, or £130 if the period is shorter than a full year (unless it is the last part of the year). Failing to meet these rules means you lose the right to the refund.
Submit VAT repayment claim within 6 months
If you want HMRC to repay VAT you’ve previously charged, you must lodge the claim no later than 6 months after the end of the tax year in which the VAT was charged. The claim also has to meet minimum amount thresholds (£16 overall, £130 for short‑period claims) and be for a period of 3‑12 months (or the final part of the year if shorter).
Submit VAT repayment claim within 6 months
You must lodge any claim to get a VAT refund no later than six months after the end of the VAT year in which the VAT was charged. The claim must cover a period of at least three months (up to twelve months) unless it is for the final part of the year, and the claim amount must be at least £16 (or £130 for periods shorter than a full year, unless it’s the year‑end part).
Submit VAT repayment claim within 6 months
You must lodge any claim to recover VAT you’ve over‑paid no later than six months after the end of the tax year it relates to. The claim must relate to supplies or imports made over a period of three to twelve months (shorter periods are only allowed for the final part of the year) and must be for at least £16 overall (or at least £130 for periods shorter than a full year, unless it’s the year‑end period).
Submit VAT repayment claim within 6 months
If your business has paid VAT that it can reclaim, you must lodge the claim within 6 months of the end of the tax year in which the VAT was charged. The claim must relate to supplies or imports covering at least 3 months (up to 12 months) and must be for at least £16 (or £130 for short‑period claims). Claims that don’t meet these limits cannot be processed.
Submit VAT repayment claim within 6 months and meet minimum claim amounts
You must lodge any claim to recover VAT within six months after the end of the tax year in which the VAT was charged. The claim must relate to supplies or imports covering at least three months but not more than twelve months (shorter periods are allowed only for the final part of the year). Also, the claim must be for at least £16 overall, and at least £130 if the period is less than a full tax year (unless it is the year‑end period).
Submit VAT repayment claim within 6 months and meet minimum thresholds
If your business wants a VAT refund, you must send the claim no later than six months after the end of the VAT year it relates to. The claim must cover a period of at least three months and no more than twelve months (shorter periods are only allowed for the final part of the year), and it must be for at least £16 (or £130 for claims covering less than a full year, unless it’s the year‑end period).
Submit VAT repayment claim within the statutory time limits
You must lodge any claim to recover VAT you’ve paid no later than six months after the end of the tax year in which the VAT was charged. The claim must cover supplies or imports for a period of between three and twelve months (or a shorter period if it’s the final part of the year) and must be for at least £16 (or £130 for periods shorter than a year, unless it’s the year‑end portion).
Submit VAT repayment claim with required documents
If your business wants HMRC to repay VAT you’ve over‑paid, you must send them a claim form in English, a certificate of status from the country where you’re established, and any evidence they ask for to prove you’re entitled to deduct the input tax. You don’t need to resend a certificate that HMRC already has if it’s less than 12 months old, and you cannot reuse a document that has already been stamped for an earlier claim.
Submit VAT repayment claim with required documents
When you want HMRC to repay VAT, you must fill in the official claim form in English and send it to the Commissioners. You also need to attach a recent certificate of status showing where your business is established and any paperwork proving you’re entitled to deduct the input tax. If HMRC already has a certificate that’s less than 12 months old you don’t need to send another, and you can’t reuse a document that has already been stamped for a previous claim.
Submit VAT repayment claim with required documents
When you want a VAT refund, you must fill out the HMRC claim form in English and send it to the Commissioners. You also need to attach a recent certificate of your trader status and any evidence showing you are entitled to deduct the input tax. If you already have a certificate issued within the last 12 months you don’t need to provide a new one, and you must not reuse documents that have been stamped as supporting an earlier claim.
Submit VAT repayment claim with required forms and certificates
If your business wants a refund of VAT, you must send HMRC a completed claim form in English, together with a certificate of status from the country where your business is established and any supporting evidence that shows you’re entitled to deduct the input tax. You don’t need to resend a certificate if HMRC already has one that’s less than 12 months old, and you must not reuse documents that were stamped for a previous claim.
Submit VAT repayment claim with required forms and evidence
When you want HMRC to repay VAT you must send them a completed claim form in English, a current certificate of status for the country where your business is established, and any documents proving you’re entitled to deduct the input tax. If HMRC already has a certificate issued within the last 12 months you don’t need to resend one, and you cannot reuse documents that have already backed an earlier claim.
Submit VAT returns on time
2 years imprisonmentIf your business is VAT‑registered (or required to be), you must send a VAT return for each accounting period – normally every three months – showing the VAT you owe or are owed. The return must be signed, use the prescribed form, and be filed with HMRC by the last day of the month after the period ends. When you deregister you also need to send a final return within one month of cancellation.
Submit VAT returns on time
If your business is registered (or required) for VAT, you must send a VAT return to HMRC for every accounting period – normally each quarter – showing the VAT you owe or are owed. The return must be filed by the last day of the month after the period ends, include all required details and a signed declaration that it is correct. When you stop being VAT‑registered you also need to send a final return.
Submit VAT returns on time
If your business is VAT‑registered (or required to be), you must send a VAT return for every accounting period – normally every three months – showing the VAT you owe or are owed. The return must be signed and filed by the last day of the month after the period ends, unless HMRC allows you to file monthly or gives you a different deadline. You also need to file a final return when you stop being VAT‑registered.
Submit VAT returns on time
If your business is VAT‑registered (or required to be), you must send a VAT return to HMRC for each accounting period – usually every three months – showing the VAT you owe or are owed. The return must be filed by the last day of the month after the period ends, signed with a declaration that it is correct. You also need to file a final return when you cancel your VAT registration.
Submit VAT returns on time
If your business is VAT‑registered (or is required to be registered), you must send a VAT return to HMRC for each tax period – normally every three months – showing the VAT you owe or are owed. The return must be filed no later than the last day of the month after the period ends, and a final return is required when you deregister.
Submit VAT returns on time
If your business is VAT‑registered (or you are required to be), you must send a VAT return for every accounting period – usually each quarter – to HMRC. The return must show the VAT you owe (or are due), include a signed declaration that it is correct, and be filed by the deadline (the last day of the month after the period ends). When you cancel your registration you also need to file a final return covering the last period.
Submit VAT returns on time
If your business is VAT‑registered you must send a VAT return to HMRC for every tax period (normally every three months) showing the VAT you owe or are owed, and sign a declaration that it is correct. The return must be filed by the last day of the month after the period ends. When you stop being VAT‑registered you also need to send a final return within one month of cancellation.
Submit VAT returns on time
If your business is VAT‑registered (or you are required to be), you must send a VAT return for each accounting period – normally every quarter, or monthly if HMRC allows – showing the VAT you owe or are owed. The return must be signed, accurate and sent to HMRC by the last day of the month after the period ends. When you stop being VAT‑registered you also need to file a final return within one month of deregistration.
Submit VAT returns on time
If your business is VAT‑registered you must send a VAT return for every accounting period (normally each quarter) showing how much VAT you owe or are owed. The return must be signed and filed with HMRC by the last day of the month after the period ends. When you stop being VAT‑registered you also have to send a final return within one month of the cancellation date.
Submit VAT returns on time
If your business is VAT‑registered (or required to be), you must send a VAT return to HMRC for each accounting period – normally every three months – showing the VAT you owe or can reclaim. The return must be signed, complete and sent no later than the last day of the month after the period ends, unless HMRC gives you a different schedule. When you stop being VAT‑registered you also have to file a final return within one month of cancellation.
Submit VAT returns on time
If your business is VAT‑registered (or required to be), you must send a VAT return to HMRC for each accounting period – usually every three months – showing the VAT you owe or can reclaim. The return must be signed as correct and lodged by the last day of the month after the period ends. If HMRC tells you to file monthly or send the return to a different address, you must follow those directions.
Submit VAT returns on time (including final return)
If your business is registered (or should be registered) for VAT you must send HMRC a VAT return for every accounting period – normally each quarter – showing the VAT you owe, signed and declared correct. The return must reach HMRC by the last day of the month after the period ends (or monthly if HMRC allows). When you stop being VAT‑registered you also have to send a final return within one month of the cancellation date.
Submit VAT statement and pay tax after auction or sale
If you run an auction or sell goods that are treated as supplied by you under VAT Schedule 4 para 7, you must, within 21 days, send a detailed statement to HMRC, pay the VAT due, and give a copy of that statement to the original owner of the goods. The owner can then ignore that VAT on their own VAT return.
Submit VAT statement and pay tax for auction sales
If you sell goods that fall under Schedule 4 para 7 – for example an auctioneer or anyone selling goods in that situation – you must, within 21 days of the sale, send a detailed statement to HMRC, pay the VAT due, and give a copy of that statement to the owner of the goods. The owner must then remove that VAT from their own VAT return.
Submit VAT statement, pay VAT and notify seller within 21 days of auction sale
If you run an auction or sell goods that are treated as a taxable supply under Schedule 4 para 7, you must, within 21 days of the sale, send a full VAT statement to HMRC, pay any VAT due, and give a copy of that statement to the owner of the goods. The goods owner then removes that VAT from their own VAT return.
Submit written claim for VAT credit or repayment
If you discover that you have over‑paid VAT or are entitled to a credit, you must send a written claim to HMRC (the Commissioners). The claim must state the exact amount you are claiming and explain how you worked out that figure, using any invoices, receipts or other evidence you have.
Submit written claim for VAT credit or repayment
If your business has paid too much VAT or has an over‑statement and you want a credit or refund, you must lodge a claim in writing with HMRC. The claim must clearly state the amount you are claiming and show, with the documents you hold, how you calculated that amount.
Submit written claim for VAT overpayment or overstatement
If you have paid too much VAT or claimed more than you should have, you must send a written claim to HMRC. The claim must state the amount you are seeking and explain how you worked out that figure, referencing any supporting documents you have.
Submit written VAT credit/repayment claim to HMRC
If you discover that you have paid too much VAT, you must put a written claim to HMRC asking for a credit or repayment. Your claim must state the exact amount you are claiming and explain how you worked out that figure, and you must attach the relevant paperwork you have that supports the calculation.
Submit written VAT credit/repayment claim with supporting evidence
If your business has paid too much VAT or made a mistake, you must put your claim in writing to HMRC. The claim must show how much you think you’re owed and explain the calculation, backed up by any documents you have. This ensures your claim can be processed and any credit or repayment is paid correctly.
Submit written VAT credit/repayment claim with supporting evidence
If your business has paid too much VAT and wants a credit or refund, you must send a written claim to HMRC. The claim must state the amount you are claiming and explain how you worked out that figure, using any documents you have as proof.
Submit written VAT over‑payment claim to HMRC
If your business has paid too much VAT, you must put your claim for a credit or refund in writing to HMRC. The claim must state the exact amount you are claiming and explain how you worked out that figure, backed up by any relevant paperwork you have.
Submit written VAT overpayment claim to HMRC
If you have paid too much VAT, you must send a written claim to HMRC showing how much you think you’re owed and how you worked it out, using the documents you hold. The claim must include the calculation method and supporting evidence.
Submit written VAT over‑payment claim with supporting evidence
If you discover that you have paid too much VAT, you must send a written claim to HMRC. The claim must say exactly how much you are claiming back and show the calculation method, and you must attach any paperwork you have that supports the amount.
Submit written VAT overpayment claim with supporting evidence
If your business has paid too much VAT or claimed too much, you must send a written claim to HMRC’s Commissioners. The claim must include the amount you’re claiming and explain how you worked out that amount, backed up by any documents you have.
Submit written VAT refund claim within the prescribed window
If your business is claiming a VAT refund for a new means of transport, you must put the claim in writing sometime after one month but no later than 14 days before you actually supply the vehicle, aircraft, ship, etc. Submitting the claim outside this period will mean you lose the right to the refund.
Submit written VAT repayment claim with supporting evidence
If your business has overstated VAT or has paid too much VAT, you must send a written claim to HMRC (the Commissioners). The claim must state the amount you are asking for and explain how you worked out that amount, using any documents you hold as evidence. This is the required step to get a VAT credit or refund.
Submit written VAT repayment claim with supporting evidence
If you discover that you have over‑paid VAT, you must put your claim in writing to HMRC. Your letter must state the amount you are claiming and explain how you calculated it, using any invoices, VAT returns or other paperwork you have. This ensures your claim can be considered and processed.
Treat each royalty payment as a separate VAT‑taxable supply
If you provide services where the total price isn’t fixed up front and you later receive royalty or similar periodic payments, each payment (or each VAT invoice you issue) must be treated as a new supply for VAT. You therefore need to issue a VAT invoice and account for the VAT on every payment you receive.
Update VAT account to restore input tax credit when you pay outstanding supply cost
If you have claimed an input‑tax repayment for a purchase but then pay part or all of the purchase price after the accounting period has ended, you must record a positive entry in your VAT account. The entry restores the credit you gave up, calculated in proportion to the amount you have now paid. This keeps your VAT returns accurate.
Use an approved electronic system with validation for HMRC communications
When you need to send any required information to HMRC – for example a VAT return – you must do it through an electronic system that HMRC has approved. The system has to include a validation step that records who sent it, when it was sent and that it was successfully transmitted. The recorded validation evidence is treated the same as a paper submission.
Use an HMRC‑approved electronic system for VAT communications
When you need to send any VAT information to HMRC, you must do it through an electronic system that HMRC has approved. The system has to record the time the submission was made and who sent it, and those records are treated the same as a paper filing. If you follow the approved system, your electronic filing counts as a valid VAT submission.
Use an HMRC‑approved electronic system for VAT communications
When you need to send any required VAT information to HMRC (for example a return or registration), you must do it using an electronic system that HMRC has approved. The system must follow the approved form and include a validation step that records who sent it and when. The electronic submission is treated the same as a paper one, so you must keep the validation records as proof.
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons in a member state
If your business supplies excise‑duty goods (e.g. alcohol, tobacco) that you move from Northern Ireland to an EU member state, and the buyer isn’t VAT‑registered there, you must treat that supply as zero‑rated for VAT. You must follow the excise‑goods movement rules and ensure the goods aren’t covered by the margin‑scheme. Keep records of the movement and apply the zero rate on your VAT return.
Penalties for non-compliance
62 penalties under this legislation. 62 can result in imprisonment. 61 carry an unlimited fine.
Account for VAT on retained payments at the correct time
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Adjust VAT scheme compliance when rates change
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Complete customs formalities for goods moving via Northern Ireland
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Comply with VAT duties for a deceased or incapacitated person’s assets
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Ensure club officers jointly meet all VAT duties
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Ensure VAT compliance – joint responsibility of club officers
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Ensure VAT compliance – joint responsibility of club officers and members
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Monitor VAT scheme limits, notify HMRC and file final return if limits are exceeded
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods sent from NI to non‑taxable EU customers
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Zero‑rate VAT on excise goods sent from NI to non‑taxable EU customers
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Zero‑rate VAT on qualifying exports from Northern Ireland
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Zero‑rate VAT on qualifying exports to overseas persons
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Notify HMRC and customer of intended Schedule 9ZA supply
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Notify HMRC of excise‑goods acquisition and pay VAT
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Notify HMRC of new ship or aircraft acquisition and pay VAT
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Notify HMRC of VAT registration and any changes
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Notify HMRC when taxable supplies exceed £230,000
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Account for and pay VAT on goods supplied before the duty point
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Account for and pay VAT when supply precedes the duty point
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Account for VAT on excise goods sold to non‑taxable EU customers
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Account for VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Account for VAT on excise‑goods supplied to non‑taxable persons abroad
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Account for VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons in other EU states
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Account for VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons in other EU states
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Charge and pay UK VAT on excise goods sold to non‑taxable persons in another Member State
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Charge VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons in other EU states
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Pay VAT on goods re‑imported to NI after repair abroad
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Pay VAT only on the amount shown on the invoice for EU acquisitions
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas processing
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas repair or processing
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas repair or processing
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods after overseas repair or processing
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods temporarily exported for repair
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Pay VAT on re‑imported goods treated abroad
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Allocate input tax to investment gold correctly
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Apply correct VAT on excise goods to non‑taxable EU customers
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Charge UK VAT on excise goods sold to non‑taxable EU customers
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Include required details on all VAT invoices
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Include required details on fiscal warehousing certificates
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Issue detailed VAT invoices for lease payments
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Issue VAT‑compliant invoice for intermediate supplies
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Keep evidence for VAT on excise goods supplied to non‑taxable persons abroad
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Keep VAT records and make them available to HMRC
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Keep VAT records and produce them on HMRC request
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Keep VAT records and provide them to HMRC on request
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Keep VAT records for 6 years
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Keep VAT records for 6 years and provide them on request
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Keep VAT records for at least 6 years and produce them on request
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Keep VAT records for at least six years and provide them on request
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Keep VAT records for six years and provide them on request
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Maintain a register of temporary movement of goods to/from EU
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Maintain a register of temporary movements of goods to/from EU states
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Maintain a VAT account with payable and allowable sections
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Account for VAT on construction services at the correct time
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Account for VAT on private‑use goods and free services at period end
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Adjust and report VAT on capital items when usage changes
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Adjust VAT input tax on capital items and report the change
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Adjust VAT input tax on capital items when use changes
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Comply with VAT scheme rules and notify HMRC if supplies exceed £1.6 million
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Issue VAT invoice for EU supplies under Schedule 9ZA
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Submit VAT returns on time
Unlimited fine and/or 2 years imprisonment
Keep VAT records for six years and produce them on request
Fine up to £5,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Tax & Finance 15
Use VAT Cash Accounting
How Cash Accounting can help your cash flow by paying VAT only when you receive payment from customers. …
How to complete your VAT return
Step-by-step guidance on what to include in each box of your VAT return. Covers boxes 1-9, rounding rules, …
VAT you cannot reclaim
Understand the items where you cannot reclaim VAT on business purchases. Covers blocked input tax categories including business …
Prepare for Making Tax Digital for VAT
What you need to do to comply with Making Tax Digital requirements for VAT, including digital record keeping, …
VAT invoice requirements
Learn what information must appear on a VAT invoice and when different invoice types apply. This guide covers …
Voluntary VAT registration - pros and cons
Understand the benefits and drawbacks of registering for VAT when you're below the £90,000 threshold. Covers who should …
Prepare for Making Tax Digital
How to get ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, including when you must join, what software …
How to charge VAT correctly
Learn how to charge VAT on your sales, choose the right rate, and create compliant invoices. Essential guidance …
Reclaim VAT on business purchases
Understand when and how you can reclaim VAT paid on goods and services for your business. Covers evidence …
Correct VAT return errors
How to fix mistakes on your VAT return and when to tell HMRC. Covers error correction thresholds, adjusting …
Check if you need to register for VAT
Find out if your business must register for VAT based on your taxable turnover. Covers the £90,000 threshold, …
VAT schemes: choosing the right one for your business
A guide to the three main VAT schemes for small businesses: Flat Rate Scheme, Cash Accounting, and Annual …
Join the VAT Flat Rate Scheme
How to join the Flat Rate Scheme and calculate your VAT using a fixed percentage of turnover. Includes …
VAT registration
When and how to register for VAT, including mandatory and voluntary registration, what counts as taxable turnover, registration …
Cancel your VAT registration
How to deregister for VAT, including when you must notify HMRC, completing your final VAT return, and accounting …
Sector-Specific 3
VAT for retail businesses
A complete guide to VAT for retailers, covering registration, pricing requirements, retail schemes, invoicing, gift vouchers, returns, loyalty …
VAT reverse charge for construction
When and how to apply the VAT domestic reverse charge for construction services. Essential guidance for contractors, subcontractors, …
Use a VAT retail scheme
How to calculate VAT using a retail scheme if you sell mainly to the public. Explains Point of …
Digital & Technology 1
Sections and provisions
374 classified provisions from this legislation.
Duties 96
- s.5 Registration and notification
- s.7 Notice by partnership
- s.8 Representation of club, association or organisation
- s.10 VAT representatives
- s.11 Notification of intended paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA supplies by intermediate suppliers
- s.12 Notification of intended paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA supplies by persons belonging in other member States
- s.13 Obligation to provide a VAT invoice above
- s.14 Contents of VAT invoice document that refers
- s.15 Change of rate, credit notes
- s.16 Retailers' invoices supply
- s.17 Paragraph 6(9) of Schedule 9ZA supplies to persons belonging in other member States
- s.18 Paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 9ZA supplies by intermediate suppliers
- s.19 Paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 9ZA supplies by persons belonging in other member States
- s.25 Making of returns
- s.26 Accounting for VAT on an acquisition by reference to the value shown on an invoice
- s.27 Supplies under Schedule 4, paragraph 7
- s.29 Claims for input tax the Commissioners
- s.30 Persons acting in a representative capacity
- s.31 Records
- s.32 The VAT account taxable person
- ... and 76 more duties
Powers 31
- s.4 Requirement, direction, demand or permission
- s.6 Transfer of a going concern
- s.9 Death, bankruptcy or incapacity of taxable person
- s.28 Estimation of output tax
- s.43 Goods removed from warehousing regime
- s.50 Annual accounting scheme
- s.54 Admission to the scheme
- s.67 Retail schemes
- s.68 Retail schemes
- s.69 Retail schemes
- s.102 Use of other methods
- s.118 Enactments excepted
- s.132 Supplies to persons departing from Great Britain
- s.155 Supplies of new means of transport to persons departing Northern Ireland for a member State
- s.187 VAT representatives
- s.193 Deduction of bank charges
- s.196 False, altered or incorrect claims
- s.197 False, altered or incorrect claims
- s.206 Cancellation of certificates
- s.207 Death, bankruptcy or incapacity of certified person
- ... and 11 more powers
Definitions 62
- s.2 Interpretation—general the Act alphabetical code the Community
- s.21 Interpretation of Part IV first relevant figure NMT supply of goods registered in a member State
- s.24 Interpretation of Part V API platform functional compatible software insolvent person
- s.44 Interpretation of Part VI body corporate relevant division
- s.49 Interpretation of Part VII authorised person transitional accounting period current accounting year
- s.56 Interpretation of Part VIII money notice
- s.57 Cash accounting scheme
- s.66 Interpretation of Part IX notice scheme flat-rate trader
- s.76 Interpretation of Part X
- s.96 Interpretation of Part XII
- s.99 Interpretation of Part XIV and longer periods exempt input tax prescribed accounting period special accounting period
- s.100 INPUT TAX AND PARTIAL EXEMPTION exempt input tax prescribed accounting period special accounting period
- s.106 INPUT TAX AND PARTIAL EXEMPTION exempt input tax prescribed accounting period special accounting period
- s.112 Interpretation of Part XV
- s.117 Interpretation of Part XVI approved inland clearance depot container overseas authority
- s.131 IMPORTATIONS, EXPORTATIONS AND REMOVALS IN RESPECT OF GREAT BRITAIN approved inland clearance depot container overseas authority
- s.133 IMPORTATIONS, EXPORTATIONS AND REMOVALS IN RESPECT OF GREAT BRITAIN approved inland clearance depot container overseas authority
- s.137 Importations, exportations and removals in respect of Northern Ireland Commission Delegated Regulation Commission Implementing Regulation export
- s.138 Importations, exportations and removals in respect of Northern Ireland Commission Delegated Regulation Commission Implementing Regulation export
- s.139 Importations, exportations and removals in respect of Northern Ireland Commission Delegated Regulation Commission Implementing Regulation export
- ... and 42 more definitions
Exemptions 52
- s.20 General
- s.22 Submission of statements
- s.34 Correction of errors
- s.35 Correction of errors
- s.38 Adjustments in the course of business
- s.40 VAT to be accounted for on returns and payment of VAT
- s.45 Payments on Account
- s.46 Payments on Account
- s.47 Payments on Account
- s.48 Payments on Account
- s.58 Admission to the scheme
- s.59 Admission to the scheme
- s.60 Admission to the scheme
- s.61 Admission to the scheme
- s.62 Admission to the scheme
- s.63 Admission to the scheme
- s.71 Changing schemes
- s.84 Supplies of land—special cases
- s.90 Continuous supplies of services
- s.97 Valuation of acquisitions
- ... and 32 more exemptions