Know all about the rise in hmrc vat rates in the coming year
In case you have a running business in the UK or plan to start one then you ought to know all about the rise in hmrc vat rates from the coming year. This should help you to quickly incorporate all the necessary changes in your vat invoices and vat returns, and help you to carry on running your business without interruptions.
Just like other European countries, the United Kingdom too has embraced vat or value added tax to be a system for avoiding double taxation on goods and reducing tax leaks. In case your current taxable sales exceed £70,000 pounds during the past 12 months then you can make an application for vat registration and turn a vat registered dealer. This move will allow you to receive a vat number that will have to be mentioned in each vat invoice that you issue to the customers. This vat invoice will also have to say the vat rate charged and your vat returns too will need to mention all applicable vat rates and amounts in detail.
Currently, the United Kingdom has 3 vat rates as decided by the hm revenue and customs department or hmrc. The standard vat rate is 17.5% that is slated to raise to 20% from January 4, 2011. You’ll thus need to issue tax invoices with the new standard rates from January 4, 2011 onwards as well as file your vat return based on the new vat rates. The reduced vat rate of 5% is slated to remain the same as well as the zero vat rate. Vat exempt rates and classifications too are slated to stay vatverification exactly the same. To be secure and safe, you need to however, ask your vat agent or consultant to stay glued to all alterations in uk vat in addition to eu vat rules, especially if you import services or goods from member EU countries that follow vat.
Come January 4, 2011 and the vat threshold limit, and the flat rate vat scheme limit too might be changed to include the modification in standard vat rates. However, for those who have already paid vat on products or services abroad before these were imported to the UK then you will still be in a position to ask for vat reclaim by filling out the requisite vat form. In case of any doubts you can always visit the hmrc vat website while also utilizing various vat online services provided by the department. Other eu countries too have either raised or intend to raise vat rates in the future as numerous countries had offered special rates to tide over the economic slowdown.
It is thus essential that you clearly comprehend the implications of increased vat rates on your business before, during and following the change in vat rates. This will help you to file for your vat returns correctly while also charging revised vat rates to your customers. You may anyway also disclose any errors that may have been committed during the transition period to the hmrc department and also make necessary adjustments within your next vat return as per them.
The rise in standard vat rates from 17.5% to 20% from January 4, 2011 will lead to a marginal rise in costs. However, this change will also have to be reflected in coming vat returns and calculations. You should make an effort to know everything about the increase in hmrc vat rates in the coming year so your business has a seamless transition into the New Year.