Embrace convenience and safety by filing your vat return online

Upon turning into a vat registered trader you will need to file regular vat returns and you should definitely embrace convenience and safety by filing your vat return online. Most vat departments in the European Union including the UK encourage vat registered traders to file their returns online in a bid to do away with paper returns.

If you had applied for vat registration on or after April 1, 2010 then you would have to anyway file vat returns online irrespective of your turnover. However, if you have registered before that date then you would need to file online returns only after your taxable sales touch £100,000 excluding vat. Until then you would be allowed to manually file your vat returns. However, you would still have an option to file your returns online if you do wish to do so.

The vat return form has several boxes that all need to be filled up depending on the vat accounting scheme that you have chosen. The frequency of your returns will also depend on your turnover and accounting scheme although most dealers fall in the quarterly returns section. Your vat return will inform HM Revenue and Customs or hmrc vat department that looks after vat matters in the UK, all about the vat collected and paid within the specified period. This data includes the amount of vat that you have charged to your clients and the amount that you need to pay to hmrc or claim back from hmrc depending on your vat purchases. In case you have imported goods into the UK or sold goods outside the UK then those amounts also need to be summarized in your vat return.

You will also need to mention your vat number in your vat return while also mentioning it in each vat invoice and vat refund application too. Before you can file your vat return online or authorize your vat agent to do so on your behalf, you will first need to register for vat online services at the hmrc website while also mentioning if your vat agent will be filing the vat returns on your behalf. Once you get the proper authorization then you will now be able to save time, money and effort by simply filing your returns online and also by using other online services offered by hmrc. You can now focus on running your business instead of worrying about delayed or lost vat returns or wasting precious time in filling out vat returns on paper.

Most other eu countries including Sweden, Germany, etc already accept electronic vat returns and other countries too are trying hard to eliminate paper returns. You should certainly opt for online returns since it offers convenience since your vat agent can now file your return on a 24/7 basis. The returns will also remain safe since you will be operating in a secured hmrc website. You can also use a number of options while paying the difference in vat to hmrc, such as direct debit, online banking, phone banking, etc.

You need not be a computer or internet expert if you want to shift over to online filing of vat returns. Hmrc allows you to use dial up connections too and you can now easily embrace convenience and safety by filing your vat return online without worrying about whether your returns are delayed or lost in transit.

Article source: https://vatverification.com/vat/embrace-convenience-and-safety-by-filing-your-vat-return-online/

Check for zero rated vat goods and services related to your business

If you do not want to pay higher vat rates by mistake or want your goods and services to remain at optimum costs then you should check for zero rated vat goods and services related to your business. There are different vat rate slabs that are applicable on various goods and services, and you should make an effort to check the classifications that are applicable to your business.

Most eu countries have shifted over to the system of vat or value added tax over the years in a bid to trade within a common market. These countries have different vat rate slabs such as standard vat rates that are between 15% and 25%. Most countries also have reduced vat rates on certain goods and services such as goods for children, fuel, etc. Some countries such as the UK also have zero vat rates on certain goods and services, and you can apply for vat reclaim on such goods and services in case vat was previously paid on them before they turned into zero rated ones. Finally, some goods and services are also vat exempt and it would be quite difficult to get vat refunds on them.

In the UK there are several zero rated vat goods and services such as goods sold during charitable fund-raising events and advertising events related to the same. Even selling donated goods for charity or constructing or selling a building for charitable purposes attracts zero vat rates. In addition, most services, equipments and buildings specifically required for disabled people attract zero vat rates. Several utilities related to water and sewerage too attracts zero rates. Leasing, hiring or selling of freight containers too fall in this category. Several repair and maintenance services related to ships, planes, helicopters and military airplanes also fall under the zero rated vat categories. Printing of brochures, pamphlets and leaflets for your business also attract zero vat rates. In addition, clothing for children along with newspapers, magazines, publications, maps, charts, and books all attract zero vat rates in the UK.

You will certainly need to understand the concept of filing for vat refunds even on zero vat rates goods and services. For example, while paper might attract a particular vat rate, books are zero rated and thus you might be able to apply for vat reclaim in case vat has been paid before a particular product changed into a zero rated one. You should certainly hire the services of a competent vat agent or accountant, especially if you deal in some of these goods or services that attract zero vat rates. You will also need to choose an appropriate vat accounting scheme depending on the vat rates normally applicable on your business. You can also visit the website of HM Revenue and Customs or hmrc vat to learn about various vat classifications so as to find out all about applicable vat rates on goods and services purchased and sold in the course of your business.

Some countries such as the UK have a list of goods and services that do attract zero percentage of vat but are still under the purview of vat. If you are a vat registered trader in the UK then you should surely check for zero rated vat goods and services related to your business so as to adhere to vat rules while also claiming vat back successfully.

Article source: https://vatverification.com/vat/check-for-zero-rated-vat-goods-and-services-related-to-your-business/

Precise vat calculations are a must for perfect vat accounting

If you are a VAT registered trader in the UK or any other vat-enabled eu country then precise vat calculations are a must for perfect vat accounting. All countries that have embraced vat use various vat rates on different goods and services, and you need to calculate each vat rate precisely so as to file proper vat returns and also pay the correct amount of vat tax.

In the UK, all vat rules are issued by HM Revenue and Customs or hmrc vat department. Hmrc has classified all taxable and vat exempt goods and services into 14,000 classifications. Thus, any product or service that you purchase or sell is bound to fall under one of these classifications. Most of these goods and services fall under the standard vat rate of 17.5% that is slated to rise to 20% from January 4, 2011 onwards. Other goods and services fall under the reduced vat rate of 5% while a select few fall under the zero vat rate. There are also certain goods and services such as those related to charitable events, among others that fall under the vat exempt scheme where no vat can be added or claimed back.

Your vat calculations will begin once you know the correct vat rate of each of your products and services. For example, if you are selling a pair of shoes to your customers for £200 exclusive of vat then at 17.5% vat, your vat amount will be £35 while the total amount of your vat invoice including vat will be £235. Similarly, if you sell a product for £50 that attracts 5% vat rate then the vat amount on that product will be £2.50 while the total amount inclusive of vat will be £52.50. It is very important to know your basic product or service cost, your vat cost and your total cost inclusive of vat so that you can bill your customers at the best possible rates while also filing your vat returns without making any calculation errors.

Calculating the correct amount of vat is also vital when you apply for vat refunds. You would need to do this if your goods or services are imported into the UK from any other eu country that has already collected vat on them. In such a case, you would need to apply for vat reclaim to get back the money already paid in the country of origin. You should hire an expert vat agent so that chances of any miscalculations are minimized. Your vat agent can also take over all vat calculations so that all your vat returns and vat refunds are handled within the stipulated time frame and that too without any calculation mistakes. The hmrc vat department also offers various vat accounting schemes including the flat rate scheme, and in such a case different calculation methods will need to be employed.

Although vat is not a very complex tax method, you will still require calculations that manage to separate your basic costs from taxes. This will allow you to purchase and sell your goods and services after calculating proper profit margins. Since you will also need to file regular vat returns and might also have to apply for vat refunds, precise vat calculations will help you stay on the right side of the vat law.

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Article source: https://vatvalidation.com/vat/precise-vat-calculations-are-a-must-for-perfect-vat-accounting/

Pay import vat when you import goods from eu special territories

If you are importing goods into the UK from specific regions of the world then you will need to pay import vat when you import goods from eu special territories or even from non eu countries. This tax is collected by the hmrc vat department or the hm revenue and customs department at the port or airport itself and the goods are then subject to local sales vat rules.

The hmrc has provided for 14,000 classifications of goods and services that are subject to customs duties, excise duties and import vat. Most alcohol and tobacco products along with certain activities such as gambling are subject to excise duties while almost all other imports fall under customs duties and import vat depending on the goods and the country from where they arrive.

The hmrc has specified eu special territories where import vat will be levied if goods or services are brought in or sent to such territories. They are The French Overseas Departments of Guadeloupe, The Canary Islands in Spain, The Aland Islands in Finland, French Guiana, Mount Athos and Reunion and Martinique in Greece, and The Channel Islands in the UK. This vat will also be levied when you import goods from non eu countries.

However, if you are a vat registered trader in the UK then you can apply for a vat refund in case you have already paid vat on any goods in the country of origin itself before being imported into the UK. You can also offset this vat against sales vat if the goods that you have imported are sold in the local UK market. Countries such as the UK and Italy also offer special vat deferment schemes where you can get relief from import vat for up to one month by filing out a special vat form with the hmrc and opening of a special vat deferment account with them. This move would help protect your cash flow.

Once you start selling your goods or services in the local market then you will also need to charge the local sales vat rate to your clients. You will need to make vat invoices that specifically mention vat rates and also file regular vat returns. If you have problem in understanding various duties and taxes imposed by the hmrc then you should engage the services of a proficient vat and customs agent. This will allow you to concentrate on expanding your business while all relevant paperwork and payment of taxes and duties is handled in an efficient manner.

The import vat rate is the same as sales vat rates of similar products sold in the UK. The UK has 3 vat rate slabs. The first is the standard vat rate of 17.5% that is slated to rise to 20% from January 4, 2011. The second is the reduced vat rate of 5% while the third is zero vat rate. There are also certain goods and services that are totally exempt from any vat.

You should have sufficient knowledge on various duties and taxes applicable on imported goods into the UK so that you can calculate the costs on an accurate basis. You should use all legal avenues to reduce your costs such as vat refunds, vat deferments, etc so that you can lower your costs further and improve the cash flow of your business. You should diligently pay import vat when you import goods from eu special territories or from non eu countries and use the services of an efficient vat agent to claim additional vat back.

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Article source: https://vatvalidation.com/vat/pay-import-vat-when-you-import-goods-from-eu-special-territories/

Make sure to file for vat claims to reclaim vat back

As a vat registered trader in the UK as in many other eu countries that have adopted VAT or value added tax, you should make sure to file for vat claims to reclaim vat back. If you have purchased goods or services where vat has already been charged, even in another eu country, you can certainly claim that vat amount back to provide a boost to your business cash-flow.

As a business you can claim vat back only on goods and services related to your business and not for your personal use. This vat is known as input tax by the HM Revenue and Customs or hmrc department that handles customs, excise and vat departments in the UK. You can reclaim vat charged irrespective of the rates, be it the standard, reduced or zero rate. However, you will usually not be able to claim vat on vat exempt goods apart from certain exceptions.

Since the process of filing for vat refunds is quite complex and time consuming, especially for goods or services imported from other eu countries, you should use the services of an expert vat agent that is totally acquainted with the latest uk vat and eu vat rules. Several agents will charge a fee based on a percentage of the vat reclaim amount after it has been approved and will not charge any fees if the claim does not materialize. This facility should be accepted by you to avoid paying any money from your pocket to your agent since vat claims usually take between 4 to 8 months to come to a successful conclusion.

You will first need to register yourself online at the hmrc vat website if you want to use all vat services provided by the department. Even if you want to file a vat claim for vat paid in a foreign eu country, you will still need to apply for vat reclaim with hmrc first and also provide all necessary vat documents including vat receipts so that your claim can be processed further. Hmrc will forward your application to the mentioned country and you might also need to send additional documents such as your vat certificate along with the original vat invoice, if desired by that country. If all your documents are found to be in order at the first attempt itself, you could receive your vat refund within 4 months, albeit in the currency of the foreign eu country, which can be converted into sterling pounds when you transfer it to your UK bank account.

Reclaiming vat can provide relief to your business by lowering costs and injecting vital funds into your business. If you regularly participate in trade shows in member eu countries and pay vat in those countries, or import goods into the UK where vat has already been paid then you should opt for vat refunds since this move will lower the cost of your goods while allowing you to legally claim doubly paid tax back from the government.

Once you do turn into a vat registered trader in the UK then you should explore all legal means to recover any tax that has already been paid on goods or services utilized by your business. You need not invest your own time or staff while making vat claims since a capable vat agent can do the same on your behalf and only collect fees when your refund claim is approved.

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Article source: https://vatvalidation.com/vat/make-sure-to-file-for-vat-claims-to-reclaim-vat-back/

Start your own vat consultancy firm to take care of traders

If you are based in the UK with offices or contacts in several eu countries that have also adopted vat then you should start your own VAT consultancy firm to take care of traders. Most traders in the UK that touch the vat threshold limit and turn into vat registered traders do not have detailed knowledge on what is vat and you could guide them in paying and reclaiming vat so that their business prospers over time.

You will need to be professionally qualified in not only issues connected to uk vat and eu vat but should also possess all necessary qualifications in handling customs and excise duties, personal, small business and corporate finances, and various other finance departments related to vat. This will help you to comprehend and explain all vat issues to your clients before you start handling matters related to vat, and even customs and excise. You will need to communicate regularly with HM Revenue and Customs department or hmrc vat department in the UK and various other vat departments in different eu countries in case your client wishes to file for vat refunds.

In these high-tech times your consultancy will need to be equipped with computers connected to the internet since most vat services offered by hmrc including filing for vat registration, vat returns and vat refunds will completely move online from the current paper format. You should hire expert staff for your vat consultancy firm so that they can handle all outdoor services leaving you free to communicate with your clients and handle their needs. Once a trader wishes to opt for vat registration or is compelled to apply for vat registration after touching £70,000 in taxable sales then you can step into the picture to handle all their vat tax requirements.

Depending on the vat scheme opted by each client, you will also need to file vat returns on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis. You will also have to calculate the amount of vat to be paid or collected from hmrc while filing these returns. If your clients have already paid vat on goods or services imported from another eu country that follows vat then you can offer them a scheme whereby you can follow up the vat refund on their behalf and take a commission from the vat reclaim amount only if you are successful in getting the vat amount back for them. This move will attract your clients to opt for this process and in turn will reward you as each vat claim gets successfully processed by the relevant vat department.

Turning into a vat registered trader, maintaining vat records and filing vat returns and vat refunds on time is a tedious process, and businesses might simply waste a lot of time in maintaining records instead of running their business. This should be your selling point when you offer your services to your client so that they can focus on increasing their business instead of simply handling vat paperwork. If your services are honest and efficient then your consultancy firm will surely grow by leaps and bounds in the coming years.

Vat is certainly here to stay as it offers governments a chance to increase their revenues and plug tax holes. You too should step into the consultancy market and start your own vat consultancy firm to safely guide traders through the maze of vat rules so that they can concentrate on running their business and leave the rest to your expertise.

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Article source: https://vatvalidation.com/vat/start-your-own-vat-consultancy-firm-to-take-care-of-traders/

Use the vat guide to successfully implement vat

If you have a vat registered business in a VAT enabled EU country or are on the verge of turning into a vat registered trader then you should use the vat guide to successfully implement vat. This guide can help you to calculate vat correctly, help you file your vat returns on time and generally help you to stay on the right side of vat rules and regulations.

For example, if your vat registration is in the UK, which is one of the countries in the eu that follows vat, in addition to Sweden, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, etc then you will need to follow uk vat rules that are broadly based on eu vat rules. The EU rules have been formulated by the European Commission that guides all member countries towards a unified system of vat. In the UK, it is Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs department or hmrc that lays down all vat rules.

All vat rules in the UK are available within the vat guide, which is under reference of Notice 700. You can simply visit the hmrc website and download the entire guide or click on any particular point that requires additional clarification. This guide offers explanations on every aspect of vat including import vat, vat registration, vat number, vat certificate, vat invoice, vat exemption, vat rates, vat returns, vat refunds, and much more. The hmrc vat website also offers various other vat online services including online filing of vat returns and vat refunds along with explanation on customs and excise duties too.

Most other eu countries that follow vat also have their own guides that can help direct new entrants as well as old ones that want to change vat schemes, to take the best possible route. Most countries also come out with amendments in a bid to fine-tune the process of boosting revenues and plugging loopholes in the vat tax system. Various directives also guide taxpayers towards better implementation of the vat act. New notifications such as the change in standard vat rates in the UK from 17.5% to 20% in the year 2011 also helps vat registered traders to get ready to shift over seamlessly to new rates well in advance.

The vat guide can explain in great detail as to what is vat and also guide you on your rights when you come under the system. The guide also explains the rights of vat officers when they arrive at your premises to conduct a vat audit and its implications in case you have willingly or unwillingly avoided payment of vat to hmrc. The UK guide covers vat rules applicable to the UK, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Similarly, other eu countries have certain geographical areas that are included or excluded in the vat rules based on their discretion.

If you are a vat registered trader in the UK or want to turn into one then you should have a guide that can help you to understand all rules and regulations pertaining to vat. You will need to understand all uk vat rules as well as eu vat rules if you plan to import goods and services from EU countries into the UK. In such a case, you should make it a point to first study the vat guide in great detail so that your transition into the system of vat tax does not turn out to be a taxing one.

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Article source: https://vatvalidation.com/vat/use-the-vat-guide-to-successfully-implement-vat/

Check vat rate applicable on each product and service

Turning into a VAT registered trader in the UK where vat is followed entails following uk vat rules and you should certainly check vat rate applicable on each product and service before you issue your very first vat invoice. Once you start issuing vat invoices then you should remember to charge, collect and file vat returns regularly to ensure that your business grows smoothly.

Most European countries have slowly switched over to vat as they want to ensure smoother cross-border trading while boosting revenues at the same time. It is the European Commission that has specified eu vat rules that are applicable on all eu countries that have adopted vat. However, specific vat rates are set up by each eu country including the UK albeit within the vat range specified by the European Commission.

If you are a trader in the UK and have just touched the vat threshold limit in taxable sales then you will need to turn into a vat registered trader and issue vat invoices to your clients. However, before you issue invoices, you will need to know the exact classification of your goods and services as specified by hmrc or Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs department that handles the vat department in the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man. There are around 14,000 classifications specified by hmrc and you will need to check applicable vat rates on each of your sales so that you can collect the correct amount of vat while also filing your vat returns without facing any problems in the future.

There are three basic vat rates applicable in the UK. The standard vat rates are pegged at 17.5% that will increase to 20% from January 4, 2011 onwards. The reduced vat rates applicable on certain goods and services are pegged at 5% while the final vat rates are pegged at zero percent. There are also specific goods and services including postal services, gambling services, etc that are totally vat exempt. While you can claim back standard and reduced vat rates, it is quite difficult to claim back zero vat rates if those goods or services were in another vat rate section previously. It is even more difficult to claim back vat on vat exempt goods and services, while there are still a few classifications that are outside the purview of the vat act.

There are similar vat rates applicable in other eu countries that follow vat too. Thus if you have already paid vat on any goods or services in another country then you can claim that original vat rate back by applying for vat refund. This process could take a long time and it would be advisable to allow your vat agent or consultant to handle the process so that your business costs can be reduced once your vat reclaim is successful. Your vat returns too will need to summarize your sales and purchases done at various vat rates depending on the vat scheme that you have chosen.

Once you turn into a vat registered trader in the UK then it is very important to be sure of the exact vat to be charged on each item of your vat invoice. You should also check your purchase bills to make sure that you are not overcharged by your suppliers. You should certainly check vat rate applicable on each product and service before you issue any invoice for the same since you might have a tough time rectifying your mistake if you end up charging the wrong rate.

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Article source: https://vatvalidation.com/vat/check-vat-rate-applicable-on-each-product-and-service/

Pay import vat whenever you import goods from eu special territories

If you’re importing goods into the UK from specific parts of the world then you will have to pay import vat when you import goods from eu special territories or even from non eu countries. This tax is collected by the hmrc vat department or the hm revenue and customs department on the port or airport itself and the items are then governed by local sales vat rules.

The hmrc has provided for 14,000 classifications of goods and services which are subject to customs duties, excise duties and import vat. Most alcohol and tobacco products along with certain activities such as gambling are subject to excise duties while almost every other imports come under customs duties and import vat depending on the goods and also the country from which they arrive vat check.

The hmrc has specified eu special territories where import vat will be levied if goods or services are brought in or delivered to such territories. They are The French Overseas Departments of Guadeloupe, The Canary Islands in Spain, The Aland Islands in Finland, French Guiana, Mount Athos and Reunion and Martinique in Greece, and also the Channel Islands in the United Kingdom. This vat may also be levied whenever you import goods from non eu countries.

However, if you are a vat registered trader in the United Kingdom you’ll be able to apply for a vat refund in case you have already paid vat on any goods in the country of origin itself before being imported into the UK. You can also offset this vat against sales vat when the products which you’ve imported are offered in the local UK market. Countries such as the UK and Italy offer special vat deferment schemes where one can get respite from import vat for up to one month by filing out a special vat form with the hmrc and opening of a special vat deferment account with them. This move would help safeguard your cash flow.

When you start selling your goods or services from your market then you’ll also need to charge any local sales vat rate to your clients. You will have to make vat invoices that specifically mention vat rates as well as file regular vat returns. For those who have problem in understanding various duties and taxes imposed by the hmrc then you should hire the services of a proficient vat and customs agent. This may allow you to concentrate on expanding your enterprise while all relevant paperwork and payment of taxes and duties is handled in an efficient manner.

The import vat rate is the same as sales vat rates of similar products sold in the United Kingdom. The UK has 3 vat rate slabs. The first is the standard vat rate of 17.5% that is slated to go up to 20% from January 4, 2011. The second is the reduced vat rate of 5% while the third is zero vat rate. There are also certain products or services which are totally exempt from the vat find this.

You should have sufficient knowledge on various duties and taxes applicable on imported goods into the UK to enable you to calculate the costs with an accurate basis. You should use all legal avenues to reduce your costs like vat refunds, vat deferments, etc so that you can reduce your costs further and improve the income of your business. You need to diligently pay import vat when you import goods from eu special territories or from non eu countries and employ the services of a competent vat agent to claim additional vat back.

You can choose flat rate vat in order to simplify your accounting

If your company is in an EU country that has adopted vat you’ll be able to choose flat rate vat if you wish to simplify your accounting and stay far from presenting vat figures fully detail. This scheme allows you to simply calculate a prescribed percentage of your vat inclusive sales as the final vat figure without going into intricate sale or purchase details, as is normally required whenever you file vat returns search vat number.

If you have a basic problem of understanding what is vat and foresee problems in maintaining detailed vat accounts then you can opt for the vat flat rate scheme provided you meetthe factors set up by the tax authorities inside your country. In case your business is located in the UK then you can go for vat flat rate in case your estimated sales turnover in the next year excluding vat is not over £150,000 or including vat isn’t over £187,500. It is possible to remain under this scheme until your turnover touches £225,000.

Although you will still have to display the vat amount in your vat invoice, you need not keep a detailed account of your vat figures on the sale or purchase when you would have to do under normal vat circumstances. You’ll, however be unable to go for vat reclaim in case you choose the flat rate vat scheme. UK offers a 1% discount scheme for the 1st year for firms that opt for this scheme. In case you deal in goods or services that fall under different vat rates then you will need to apply the top vat rate if you do opt for this scheme.

Thus, if you buy or sell services or goods under reduced vat rates or have to reclaim vat which has already been paid this scheme would not be ideal for you. However, if you mostly offer services or goods that involve standard vat rates, don’t need to have any vat refund, or take part in retail sale then your vat flat rate scheme will be ideal for you and your business. You could find more time to concentrate on growing your business instead of spending time on vat calculations while filing your returns would also become simpler.

These rules apply to businesses choosing the scheme in the UK. You will have to check on eu vat rules if your business is situated in another eu country. It is possible to join the flat rate vat scheme in your country by checking out the rules and filling out the required vat form. You will also must find the classification of the services and goods so that you can make use of the appropriate flat vat rate while billing your customers. You can also leave the scheme to migrate to another vat scheme by informing the appropriate vat authorities prior to making your move click for source .

Although the system of vat is rather simple to apply, you will still require the services of expert vat agent or consultant to help you with vat calculations, vat returns and vat refunds. However, if your business format is fairly basic and you deal in limited services or goods that come under standard vat rates then you can go in for the flat rate vat scheme to simplify your accounting.