Maintaining proper records of vat invoices is mandatory

Opting for vat in any eu country including the UK where VAT has been adopted since many years will require you to issue special invoices and maintaining proper records of these vat invoices is mandatory. You will need to summarize vat amounts in your designated vat returns as well as make these invoices available to any vat officer that conducts a vat audit on your business.

Upon turning into a vat registered trader in the UK you will automatically need to follow all uk vat rules set up by HM Revenue and Customs or hmrc department. These rules are based on eu vat rules issued by the European Commission and are generally followed by other eu countries that have also adopted vat such as Portugal, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Germany, etc. Most eu countries allow traders to issue vat invoices in specific languages too. Thus, in Poland you will find a faktura invoice being issued during any vat sale, which in turn is the same as a vat invoice issued in the UK.

These invoices need to specifically mention your vat registration number or vat no. along with your business name and address. The serial number of such invoices too should be in sequential order. These invoices also need to mention applicable vat rates against each product or service. For example if your invoice contains 2 products where one product is taxed at the standard vat rate of 17.5% and the other at the reduced vat rate of 5%, then these percentages and rates should be specifically mentioned against each product. Finally, these invoices should also display the vat amounts as well as the gross amount of the complete invoice at the bottom. These invoices will make it easy for you and others to find out the exact vat rates, vat amounts and gross amounts and these figures will also need to be summarized in your vat returns. You can visit the hmrc website to look at samples of such invoices.

If you opt for the standard vat accounting scheme then you will surely need to maintain all records of such vat invoices in detail. If, however, you opt for the flat vat rate accounting scheme then although you will need to mention vat amounts in your invoices, you will be spared the trouble of maintaining detailed records of each invoice. You will also require specific vat amounts when filing for vat refunds if you have already paid vat in a foreign eu country that follows vat. An experienced vat agent would be a welcome addition to your team since maintaining vat records, filing vat returns and following up on vat refunds that could take up to 8 months can be tiring, and your vat agent could take care of all paperwork while leaving you free to focus on increasing your business.

The hmrc vat department has specified on the type of invoices that need to be issued based on the vat accounting scheme that you have chosen after turning into a vat registered trader. These invoices are known as vat invoices and they need to clearly specify your vat number along with vat rates and other details that would be of great help while filing your vat returns and vat refunds too.

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Article source: https://vatnumbers.com/vat-numbers/maintaining-proper-records-of-vat-invoices-is-mandatory/

Conduct vat registration check to deal with genuine businesses

If you have turned into a VAT registered trader in any eu country that levies vat including the UK then you would need to submit vat invoices of your suppliers for successful vat refunds and you will surely need to conduct vat registration check to deal with genuine businesses. However, if the vat numbers of your suppliers turn out to be incorrect then it would adversely affect your chances of receiving a vat refund and you could also get penalized in the process.

It is anyway quite easy to check vat registration numbers of any vat registered business situated in the UK or in fact any other eu country that has adopted the system of value added tax. This could be very crucial if you plan to import goods into the UK where you might be a vat registered trader and plan to apply for vat refunds for vat already paid on those goods. In such a case you might find yourself in deep trouble if the vat number printed on the vat invoice of your supplier or vendor turns out to be bogus or an expired one.

If a dubious supplier has provided you with a fake registration number then you might find out the truth only when you try for a vat reclaim on goods or services imported by you in the UK. This would result in your vat refund application being rejected as well as ending up on the wrong side of HM Revenue and Customs or hmrc that looks after customs, excise and vat duties in the UK. Each future vat refund application submitted by you will now be looked at with grave suspicion for no fault of yours except for the fact that you forgot to conduct a vat registration check before importing goods or services into your country.

You can easily visit the website of the European Commission that handles all eu vat issues that govern all eu countries that follow vat. You can use this link to directly end up at the registration checking section of Europa: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/vieshome.do?selectedLanguage=EN. You will need to mention the complete vat number including the member state name, which usually is mentioned in the first two characters. You will also need to submit your own vat number along with your state code and will receive the results within seconds.

Alternatively you can also call up the hmrc office number if you are a vat registered trader in the UK. The phone number is 0845 010 9000 and you can call during office hours to again find out the validity of any vat registration number within seconds. You can continue with the deal only when you are convinced that the opposite party is truly a genuine vat registered trader in that country. Since vat refunds take a long time to materialize it is always better to take precautions instead of being shocked after a few months after filing for a vat refund, by which time the dubious supplier might have changed the business name or address.

It is always better to check the vat registration number of any supplier or vendor before you start doing business with that firm. Since any loss of refund or penalty arising out of a bogus or expired vat number will have to be borne by you, it is in your interests to conduct vat registration check so that you end up dealing only with genuine businesses.

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Article source: https://vatregistrationnumber.com/vat-registration-number/conduct-vat-registration-check-to-deal-with-genuine-businesses/

Crossing over the vat threshold limit takes you into the world of vat

If you are a trader in a eu country that follows the system of VAT or value added tax then crossing over the vat threshold limit will take you into the world of vat. If your business is located in the UK then once your taxable sales touch £70,000, which is the threshold limit or if you expect to touch that limit in the coming 30 days, then you will need to apply for vat registration immediately.

The threshold limit is the minimum amount of taxable sales that qualifies you to register for vat. Your business might also cross over this threshold limit in case you take over an existing business and the combined taxable sales of your existing and new business go over £70,000. However, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs or hmrc that looks after all aspects of vat tax in the UK also allows you an option of turning into a vat registered trader even if you have just started a new business and have not touched the threshold limit. This could be helpful for your new business in case you do not sell goods or services to end-customers but instead to other traders or companies that need to continue the chain of vat and reclaim vat paid to you.

Several other eu countries too have followed the system of vat in a bid to block tax leaks and increase revenues. The European Commission that oversees vat all over Europe has issued eu vat rules that form the basis of vat in each eu country that levies vat on goods and services purchased and sold in that country. Each country also has its own vat threshold limit that allows businesses to enter into the vat system. Once a business gets vat registration from the appropriate vat department of that country then the business also gets its own vat number along with the country code that needs to be displayed on each vat invoice, vat return and vat refund application.

It is quite easy to turn into a vat registered trader in the UK since hmrc offers online vat registration forms that can be downloaded and even submitted online if you are the sole owner of your business. You could be asked to submit additional details and might receive your vat registration and vat certificate within 30 days of submitting your application. Once you turn into a vat registered trader then you will also need to follow all other uk vat rules like filing regular vat returns and following proper procedure. You can also file for vat reclaim if you have already paid vat on goods and services in another country. However, if you only deal in vat exempt goods or services then you need not turn into a vat registered trader or in case you can satisfy hmrc that your business is not used for vat purposes. A competent vat agent would be able to guide you on whether you need to apply for vat while also guiding you in case you do need to register for vat.

If you are a trader in the UK that needs to become a part of the vat chain then you can do so whenever you desire. However, if you do manage to cross over the vat threshold limit of £70,000 in taxable sales then it is mandatory for you to register for vat and turn into a vat registered trader.


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Article source: https://vatcontrol.com/vat/crossing-over-the-vat-threshold-limit-takes-you-into-the-world-of-vat/

Submit vat registration form to turn into a vat registered trader

If you want to get a vat certificate and issue vat invoices then you will first need to submit the applicable vat registration form to turn into a vat registered trader. Vat or value added tax is applied on goods and services sold in most eu countries including the UK.

It is the European Commission that has specified eu vat rules that need to be followed by all vat-abiding eu countries including the UK, Sweden, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Poland, etc. Although each country has made subtle interpretations of these vat rules, in principle, each eu country has adopted them to enable easier cross-border flow of goods and services, and also as a means to enhance tax collections. If you are a trader in the UK then you can either directly opt for vat registration once you start your own business or wait until you reach the vat threshold limit of £70,000 in taxable sales in the previous 12 months, in which case it is mandatory for you to turn into a vat registered trader.

However, since Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs or hmrc vat department has shifted most operations online, you would need to equip your business with an internet-enabled computer, if you have not done so until now. You should also hire an expert vat agent to help you with the vat registration process while also helping you submit your vat returns and vat refunds in future. You should also learn on how to use all vat online services that are on offer by hmrc vat as well as visit their website regularly to keep in touch with the latest updates. For example, the standard vat rates in the UK are poised to rise from the current 17.5% to 20% from January 4, 2011, and vat threshold limits too are poised to change accordingly.

You can easily locate the applicable VAT registration form on the website of hmrc, namely hmrc.gov.uk. If you are in any other eu country that follows vat then a simple search over any popular search engine will allow you to locate the vat department of your country. As regards to the UK, you can simply download any vat form that you wish on to your computer including the registration form. If you are an individual that is running your own business then you can just fill up the VAT 1 registration form online and submit it to hmrc, of course with the help of your vat agent.

All other registration forms as regards to a partnership firm, charitable trust, club, distance selling businesses, or any other organizations can be downloaded to your computer but you will need to print it at your end and submit it by return post after filling up the same. Hmrc might also ask for other details regarding your business, if required and you can expect the vat registration process to be completed within a month after you file for registration. Based on the size of your business and advice from your vat agent, you can also choose the type of vat accounting scheme that is most suited for your business.

Registering for vat is the first step that you will need to take if you want to receive your vat certificate and issue vat invoices with your vat number. The process itself is very simple in the UK where hmrc has taken most services online. All you need to do is to hire an expert vat agent and submit vat registration form to turn into a vat registered trader so that you can quickly start out in the world of vat.

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Article source: https://vatregistrationnumber.com/vat-registration-number/submit-vat-registration-form-to-turn-into-a-vat-registered-trader/

Apply for vat uk refund to claim previously paid vat

If you import goods into the UK from eu countries where vat has already been paid on the same or utilize vat-applicable services in those countries then you should apply for vat uk refund to claim previously paid vat. You can apply for vat refunds online and can certainly reduce your business costs with each successful refund.

Although vat has been established to avoid the problem of double taxation, it can occur in case you import goods into the UK after vat has already been charged in that country on the same. On the other hand, your employees might visit trade fairs, trade shows, attend meetings with clients, spend money on promotional events and utilize other services where vat might have been charged. In case you have to pay uk vat again on those goods or do not get vat reclaim for services then this would amount to double-taxation and raise your business costs to a large extent.

In the UK, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs or hmrc vat department that enforces vat allows you to reclaim VAT paid in another country by submitting the applicable online vat form. However, you need to be an existing registered vat trader before you can use these services. You will need to register with hmrc before you can start using all the vat online services on offer. You can register your business and even authorise your vat agent to represent you while filing vat returns and for vat refunds since the process of receiving vat refunds back into your bank account could last between 4 to 8 months.

You will need to apply for a vat uk refund to hmrc vat by filling up the online form and also need to attach soft copies of all relevant documents such as vat invoices and vat receipts. In addition, the vat department of the country of origin where vat was originally paid might also ask for clarifications, which in turn could lengthen the refund process to a maximum of around 8 months. In case your application is approved without any problem then you could receive your refund within 4 months. It would thus make more sense to allow your vat agent to handle the vat refund process by paying a fixed percentage of successful refunds.

Once your vat reclaim process is successfully processed then you will receive the vat amount originally paid back into your bank account. However, that amount would be in the currency of the country of origin and you might need to convert that amount into GBP before utilizing it. Since standard rates of vat range from 15% to 25% in all eu countries that have adopted vat, it will surely boost up your cash flow and profit margins if you manage to recover the original vat amount back into your own account. Paying your vat agent only after you receive your vat refund amount will also lower your financial burden.

While vat offers you a chance to save on taxes by passing the vat amount to the final customer, it can raise your costs in case you have already paid on goods or services in another eu country. If you want regular cash inflows into your bank account and want to compete with your competition then you should certainly apply for vat uk refund to claim previously paid vat.

Article source: https://vatnumbersearch.com/vat-number-search-2/apply-for-vat-uk-refund-to-claim-previously-paid-vat/

All eu countries have vat exemption rules for specific goods and services

Most eu countries have shifted over to VAT or value added tax as a means of collecting taxes on goods and services, and all these eu countries have vat exemption rules for specific goods and services. This means that certain goods and services, especially those related to charities, health and education usually are totally exempt from payment or collection of any vat.

The European Commission that overseas all vat issues in eu countries such as Poland, Greece, Spain, Sweden, Portugal, the UK, Germany, Italy, Ireland, etc has issued several directives on the common path that needs to be followed to successfully implement and monitor the system of vat tax in each country. Such rules also help in easing imports and exports since vat rules between member eu countries are quite clear. However, most eu countries have set their own standard vat rates that range between 15 and 25% as per EC recommendations. On the other hand, each vat enabled eu country also has certain goods and services that are totally exempt from vat.

For example, in the UK there are several vat exemption goods and services specified by hmrc or HM Revenue and Customs department that handles all aspects of customs, excise and vat duties in that country. According to hmrc vat exempt services and goods include charitable activities, betting activities including lotteries and online betting, physical education and sports activities, sale of works or art and antiques, insurance services, loans and credit services, postal services and postage stamps, houseboat moorings and parking services including parking garages, education services, health services, and a few other specific services and goods. However, there are certain exceptions in vat exempt goods and services that vat registered traders and organizations should study since several related activities do fall under zero vat or reduced vat categories.

Each business or organization should certainly employ a capable vat agent to decipher all vat exemptions clearly so as to avoid confusion and ending up on the wrong side of vat laws in that particular country or even in another eu country in case of a vat reclaim on previously paid vat. Most vat exempt goods and services do not allow for any vat reclaim that otherwise is normally possible in reduced vat or standard vat classifications. This is especially important if a trader is trying for a vat refund for vat already paid on import of goods or services from another country. In such cases, an expert vat agent with thorough knowledge of eu vat and even uk vat rules could prove to be very useful if that trader or organization was located in the UK.

Although the European Commission lays down general guidelines to all eu countries that follow vat, each country exempts certain goods and services from the purview of vat based on their own discretions. Thus, traders and organizations that import or export goods or travel to various eu countries should know all about vat exempt rules and classifications since any error could be looked upon with a high level of contempt and suspicion by vat authorities. All eu countries have vat exemption rules for specific goods and services, and traders or organizations can surely reduce their costs or expenses by studying vat rates and exemptions in great detail before taking any action.

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Article source: https://vatnumbers.com/vat-numbers/all-eu-countries-have-vat-exemption-rules-for-specific-goods-and-services/

Apply for vat registration after crossing vat registration threshold

If you are a trader in the UK then you will need to apply for vat registration after crossing vat registration threshold limit set up by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs or hmrc department. Once you turn into a vat registered trader then you will need to follow specific vat rules laid down by hmrc vat.

Although almost all eu countries including the UK, Poland, Italy, Germany, Greece, Sweden, etc have adopted vat or value added tax to boost tax revenues and minimize tax losses, each country has set its own vat threshold after which a trader has to enter the system of vat. In the UK this threshold limit is achieved once your taxable sales in the previous 12 months have touched £70,000 or if you expect this figure to be touched within the next 30 days. In case you take over a business that is not vat registered and the combined taxable sales of your own business along with the new business cross over the vat threshold limit then you will have to go in for vat registration.

Even if you import goods from other eu countries that cross over the threshold limit or export goods to other countries above that limit then you will still need to get vat registration and turn into a vat registered trader. If, however, you have temporarily crossed over the vat threshold limit and do not expect to cross over the limit again then you can be granted temporary exemption provided you can convince hmrc that your taxable sales will drop below the de-registration limit of £68,000 in future.

However, you should remember that since the standard vat rates are slated to change from 17.5% to 20% from January 4, 2011, the vat registration threshold too will be changed accordingly. You will need to keep in touch with hmrc or consult an expert vat agent to find out the new limit, especially if you foresee your taxable sales touching the threshold limit by the start of next year. In case you feel that you need to get your vat certificate immediately after starting your business and want to issue vat invoices to your clients then you need not wait to touch the threshold limit at all and can even apply for vat registration once you start your new business.

There are several other conditions whereby you can get included or excluded from VAT registration and your vat agent could guide you ahead depending on the conditions under which you run your specific business. If you turn into a vat registered trader then this would enable you to enjoy all benefits offered by vat such as applying for vat reclaim or vat refund. You will also need to follow all uk vat laws, issue vat invoices, file regular vat returns and maintain all required vat documents once you get your vat certificate and vat number. However, if you try to avoid vat registration by splitting up a single business into smaller businesses then you might even attract a penalty in case hmrc concludes that you have done so simply to avoid entering into the system of vat.

You will need to keep an eye on your taxable sales if you have started a new business and also on the vat threshold limit at the start of next year so as to confirm your entry into the system of vat. Once you achieve the vat registration threshold limit set up by hmrc then you will need to fill up the applicable vat registration form to turn into a vat registered trader in the UK.

Article source: https://vatregistrationnumber.com/vat-registration-number/apply-for-vat-registration-after-crossing-vat-registration-threshold/

Filing timely vat returns can help you to focus on your business

Most eu countries have adopted the system of VAT or value added tax so as to create a single market and if you are a vat registered trader in such a country then filing timely vat returns can help you to focus on your business. A vat return is a summary of vat tax collected and paid within a certain period and you can now pay excess vat collected or claim excess vat paid from your country’s vat department.

If you are a trader based in the UK, and have just received your vat registration then you will now need to follow all vat rules established by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs or hmrc. While you would need to issue vat invoices that mention your vat number, vat rates against each product or service, and the gross amount of vat, you would also need to maintain a record of the same. All your vat invoices issued in a particular period along with your purchase invoices would need to be totalled up along with the vat amounts collected during sales and paid during purchases. This data would form the core of your vat returns that you submit to hmrc.

You might have to submit your vat return on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis based on your sales turnover and the vat accounting system that you choose. If you have received your vat certificate after April 01, 2010 then you will only be allowed to file online returns, irrespective of your turnover. However, for older vat registered traders, the threshold limit of filing returns online is when their sales turnover excluding vat crosses £100,000 although such dealers can still file them online if they wish even if they have not yet reached that figure. Filing vat returns online is a better option since you need not worry about lost or delayed returns and can also fill and dispatch your returns to hmrc at the click of a button. Several other eu countries also offer such online features to its traders.

You can keep a printout of your vat return once you submit it to hmrc or can even view past returns filed after November, 2009. However, you will first need to register at the hmrc website so as to activate all vat online services offered by them. In addition to filing vat returns you can also view all vat rules and also file for vat refunds at the website. You can also register your vat agent to represent you while filing returns or apply for vat reclaim on your behalf. Once you are registered then it is very easy to file your returns online although you should remember to fill up each box of the vat return form no. 100 or 193, and that too well before the due date. You will be able to avoid penalties as well as remain in the good books of hmrc if you always file your returns on time.

Turning into a vat registered trader in the UK involves maintaining proper vat records and providing regular summaries to the hmrc while also paying excess tax at the same time. This is done by filing vat returns in the time-frame specified by hmrc, and filing timely returns will help you to focus on your business instead of worrying about penalties or possible vat audits in the future.

Article source: https://vatregistrationnumber.com/vat-registration-number/filing-timely-vat-returns-can-help-you-to-focus-on-your-business/