VAT – the concept of business

The VAT system is policed by HMRC and there are penalties for breaches of the legislation. There are four conditions that must be satisfied in order for an activity to be within the scope of UK VAT. These conditions are that the activity: Is a supply of goods or...

Disclosing VAT errors

Where an error on a past VAT return is uncovered, you have a duty to correct the error as soon as possible. As a general rule, you can use your current VAT return to make any necessary adjustment. However, there are three important conditions that must be met: The...

VAT – what is a limited cost trader?

The VAT Flat Rate Scheme (FRS) has been designed to simplify the way a business accounts for VAT and in so doing reduce the administration costs of complying with the VAT legislation. The scheme is open to businesses that expect their annual taxable turnover in the...

When VAT should not be charged

When a VAT registered business issues an invoice to their customer, they must seek to ensure that they charge the correct rate of VAT. Whilst most businesses in the UK charge VAT at the standard rate of 20%, there are a number of different VAT rates and exemptions to...

VAT Flat Rate Scheme capital expenditure

The VAT Flat Rate scheme (FRS) has been designed to simplify the way a business accounts for VAT and accordingly, reducing the administration costs of complying with the VAT legislation. VAT is calculated under the FRS by applying a flat rate percentage to the...