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VAT dos and don'ts

  • DO account for VAT so you can submit your VAT returns digitally
  • DO keep a monthly record of your turnover - late registration can result in severe penalties and you will be required to pay the VAT whether you have charged it or not
  • DO notify HMRC when major changes in your business take place - changes must be notified within thirty days
  • DO retain records for the last six years - these could be demanded by law
  • DO obtain and keep VAT invoices - these are your authority to claim back VAT on supplies made to you
  • DO charge VAT on supplies to your staff
  • DO charge VAT on any equipment or vehicles (except motor cars) that you sell or part-exchange
  • DO account for VAT on fuel used for private motoring using the appropriate scale charge
  • DON’T claim the VAT paid on the purchase of a motor car - it is not recoverable except in certain cases
  • DON’T claim the VAT paid on goods or services used for private purposes. Where there is an element of private use (e.g. telephone) an appropriate percentage should be claimed. Special arrangements apply to private use of petrol (see above)
  • DON’T claim the VAT paid on business entertaining, except in relation to overseas customers
  • DON’T forget to account for VAT on inter-company charges, unless both companies are part of a VAT group registration
  • DON'T be late with filing or paying your VAT returns or filing your EC sales list declaration. If you are late, penalties may ensue
  • DON’T charge VAT on the transfer of a business as a going concern (make sure contracts incorporate appropriate VAT provisions)