The McDade Roberts Checklist for VAT Do’s and Don’ts

We help hundreds of businesses with all sorts of tax issues including how to report VAT. Below is a speedy run through of some big do's and don'ts.

• DO keep a monthly record of your turnover - late registration can result in severe penalties

• DO notify your local VAT office when major changes 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 flat rate valuation

• DON'T claim the VAT paid on the purchase of a motor car - it is not recoverable except in some very special 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 entertaining (except for reasonable, relevant costs of entertaining overseas customers)

• DON'T forget to account for VAT on inter-company charges

• DON'T charge VAT on the transfer of a business as a going concern (make sure contracts incorporate appropriate VAT provisions)

Got any VAT questions?

If you have any VAT or other tax queries that you would like to discuss with a friendly accountant, why not give McDade Roberts a call. The first accounting consultation is free so you have nothing to lose.