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VAT

VAT and the Flat Rate Scheme

Top Vat Guides

How much VAT do contractors pay?

The ‘it depends’ answer might not be helpful, unlike knowing the ins and outs of HMRC’s schemes on VAT– which can actually give your company a boost.

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Written by Christian Hickmott

Founder and CEO of Integro Accounting, Christian Hickmott has over 20 years of accountancy and working practice knowledge. He understands the wants and needs of contractors, having lead some of the largest accountancy firms in the business before founding Integro Accounting in 2013. A multi-award-winning brand based on integrity, trust and loyalty.

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30th April, 2024 | VAT

Struggling to pay your VAT?

Struggling to pay your VAT? You are not alone…..

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Written by cukAdmin

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26th February, 2024 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Do my tech limited company’s two side-businesses have to account for VAT?

Help for a stuck and seemingly early stage tech entrepreneur with three businesses, who’s already not naming names for fear of HMRC.

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Written by Helen Christopher

Helen Christopher is a chartered accountant, business mentor, and founder of award-winning Beansprout. With 30 years’ experience, she now supports ambitious small business owners with profit strategies, financial mentoring, practical tax, and accounting advice. A former COO, Helen is passionate about empowering clients to grow with confidence, clarity and control.

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8th February, 2024 | VAT

Guide to VAT deregistration: How to cancel your VAT registration

No longer being VAT-registered is a growing trend. Here’s what the HMRC process entails.

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Written by Chris Bradley

Chris Bradley is an award-winning former journalist and PR specialist who has worked with some of the biggest brands in the UK on major campaigns. He recently completed an MA in International Journalism and was recruited by The Accountancy Partnership in August to devise the company’s communications strategy.

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13th October, 2023 | VAT

A contractor’s guide to VAT penalty changes effective from January 2023

Top tax compliance expert demystifies imminent changes to HMRC’s Value Added Tax regime.

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Written by cukAdmin

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15th December, 2022 | VAT

Contractor guide to Making Tax Digital VAT penalties

Following a ding-dong on the costs of getting VAT wrong, here’s what PSCs signed up for MTD really need to know.

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Written by Graham Jenner

Graham is a Chartered Accountant and has run his own accountancy practice, Jenner Accountants Ltd, for over 20 years and is the MD of Nopalaver Group, which provides Umbrella company and other services to contractors. He specialises in dealing with family run businesses and contractors, supported by a strong team including 5 qualified accountants.

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16th September, 2022 | VAT

What the closure of HMRC’s VAT online portal means for contractors

Don’t leave it until October 31st, or your own next deadline, to get something compliant in place to pay the VAT-man.

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Written by Elizabeth Hughes

Elizabeth Hughes of The Accountancy Partnership specialising in business, finance and software, as a content editor.

The Accountancy Partnership provides online accountancy services nationwide for a low, fixed monthly fee.

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8th September, 2022 | VAT

Top 10 items to recover VAT on as a limited company IT contractor

Plus, the almost half as many items where Value Added Tax isn’t recoverable (excludes grey areas).

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Written by Christian Hickmott

Founder and CEO of Integro Accounting, Christian Hickmott has over 20 years of accountancy and working practice knowledge. He understands the wants and needs of contractors, having lead some of the largest accountancy firms in the business before founding Integro Accounting in 2013. A multi-award-winning brand based on integrity, trust and loyalty.

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15th April, 2021 | VAT

VAT pros and cons: When contractors should and shouldn’t register for Value Added Tax

Following on from part one, everything else PSCs need to know about VAT (includes IR35 and laptops).

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Written by Christian Hickmott

Founder and CEO of Integro Accounting, Christian Hickmott has over 20 years of accountancy and working practice knowledge. He understands the wants and needs of contractors, having lead some of the largest accountancy firms in the business before founding Integro Accounting in 2013. A multi-award-winning brand based on integrity, trust and loyalty.

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3rd December, 2020 | VAT

VAT enquiry: what contractors can expect

Amid IR35 unknowns, get wise to an HMRC activity which can be planned for.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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3rd October, 2018 | VAT

IT contractors' Flat Rate VAT guide for April 2017

Should you stay or should you go? InniAccounts crunches the numbers to help you decide.

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Written by cukAdmin

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11th January, 2017 | VAT

The Basics of VAT

Your IT contractor guide to compulsory and voluntary VAT registration and VAT returns.

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Written by cukAdmin

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14th January, 2011 | VAT

IT contractor guide to Flat Rate VAT

Going flat could let IT contractors keep more of their money from the taxman.

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Written by cukAdmin

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11th January, 2011 | VAT

What IT contractors can & can't recover VAT on

Reclaiming VAT on your purchases as an IT contractor.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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10th January, 2011 | VAT

Contractor guide to VAT inspection 1) what to expect and when

Former Customs officer on what’s in store for IT contractors if a VAT inspector calls.

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Written by helen

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9th January, 2011 | VAT

Contractor guide to VAT inspections 2) How to prepare

What IT contractors do before the VAT man calls can make all the difference.

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Written by helen

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8th January, 2011 | VAT

Contractors' Questions

Contractors' Questions: How to claim back EU VAT if I’m a UK-registered business?

Overseas tax expert on what a London freelancer can and cannot refund from a Milan gig.

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Written by Kevin Austin

Kevin Austin, BSc FCA FCCA FCMI, CPA, FIAI is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a Fellow of the Association of International Accountants and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

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12th November, 2020 | VAT

Contractors’ Questions: How to work out my Flat Rate VAT saving?

A holidaying accountant, plus an HMRC discount, adds up to confusion for one PSC.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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27th September, 2018 | VAT

Contractors’ Questions: What if I filed my VAT return late, twice?

The leeway HMRC affords on VAT returns might rescue a forgetful PSC.

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Written by cukAdmin

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29th November, 2017 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Should I deregister for VAT due to the FRS changes?

When it’s worth leaving the Flat Rate Scheme, and what it means for you and HMRC.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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24th April, 2017 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Can I fix my VAT error?

What to do when you leave £12,000 in VAT off your invoice.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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5th October, 2016 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Who owes EU VAT; me or the e-marketplace?

Background tips for a web designer needing a lawyer to get to the front of his situation.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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4th July, 2016 | VAT

Contractors’ Questions: How to invoice while waiting for VAT number?

Tax expert answers a new contractor thrown off by HMRC’s pay day question.

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Written by Laura Wilkinson

Laura is the Head of Marketing for ContractorUK. She has worked at ContractorUK for over 10 years and is qualified with a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing via The IDM.

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30th March, 2016 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: How to handle profit from VAT Flat Rate Scheme?

Tax tips for a contractor concerned about the gains from going flat for VAT purposes.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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6th October, 2015 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: How to offer a prompt payment discount?

Adding a single line to your invoice could incentivise -- or erode your profitability.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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2nd October, 2014 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Will VAT rule changes catch my software firm?

Tax aid for a limited company techie dazed by reforms to VAT being almost never-ending.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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24th April, 2014 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Do VAT place of supply rule changes affect me?

UK suppliers of e-services facing EU consumers should act before January 2015.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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3rd April, 2014 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Can I simplify VAT?

How an IT contractor might cut the hassle, not just the cost, of VAT accounting.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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6th February, 2014 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: How to tackle VAT when exporting IT goods?

Expert helps a new IT equipment firm, hoping to avoid tax when restocking.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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13th November, 2013 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Should I VAT-register for my Czech contract?

Tax tips for a limited company whose first contract is overseas and above the VAT threshold.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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5th March, 2013 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Can I wipe the VAT slate clean by going limited?

IT traders jumping to a PSC don’t have to take their chequered VAT history with them.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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18th September, 2012 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: When to register for VAT?

Compulsory or Voluntary? With VAT, contractors fall into two categories.

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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18th May, 2012 | VAT

Contractors’ Questions: Must I always apply VAT if I’m VAT-registered?

'It's no good agreeing a fixed price only to forget to factor in VAT.'

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Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.

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23rd February, 2012 | VAT

Contractors’ Questions: When do I need to deregister for VAT?

Compulsory and voluntary VAT deregistration: an expert replies on what you need to do if your income drops or you break from trading.

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Written by helen

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6th October, 2011 | VAT

Contractors’ Questions: What if my invoice is missing VAT?

VAT expert lets down an IT contractor hoping one stray invoice won’t matter.

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Written by helen

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4th March, 2011 | VAT

Contractors’ Questions: Should I register for VAT?

How to pay VAT when you’re not VAT-registered, and other tips.

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Written by helen

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2nd March, 2011 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: How to pay VAT if I'm unpaid?

VAT expert helps an out-of-pocket IT contractor facing a demand from the Revenue.

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Written by cukAdmin

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10th December, 2010 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: How to avoid VAT at 20%?

Expert aid for a project contractor being asked to duck the VAT increase.

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Written by cukAdmin

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22nd November, 2010 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: How to own up to my VAT error?

Expert helps a VAT-registered contractor worried about coming clean to the taxman.

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Written by cukAdmin

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1st November, 2010 | VAT

How will the VAT rise affect me?

What VAT increasing to 20% means for IT contractor companies.

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Written by cukAdmin

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21st September, 2010 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Do I need a VAT number for EU clients?

Tax tips for an out-of-pocket freelancer stuck on his client's claims about VAT in Europe.

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Written by cukAdmin

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16th May, 2010 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Does UK VAT cover Irish agents?

Tax aid for an IT contractor who wrongly charged UK VAT to a Dublin-based agency.

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Written by cukAdmin

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23rd March, 2010 | VAT

Contractors' Questions: Do I have to pay my agent's VAT?

Expert aid for a contractor whose umbrella is charging him for a non-paying agent.

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Written by cukAdmin

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28th May, 2009 | VAT

Latest VAT News

How new EU VAT rules might cost contractors

A tumultuous few months for the place of supply rules -- and penalties haven't even bitten yet.

25th February, 2015 | VAT

Taxman isn't keen on all forms of retrospection

Count the pluses and minuses of flat rate VAT in advance, given the small scope for a backdated withdrawal.

19th September, 2012 | VAT

Call to cut VAT amid rising IT business confidence

FSB finds small IT businesses are more upbeat, but says the economy still needs cuts to VAT.

21st July, 2011 | VAT

Self-employed warned of heftier VAT penalties

Amnesty rates not on offer to business owners who knowingly dodged the VAT man.

11th July, 2011 | VAT

Revenue to toughen up on VAT dodgers

Taxman’s attention will turn to those flouting VAT registration.

31st May, 2011 | VAT

Firms to invoice early as VAT rise looms

Suppliers consider billing in advance to make the most of VAT at 17.5 per cent.

20th December, 2010 | VAT

How to reflect the VAT rise

What IT contractors can and can't do to account for VAT rising to 20%.

30th September, 2010 | VAT

Looming VAT rise compels firms to act

'Most VAT-registered firms will pass the bigger burden on to customers.'

21st September, 2010 | VAT

All VAT returns to be online from 2012

Ministers to make online filing compulsory for all VAT-registered taxpayers.

17th August, 2010 | VAT

UK closer to simpler VAT invoicing

New measures pave the way for a wider use of e-invoicing across Europe.

12th August, 2010 | VAT

VAT rise unnerving small companies

'The increase in VAT was Osborne's most harmful measure.'

19th July, 2010 | VAT

Revenue toughens up on deferring VAT

Taxman says no to delaying £42million worth of VAT payments.

12th May, 2010 | VAT

VAT man deters cheque payments

Revenue & Customs announces new rules to settle up by cheque.

28th March, 2010 | VAT

Contractors face penalties for registering late

Heftier cash penalties loom for those who keep quiet about their tax status.

22nd March, 2010 | VAT

Taxman announces changes to CGT, VAT

Fresh guidance from HMRC for partnerships and VAT registered firms.

28th October, 2009 | VAT

Five month wait to register for VAT

Delays to VAT registration are at odds with HMRC's own statistics.

6th October, 2009 | VAT

Revenue to put up VAT on January 1

Pleas to defer the VAT rate rise appear to have been in vain.

13th September, 2009 | VAT

IT contractors must plan for VAT changes

European VAT reforms will change how IT suppliers do business.

28th May, 2009 | VAT