What is a VAT assessment?

The reason for HMRC sending you an assessment is that you are late submitting your VAT Return. If you pay the assessment you could wait a very long time for them to correct the amount after you send in your Return, which is especially annoying if they owe you money!...

Should I charge VAT on recharged expenses?

As a VAT registered IT consultant, I invoice an Agency for my time and I occasionally recharge expenses for travel and accommodation. My Agency refuses to pay the VAT on these recharged expenses – saying they are a ‘disbursement’ and VAT shouldn’t be applied. I’m out...

How to complete a VAT return

Whether you are on the standard or the cash accounting scheme this is how you should complete your VAT return.  The only difference is that with the standard scheme you will include all transactions as at their invoice date, whereas for the cash accounting they are...

Why should I register for VAT?

There are generally two reasons to register for VAT: Compulsory: When your sales exceed £85,000 in a 12 month period. Voluntary: If registering your business for VAT will be a benefit to you (the benefit is that you can reclaim VAT paid on supplies and expenses). If...