VAT dos and don'ts

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If you need to check you are being given a valid VAT number you can call HMRC's national advice service on 0845 010 9000 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
  • DO keep a monthly record of your turnover - late registration can result in severe penalties
  • DO notify your local HM Revenue & Custom's 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 scale charge
  • 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
  • DON’T forget to account for VAT on inter-company charges, unless both companies are part of a VAT group registration
  • DON’T charge VAT on the transfer of a business as a going concern (make sure contracts incorporate appropriate VAT provisions)