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VAT Specialist Accountants
EU VAT | Intrastat Returns
If you need clear guidance on VAT rules post-Brexit for importing and exporting goods to and from the EU, drop a message to our VAT Specialist Accountants. They will arrange a consultation to discuss your needs and save time.
Get Professional Help from VAT Specialist Accountants
VAT Specialist Accountants
Our Specialist VAT accountants can assist with VAT registration, filing returns, and providing advice on rates. Intrastat declarations are required for reporting monthly goods movements to and from the EU that exceed specific thresholds—additionally, digital records under Making Tax Digital streamline the submission process. Our Tax Advisors also clarify duties related to import VAT accounting and review submissions for errors.
VAT CALCULATIONS MADE EASY
Our team accurately prepares VAT returns and meets filing deadlines. We quickly and reliably handle Intrastat declarations for EU goods movements. We use digital tools to keep compliance in check. If errors happen, we help correct them smoothly. We maintain detailed records for every submission to help avoid HMRC penalties.
Do you need help with your Tax Return Filling?
Schedule a free 30‑minute consultation to discuss your personal tax compliance.
Whether you need help with simple tax returns or complex issues, we’ve designed our service to ensure you feel supported, informed, and in control every step of the way.
Get expert tax advice without visiting an office. Our virtual consultations can review, plan, and resolve your tax matters.
Book a consultation with a tax expert to identify any issues and receive the most effective strategy for future compliance.
Appointments can be scheduled online, by phone, or in person with a tax advisor. Contact our office to discuss your needs and next steps.
The values we live by
Honesty guides everything we do. We believe in transparent advice, accurate reporting, and doing what’s right for our clients every time.
We live and breathe tax. Our expert team delivers up-to-date, accurate advice so clients stay compliant, efficient, and ahead of the curve.
Every client matters. We take time to listen, understand your needs, and deliver personalised tax solutions with care and attention to detail.
OUR SERVICES
Our Practice Areas
We are a team of specialist tax advisors who are delivering expert guidance on tax compliance, international tax, HMRC investigations, business structuring, capital gains, inheritance tax, corporation tax and self assessment services.
We know personal taxes can be overwhelming. With us, your returns are accurate, on time, and tailored to your unique life.
We know running a business is hard enough. Let us handle your business taxes so you can focus on growth with confidence.
We know smart planning makes a difference. Our tax strategies help you stay compliant, save more, and plan for the future.
We know living abroad brings tax challenges. Whether in or out of the UK, we make your expat taxes smooth and stress-free
We know HMRC enquiries can be daunting. Count on us for expert support and peace of mind during your tax investigation.
We know unfair tax bills cause stress. If you disagree with HMRC, we’ll guide your tax appeal with precision and confidence.
We are leading network of qualified accountants, tax advisors and specialist business consultants in United Kingdom
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Your Questions - Our Answers
We are here to help you with any questions you may have
What are the UK VAT rates, and when must a business register?
In the UK, we have three essential VAT rates that govern our taxation system. The standard rate is 20 %. A reduced rate of 5 % applies to certain energy-efficient goods and children’s car seats. In addition, a zero rate (0 %) covers food, books and children’s clothes. Some services and goods, such as health and education services, are exempt. Therefore, you must check each supply to apply the correct rate.
A business must register for VAT when its taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any 12 months or if it expects to exceed this threshold in the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is possible if turnover is below the limit. For example, charities or exporters often register to reclaim VAT on purchases. Registration gives you a VAT number and requires you to charge VAT, submit returns and keep digital records under Making Tax Digital.
Missing the deadline can lead to penalties and backdated VAT bills. Our Tax Advisors can guide you through the registration process, ensuring you meet HMRC rules and choose the right VAT scheme for your business.
What records must a VAT-registered business keep?
A VAT-registered business must maintain detailed sales and purchase records. You need VAT invoices for goods and services you supply. Also, you must keep purchasing invoices from your suppliers. In addition, you require till rolls or receipts if you make retail sales. For each transaction, record the date, amount, VAT rate applied and total VAT.
Furthermore, you must hold VAT accounting records for at least six years. These include your VAT account, which shows the total output VAT charged and total input VAT reclaimed. If you use a cash accounting scheme, you record VAT when you actually receive or make payments. Digital records must be kept in Making Tax Digital-compliant software. Keeping clear, up-to-date records helps you file accurate VAT returns and respond quickly to any HMRC queries or audits.
How does a business account for VAT?
When you submit your VAT return, you declare output VAT on sales and input VAT on purchases. Output VAT is the VAT you charge your customers. Input VAT is the VAT you pay to your suppliers. On your return, you enter output VAT in Box 1 and input VAT in Box 4. The difference determines if you owe VAT to HMRC or can reclaim a refund.
Your VAT return period is usually quarterly. You file online and pay any VAT due by one month and seven days after the period ends. If you owe VAT, you pay it by the deadline. If you are due a refund, HMRC will repay it to your bank account. Some businesses use annual accounting or flat-rate schemes, which simplify calculations but have specific rules. Tax Accountant helps you choose the right scheme and prepares accurate returns. This ensures you only pay what you owe and claim every allowable refund.
What happens when VAT rates change, and how do we account for mixed expenditure?
HMRC occasionally adjusts VAT rates. When this happens, you must update your accounting system to apply the new rates from the effective date. Any supplies billed before the change keep the old rate. For supplies on or after the date, use the new rate. Your VAT return calculations will then reflect the mix of rates for that period.
For mixed business and personal expenditures, you must split VAT correctly. Input VAT on goods used solely for business is fully recoverable. However, VAT on personal or dual-use items must be apportioned. For example, a car used 70 % for business and 30 % for personal means you reclaim 70 % of the VAT. You keep track of how you divide costs and use evidence. This helps you avoid adjustments and penalties from HMRC.
What are the penalties for VAT mistakes?
HMRC uses a points-based penalty system for late VAT returns. Each missed deadline earns points. If you accumulate at least four points within 24 months, you face a fixed penalty. The penalty starts at £200 and increases for repeat defaults. In addition, late payments incur interest on the outstanding VAT at the official rate.
Errors in VAT returns can also trigger penalties. If mistakes are careless, you may pay a penalty of 15 % of the underclaimed VAT. If errors are deliberate but disclosed, penalties rise to 30 %. Deliberate and concealed errors attract penalties of up to 70 % of the understated VAT. You can reduce penalties by disclosing errors proactively. Accurate record-keeping and timely filing minimise risks. Our Specialist Vat Accountants will review your returns for errors and advise on voluntary disclosures under the HMRC Disclosure Facility to limit penalties and interest.
What are Intrastat returns and who needs to file them?
Intrastat returns record trade in goods between Northern Ireland and EU member states. If your dispatches to the EU exceed £250,000 or your arrivals exceed £500,000 in a calendar year, you must file monthly Intrastat declarations. Returns include details like commodity codes, values and country of origin or destination.
Even if you do not exceed the thresholds for both dispatches and arrivals, you must file once you breach either. Intrastat uses the same online portal as VAT returns but has separate deadlines aligned with your VAT period. Missing Intrastat deadlines can lead to compliance checks and penalties. Therefore, you should monitor EU trade values and compile data monthly. We can assist businesses with Intrastat submissions, ensuring accurate commodity coding and timely filing so you meet HMRC and ONS reporting requirements.