Areas of expertise

VAT registration

The new HMRC VAT Registration Service is presenting businesses and their advisors with significant challenges. We have significant expertise in securing UK VAT registrations under even the most difficult circumstances.

Obtaining an EORI (Economic Operators' Registration Identification number) or registering with HMRC to receive the Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) statements in lieu of the outgoing C79 certificates may also be essential

VAT compliance

MTD VAT return filing is the new standard required by HMRC for all businesses. Simple and complex VAT returns must be impeccably accurate. We possess significant insight into how HMRC review and approve all claims.

Partial exemption standard and special methods are there to be utilised. It is critical for any partially exempt business to ensure that their VAT recovery methodology is as robust and optimal as possible to prevent VAT leakage.

VAT advice

From initial transaction support to detailed legal opinions, businesses need timely, jargon-free guidance that is relevant and can be relied upon. We possess extensive experience advising organisations of all shapes and sizes.

Opting to tax land and property before buying or selling is often crucial for securing qualifying VAT-free TOGC treatment with associated SDLT savings. We have successfully added value for clients on thousands of transactions.

International VAT

For any UK business importing goods from overseas, a bonded warehouse can generate real VAT and duty savings. We have significant experience in navigating the entire HMRC application and approval process in order to secure a full tax warehouse at your premises.

Similarly, for any overseas-based business seeking to sell retail goods into the UK via any Online Marketplace (“OMP”), we are able to advise on the detailed post-2021 requirements for non-established VAT registration, marketplace invoicing and VAT return submissions.

VAT litigation

Cross-border transactions can present significant complexity and uncertainty. We possess an extensive international network of overseas affiliates and friendly firms. We also have unparalleled practical transactional experience in every jurisdiction.

In this post-Brexit world, many businesses are now discovering that an overseas VAT registration is not enough to reduce non-UK VAT burdens. We can seamlessly coordinate international solutions to allow your business to thrive internationally.

HMRC’s approach to decision-making is becoming increasingly blunt and blinkered. Our former inside experience seeks to appeal to HMRC’s often opaque policy processes in order to secure the results our clients require.

Appeals to the First-tier Tax Tribunal are becoming increasingly necessary as a strategic tool to escalate issues and impasses up their HMRC hierarchy. A deftly presented request for reconsideration can prevent months of pain.

Customs warehousing and online marketplace trading