Tax Processes Flashcards
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
Define VAT
Value Added Tax is a tax on the sale of goods and services.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
What type of tax is VAT?
It is an indirect tax charged on consumer expenditure.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
How is VAT regulated?
VAT Law
- VAT is regulated and collected in the UK by HMRC
They do so through following laws and regulations such as:
* EU Directives
* VAT Act (1994)
* Finance Act
- VAT Guide (Notice 700) issued by HMRC
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
When must a business register as a Taxable person?
If a supplier’s taxable turnover for the previous 12 months exceeds the annual threshold of £85,000, they must register with HMRC as a Taxable Person.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
What is the effect of registering with HMRC as a Taxable Person?
• Must charge VAT on chargeable supplies (i.e. goods and services) - Output tax.
• Can reclaim VAT paid on most business supplies received - known as Input tax.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
What is Output Tax?
When VAT is charged on Goods & Services.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
What is Input Tax?
VAT that can be reclaimed from Business purchases.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
When is a VAT payment due to HMRC?
When Output Tax exceeds Input Tax.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
When can a VAT Refund be Claimed?
When Input Tax is greater than Output Tax.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
What are the 3 Main Types of Supplies?
- Taxable Supplies
- Exempt (e.g. Education, Betting)
- Outside The Scope (e.g. Motorway tolls, Charitable Donations)
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
What are the 3 Rates of VAT?
- Zero rate (0%) - No VAT is charged, but it is taxable. (e.g. on most foods)
- Reduced Rate (5%) - Some supplies are charged at a lower rate, mainly for domestic and charitable purposes.
- Standard Rate (20%) - Any taxable supply not charged at the other two rates.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
Zero Rated Supplies
- VAT charge at 0%
- Businesses that supply only zero rated supplies can still reclaim Input VAT
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
Examples of Zero Rated Supplies
Water
Most food in shops
Books and newspapers
Public Transport
Children’s clothes and shoes
New Housing/building
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
Exempt Supplies
- No VAT Charge
- Businesses that supply only exempt supplies cannot reclaim Input VAT
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
Examples of Exempt Supplies
Health & dental care
Insurance
Postal Services
Finance (e.g. Making loans)
Education (not for profit)
Betting and lotteries
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
When must a business register for VAT?
A business must register within 30 days if taxable supplies have exceeded, or are likely to exceed, the annual threshold (85,000).
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
When is VAT registration not compulsory?
When turnover exceeds threshold temporary due to significant one-off sale.
However the business must notify HMRC within 30 days to request an exception.
Otherwise it will have to register and then apply to be de-registered.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
How are penalties for failure to Register calculated.
Calculated as a percentage of the potential lost revenue (PLR)
The percentage depends on:
- Whether the failure to register was deliberate or not
- Whether the business was prompted by HMRC to register,
- How long it is since the VAT was due.
No penalties if there is a reasonable excuse.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
Benefits of voluntary registration
- Claiming back input tax on purchases
It may be possible to reclaim VAT on purchases of goods and capital assets held on the effective date of registration.
There is normally a time limit of three years for goods, and six months for services.
- NOTE: Suppliers of only VAT Exempt goods/services cannot reclaim input VAT
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
Drawbacks of voluntary registration
Voluntary registration carries with it all the responsibilities of a VAT registration:
- keeping all the required VAT records and
- submitting a VAT Return on the due dates.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
When can a business voluntarily De-register?
If a business finds that annual turnover falls, or is likely to fall, below 83,000.
- This can be done online or by completing a paper-based VAT 7 form.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
When is De-registration Compulsory?
- the business stops making taxable supplies
- the business is sold
- the legal status of the business changes (e.g. from sole trader to partnership or limited company).
- a VAT group the business is a member of is disbanded or the business joins a new VAT group
- the business joins the Agricultural Flat Rate Scheme
The process for deregistration when it is compulsory is the same as for voluntary deregistration. Application for deregistration should be made within 30 days of the event which caused the change.
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
What measures do HMRC have in place to regulate VAT?
HMRC acts as a regulator and enforcer for all matters connected with VAT:
- Registration
- Submission of VAT Returns and other documentation
- Keeping of VAT records (6years)
- Inspecting the records of registered businesses
- Inspectors are regularly sent out to ensure compliance
Introduction to VAT (CH1)
When must a business notify HMRC for changes to a VAT registration?
- Name, Trading Name or Address - Within 30 days
- Partnership Members - Within 30 days
- Agent’s details - Within 30 days
- Business Activity - Within 30 days
- Bank Account details - 14 days in advance