http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog News and developments on VAT in the UK. Mon, 04 Sep 2006 09:41:13 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en VATease has issued a VAT newsflash this week highlighting the opportunity for many VAT registered businesses to submit claims for VAT overpaid or underclaimed in periods prior to April 1997. In the Business Brief HMRC invites claims for VAT overpaid or underclaimed for periods up to December 1996 (for output VAT ... http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog/?p=69 When you fly (or sail) back into the UK from an overseas trip, one of the first sights that greets you is the Customs “Something to Declare” and “Nothing to Declare” lane choice. Most will walk straight through the “Nothing to Declare” lane without a thought but with limits set ... http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog/?p=68 A press release issued by HMRC yesterday and picked up by most UK news outlets details the largest operation ever undertaken by HMRC to target criminals perpetrating missing trader and carousel frauds. 22 people have today been detained across the UK in HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)’s biggest ever operation ... http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog/?p=67 Computing.co.uk reports rumours that the levels of missing trader and carousel fraud has doubled during the period April to June 2006. According to figures released last week by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK government has missed out on reclaiming VAT from an estimated £10bn worth of fraudulent exports ... http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog/?p=66 The Evening Times has an article reminding those who are about to build or convert their own houses of the DIY Builders’ Scheme. Most people are unaware of the DIY VAT scheme which means house builders can claim back the lion’s share of their VAT. http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog/?p=65 One of the most common questions we get asked here at VATease is whether VAT must be charged on expenses. Here’s a typical question received via our query form and our answer. > Sent: 09 August 2006 09:34 > Subject: VAT Question Submitted from VATease.co.uk > > The following was submitted on August 9th, ... http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog/?p=64 Times Online reports that the Advocate General’s opinion in the 3G VAT case is due to be issued on 7 September. The operators argue that the £22.5 billion that they spent in total on 3G licences in 2000 included VAT. Since most businesses can deduct the VAT that they pay from ... http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog/?p=63 Taxware, a leading provider of global transaction tax calculation and compliance solutions, has released its ‘Five Most Unusual International VAT Laws for 2006’. In reverse order, the top 5 are: 5. In Morocco, the operation of Turkish-style baths and public showers are exempt from VAT but if you want to ... http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog/?p=62 Sir David Varney, Chairman of HM Revenue & Customs, will quit his role on 1 September. The former Chairman of MM02 has been in the role just 2 years. and his resignation has drawn some criticism with HMRC facing difficulties in the Tax Credits system, VAT fraud and still wrestling with ... http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog/?p=61 The BBC news website reports that the introduction of the reverse charge to combat missing trader fraud could come in October. New rules to combat carousel fraud may be introduced as early as October 2006. … The change should remove the chance for criminals to charge retailers VAT on imported items only ... http://www.vatease.co.uk/vat-blog/?p=60