It’s common practice for holding companies to be included in a VAT group registration as it often means they can reclaim VAT that they wouldn’t otherwise be entitled to. But now Europe wants to put
an end to this. What’s the full story?
Published 05.02.2010
Your business consists of two trading and one holding companies. You’re also negotiating the purchase of a competitor business, which is costing the holding company a lot of money in professional
fees. Can it reclaim the VAT on these?
Published 09.06.2017
You’ve formed a company to develop a new business unconnected with your existing firm. Even if it’s viable it won’t generate income for months or even more than a year. Can you register and reclaim
the VAT on development costs?
Published 14.11.2022
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) recently delivered a shock decision which could open the way for UK businesses to reclaim the VAT paid on goods they bought and used before they were registered.
What’s the full story?
Published 12.11.2010
Two businesses share costs, e.g. staff salaries and premises, but the expenses are paid by one. This arrangement it not unusual but it can create VAT problems for the businesses concerned. What are
they and how can you avoid them?
Published 21.10.2020
It’s common for new businesses to incur hefty start-up costs. While you can claim a tax deduction from profits for these, tricky rules mean you might not be entitled to reclaim all the VAT. What
steps can you take to maximise the VAT recovery?
Published 30.04.2015
Unlike sole-trader businesses every company must have its own VAT registration. This can add extra layers of admin where you run two or more connected companies. Group registration might help, but
when can you use it?
Published 18.03.2016
You’re completing your company’s first VAT return and have asked HMRC whether you can reclaim the VAT on software you bought about a year ago. It has told you “no”, but is it correct?
Published 16.09.2014
Most businesses take for granted that they can register with HMRC and then reclaim any VAT they pay on purchases. But if your business only makes sales outside the UK that aren’t subject to VAT, are
you allowed to register in the first place?
Published 03.12.2009
If you trade through more than one company, you can share the overheads around to save tax by making management charges. However, there is a VAT trap for the unwary. How can you avoid it?
Published 23.10.2008