VAT Services

Academy schools have a special VAT status which can make their VAT position complex.  We support academies with:

• Business and non‑business activities
• Charitable status related VAT reliefs
• Exemptions (including education, welfare and sports exemption)
• Partial exemption,
• Special VAT refund scheme for academies (including S126 claims for non-registered Academies)
• VAT registration and compliance
• VAT recovery- helping academies understand the rules and improve recoverability where possible.

As charity VAT specialists we can provide VAT support on all aspects of:

• Business v non business activities
• VAT treatment of grants and funding
• VAT exemptions
• VAT reliefs for charities

As construction VAT specialists we can provide VAT support on all aspects of:

• Construction of Relevant Charitable Purpose (RCP) and Relevant Residential Purpose (RRP) buildings
• Domestic reverse charge for construction services
• Reduced rating conversion and renovation
• Zero-rating reliefs for energy saving materials
• Zero-rating reliefs for new builds

VAT for businesses in the financial services sector can be extremely complex.  We can provide support on:

• Scope and application of financial services exemption
• VAT for financial services intermediaries
• VAT and outsourcing arrangements
• VAT recovery and partial exemption

Buying or selling goods or services cross borders can be complex particularly since Brexit, creating unexpected risk and overseas VAT obligations. We can provide support on all aspects of:

• e‑commerce obligations
• Import VAT
• International VAT registration
• Place of supply rules Goods
• Place of supply rules Services

As a Kreston Global international network member, we are part of a global network of independent accounting firms across the globe helping our clients confidently trade internationally and stay compliant.

VAT related to land and buildings is one of the most complex areas of VAT. Given the significant values involved in property transactions this can create significant risks and exposure, so getting the VAT treatment right is crucial. We can provide VAT support on all aspects of:

• Buying and selling commercial property
• Buying and selling Residential property
• Land promotion
• Leases
• Option to Tax
• Property exemption
• Transfer of going concern (TOGC)
• VAT recovery and Capital Goods Scheme

Buying or selling a business requires careful consideration of VAT. Sellers need to be confident in their VAT compliance position and that there are no unknown liabilities which could impact the sale price, and buyers must conduct detailed checks to avoid unexpected liabilities. VAT treatment differs depending on how a deal is structured. We help with VAT due diligence, restructuring and reviewing VAT on transaction costs.

Businesses that make exempt supplies must apply partial exemption rules, which affect how much VAT they can recover. We help clients ensure calculations are correct and, where necessary, assist in agreeing alternative methods with HMRC.

If a business cannot meet its VAT obligations, we help negotiate instalment plans with HMRC. Taking action early is key.

VAT planning can help improve cashflows, for example, by ensuring VAT recovery is maximised or by optimising time of supply (when VAT needs to be accounted for). We help businesses explore these opportunities.

VAT grouping can reduce irrecoverable VAT and simplify compliance. We can support in:

• Assessing your eligibility
• Analysing whether VAT grouping is right for your business
• Manage VAT grouping applications and group changes