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
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
How long does a VAT-registered supplier have to give an invoice to a customer?
When a VAT-registered supplier sells goods or services, they must give the purchaser a VAT invoice within 30 days.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
What should a VAT Invoice show?
A VAT invoice must show:
• an invoice number
• the seller’s name or trading name, and address
• the seller’s VAT registration number
• the invoice date
• the time of supply (also known as the tax point) if this is different from the invoice date
• the customer’s name or trading name, and address
• a description of the goods or services supplied to the customer which enable the customer to identity what is being charged for
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
What should a VAT Invoice show in relation to the goods / services supplied?
- the unit price or rate (e.g. for a service), excluding VAT
- the quantity of goods (e.g. items) or the extent of the services (e.g. hours)
- the rate(s) of VAT that applies to what is being sold
- the total amount payable, excluding VAT
- the rate of any settlement (cash) discount
- the total amount of VAT charged
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
When is a VAT Invoice not required?
- where the seller is not registered for VAT
- where the buyer is not registered for VAT (although a customer can ask for one)
- where the seller is a retailer (although a customer can ask for one)
- where the item is a free sample and normally subject to VAT
- if the purchaser is on a self-billing system (i.e. the purchaser issues the invoice and sends it with the payment)
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
Which type of invoice shows only the VAT Inclusive amount?
A Simplified VAT Invoice.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
Which type of invoice shows both the VAT Inclusive and Exclusive amount?
A Modified VAT Invoice.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
When can a Simplified Invoice be used?
Simplified Invoices: There are also situations where invoices may only show the VAT-inclusive amount:
- where the transaction total is less than £250 gross
- where the buyer, in agreement with the customer, issues an invoice in a modified format
A simplified invoice cannot include any exempt supplies
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
What should a Simplified Invoice include?
- the supplier’s name, address and VAT registration number
- the date of supply (tax point)
- a description of the goods or services
- the total charge payable for each item, including VAT
- the VAT rate applicable to each item where the supply includes items at different VAT rates
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
When is a Modified Invoice issued and what does it include?
- A modified invoice is only issued for goods and services totalling more than £250.
- Includes the price of the product both inclusive and exclusive of VAT.
- Can only be issued if the customer agrees to the invoice including the total VAT amount.
- Generally issued by retailers that sell products direct to customers rather than to other businesses.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
What is a Pro-forma Invoice?
Pro-forma invoice - a document issued by a seller offering goods at a certain price and inviting the buyer to send a payment in return for which the goods will then be supplied and invoiced in the normal way.
A pro-forma invoice does not relate to a firm sale so cannot be used as evidence to reclaim input tax.
Pro-forma invoices should be clearly marked ‘THIS IS NOT A VAT INVOICE’.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
What should a VAT Receipt show?
- Name, Address and VAT Registration number of the retailer
- Items charged at different VAT rates listed separately
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
What is Reverse Charge Invoicing?
The reverse charge is a mechanism for accounting for VAT whereby the customer charges themselves VAT, rather than the supplier charging VAT.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
What is Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)?
Under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), the reverse charge makes it the customer’s responsibility to account for VAT which means that there is no opportunity for the supplier to disappear without paying the VAT to HMRC.
- The invoice must be raised by the sub-contractor (the supplier) without including any VAT. Most accounting software will have the capability to produce reverse charge invoices.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
How does Reverse Charge Invoicing affect the VAT Return?
To Account for this on its VAT Return:
- The Customer must charge itself (Output VAT - Box 1)
- And Reclaim the VAT. (Input VAT box 4)
- The net value should be reported in Box 7.
- The Supplier should report the net sale, excluding the VAT, in Box 6.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
VAT Calculation Rules.
- Always round down to the nearest penny.
- Divide total amount by 6 to find the VAT value.
Or:
total amount including VAT
—————————————— X VAT%
(100% + VAT %)
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
How is VAT calculated when there are discounts?
HMRC requires that VAT is calculated on the invoice amount after any trade discount has been deducted.
Regarding prompt payment discounts, a business must account for VAT on the money actually received.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
What is a Tax Point?
The tax point of a taxable supply is the date of supply that it is recorded as taking place for the purposes of the VAT Return.
- HMRC makes a distinction between the Basic Tax Points and Actual Tax Points.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
What is the Basic Tax Point for a supply of goods?
- the supplier sends them to the customer, or
- the customer collects them, or
- the supplier makes them available for the customer to use
Whether a business supplies goods or services, the rules for basic tax points can be set aside if an actual tax point is created.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
What is the Basic Tax Point for a supply of services?
- the date when the service is carried out or
- the date when all the work is completed
Whether a business supplies goods or services, the rules for basic tax points can be set aside if an actual tax point is created.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
Actual Tax Point - Advance Payments
If a VAT invoice is issued or payment is received before the basic tax point then the date of the VAT invoice or the payment — whichever happens first becomes the actual tax point.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
Actual Tax Point - 14 Day Rule
If a VAT invoice is issued up to 14 days after the basic tax point, the date of issue of the invoice becomes the actual tax point.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
Actual Tax Point - Continuous Supply
If a business supplies a service to a customer on a continuous basis over a period of time that is longer than one month, it may issue invoices regularly throughout that period. In this case, a tax point is created everytime an invoice is issued, or a payment is made - whichever happens first.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
Actual Tax Point - Sale or Return
Sometimes a retail customer will have an arrangement with a supplier where it only pays the supplier for the goods it actually sells, with any unsold goods being returned to the supplier.
Goods supplied on a sale or return basis remain the property of the supplier until the customer indicates they are intending to keep them.
A time limit may be fixed for the sale or return, in which case the tax point is determined as follows:
- where the time limit is 12 months or less, the tax point is the date the time limit expires
- where the time limit is more than 12 months, or there is no fixed time limit, the tax point is 12 months from the date the goods were sent
- where the customer adopts the goods before the fixed period has expired, the tax point is the date the goods are adopted.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
Actual Tax Point - Receiving payment by Instalment
- A business may allow a customer to pay for goods by instalments over an agreed period of time. The goods remain the property of the business until the full price is paid. This is known as a ‘conditional sale’.
- The basic tax point for a conditional sale is created when the goods are handed over to the customer. On that date a business should account for the VAT on the full value of the goods.
VAT and Business Documents (CH2)
Why is a Tax Point important
The principle of the tax point is important to the VAT-registered business:
- It results in a consistent and accurate method of recording VAT transactions
- It can help cash flow in a business - an early tax point helps a business purchasing goods because the input tax can be reclaimed earlier
Inputs, Outputs, and Special Schemes (CH3)
Output VAT and Input VAT
The VAT amount due to HMRC =
Output tax-Input tax
HMRC will therefore want to ensure that a VAT-registered business:
- Charges the correct amount of output tax
- Claims the correct amount of input tax to offset against the output VAT it charges
Inputs, Outputs, and Special Schemes (CH3)
What is the “Deminimis” Limit?
If a VAT registered business makes both taxable and exempt goods, it can only reclaim input VAT on the goods that are taxable.
However, if the VAT incurred on the exempt supplies is below a certain amount (the Deminimis Limit) then input VAT can be reclaimed in full.
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
What is Output VAT?
A VAT registered business must charge VAT on the sale of taxable goods and services (output VAT).
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
What is Input VAT?
The reclaim of VAT charged on its purchases and other expenses (input VAT).
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
How do you know if VAT is to be paid or received from HMRC?
Input VAT is deducted from output VAT and the difference is the amount due to or from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC):
Output VAT - input VAT = amount payable (or repayable)
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
Which business can reclaim VAT?
The general rule is that input VAT can be reclaimed by businesses on goods and services bought for the business, as long as the business makes standard, reduced or zero-rated supplies.
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
What 4 things can VAT not be reclaimed on?
VAT can’t be reclaimed on the following:
- goods and services that are for non-business or personal use
- business client entertaining
- the purchase of a car (with a few exceptions)
- goods and services that relate to exempt supplies.
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
How is a business that sells only exempt supplies affected?
If a business only makes exempt supplies, it can’t register for VAT and therefore can’t claim any input VAT back, so this is an additional cost to the business. It typically affects charities and education providers.
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
What is the procedure for businesses that sell a mixture of taxable and exempt supplies?
Some VAT registered businesses sell a mixture of taxable (standard, reduced or zero-rated) and exempt supplies. They are known as partially exempt businesses and must follow the rule below relating to claiming back input VAT.
Purchases that relate to exempt supplies = exempt input VAT.
Amount of exempt input VAT below the ‘de minimis’ amount = exempt input VAT can be
reclaimed in full.
Amount of exempt input VAT above the ‘de minimis’ amount = exempt input VAT cannot be reclaimed
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
What is the “de-minimis” amount?
The meaning of the ‘de minimis’ amount is:
- The exempt input VAT must be less than £625 per month (on average).
- The exempt input VAT must be less than half of the total input VAT claimed.
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
When can VAT not be reclaimed on business entertaining?
VAT cannot be claimed on business entertaining, which is the free or subsidised entertainment or hospitality to non-employees (customers, potential customers and suppliers).
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
When can businesses claim VAT on entertainment?
A business can reclaim VAT on employee expenses and entertainment expenses, if those expenses relate to travel and subsistence or where the business entertains employees only.
If a business entertains both employees and non-employees, the business can reclaim the proportion of VAT that relates to the employees.
The exception is that input tax can be reclaimed in respect of entertaining overseas customers, but not UK or Isle of Man customers.
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
When can businesses claim VAT on vehicles?
The input VAT on the purchase of a car may be claimed if it is used mainly by:
- a taxi driver
- a driving instructor
- a business that is renting out cars for self-drive hire.
If a VAT registered business buys a commercial vehicle (such as a van lorry or tractor) and uses it for business purposes, they will usually be able to reclaim the VAT back.
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
How is VAT on fuel treated?
If a VAT registered business pays for fuel, the VAT charged can be dealt with in one of four ways:
- if the fuel is used for business purposes only, reclaim all of the VAT
- if the fuel is used for both business and private purposes, reclaim all of the VAT and pay the appropriate fuel scale charge (which is dependent on CO2 emissions added to output VAT on VAT returns).
- if the fuel is used for both business and private purposes, reclaim only the VAT that relates to business mileage proportion of total mileage (accurate mileage records must be kept)
- don’t reclaim any VAT.
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
What is Bad Debt Relief?
VAT that has been paid to HMRC and which has not been received from the customer can be reclaimed as bad debt relief.
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
When can VAT on bad debt be reclaimed?
The conditions are that:
- the debt is more than six months and less than four years and six months old
- the debt has been written off in the VAT account and transferred to a separate bad debt account
- the debt has not been sold or handed to a factoring company
- the business did not charge more than the normal selling price for the items.
These conditions are included in the Tax Processes for Business reference material.
VAT - What can be claimed (L1)
How is Bad Debt Relief claimed?
If the business is entitled to claim bad debt relief, add the amount of VAT to be reclaimed to the amount of VAT being reclaimed on purchases (input tax) and put the total figure in Box 4 of the VAT return (VAT reclaimed in the period on purchases and other inputs).
VAT - Registration and Deregistration (L2)
When is VAT registration Compulsory?
- If the turnover of VAT taxable goods and services supplied within the UK in the past 12 months is more than £85,000.
- If the business expects to go over the VAT threshold of £85,000 in the next 30 days.
VAT - Registration and Deregistration (L2)
What are the 4 types of Tax on goods and Services?
- Standard Rate
- Reduced Rate
- Zero Rate
- Exempt
VAT - Registration and Deregistration (L2)
What are Standard Rate supplies?
- these goods and services attract VAT at the current rate of 20%.
- they are included in the turnover of VAT taxable goods and services.
VAT - Registration and Deregistration (L2)
What are Reduced Rate supplies?
- these goods and services attract VAT at the current rate of 5%.
- they are included in the turnover of VAT taxable goods and services.
VAT - Registration and Deregistration (L2)
What are Zero Rate supplies?
- these goods and services do not attract VAT because the rate is 0%.
- however, they are still included in the turnover of VAT taxable goods and services.
VAT - Registration and Deregistration (L2)
What are Exempt supplies?
- these goods and services do not attract VAT because they are exempt.
- they are not included in the turnover of VAT taxable goods and services.
VAT - Registration and Deregistration (L2)
Why may a business consider voluntary registration even if its taxable turnover is less than the VAT threshold?
- The taxable supplies of a business are zero-rated and the related purchases are standard-rated. Registration would result in a VAT refund.
- A business has paid for a major project, for example a refurbishment, and has paid a lot of VAT in the process. Registration would mean that the VAT incurred could be claimed back.
- When a business is first set up it may initially incur a lot of costs and little (if any) sales. Registration would mean that any VAT incurred on the costs could be claimed back.
VAT - Registration and Deregistration (L2)
When can a business Voluntarily De-register?
A VAT registered business may apply to deregister voluntarily for VAT if the turnover of VAT-able goods and services supplied within the UK for the past 12 months is below the current deregistration threshold of £83,000.
The business must notify HMRC of the date that they wish the registration to cease, but the business must continue to charge VAT until it receives confirmation of the cancellation. After cancellation it cannot reclaim VAT on purchases.
VAT - Registration and Deregistration (L2)
Compulsory Deregistration
Compulsory VAT deregistration will occur in the following instances:
- the business ceases or intends to cease to make taxable supplies
- the business is sold
- the legal status of the business changes, for example a sole trader registers as a limited company.
You can apply to transfer a VAT registration if there is a change of business ownership or legal status.
VAT - Registration and Deregistration (L2)
What Business Records must a VAT registered business keep?
- annual accounts, including statements of profit or loss
- bank statements and paying-in slips
- cash books and other account books
- orders and delivery notes
- purchases and sales books
- records of daily takings such as till rolls
- relevant business correspondence and sales day books.