Mail Order Retailers – Have you been accounting for your VAT Correctly?

HMRC has released Revenue and Customs Brief 5 (2018) to explain its policy in respect of goods supplied on approval. This follows their earlier guidance (VRS9150) in which they acknowledge their statement that mail order retailers “normally supply goods on approval terms” is incorrect, and this updated Brief explains that this should instead explain that such companies maysupply goods on such terms but it is often not the case. This is important when working out when to account for VAT on your sales.

The updated guidance (found here) explains how different VAT liabilities may occur. For instance, in a single supply of delivered goods, the delivery is ancillary to the supply of the goods. Therefore the liability of the delivery charge follows that of the goods being supplied. Where goods are supplied on approval, the delivery service is not ancillary and so, technically, could have its own VAT liability different to that of the goods being supplied.

Where businesses have incorrectly treated goods supplied as being on approval terms, the VAT may not have been accounted for correctly. HMRC has therefore allowed a 3 month transitional period (from 18^th June 2018) by which businesses must change their accounting systems to account for VAT on these supplies correctly and at the right time. If you would like to discuss the impact that this may have on your business then please get in touch with a member of the Centurion team.

Centurion VAT offer an independent and expert source for VAT advice. Based in Wales we work across the UK and have overseas clients who need VAT advice and support when setting up in the UK.

VAT advice for organisations who find themselves at an unfortunate juncture with UK VAT for whatever reason, is where we help out. VAT sensitive sectors such as Universities, Further Education Colleges, Housing Associations, Charities and Corporate businesses where VAT can be a real cost are where we specialise. Exporters under challenge from HMRC on Export Evidence; a property development where VAT exempt activities are complex; a Local Authority or a Leisure or Cultural Trust – whatever your sector, when you need to get expert VAT advice Centurion is where you’ll find it.

An award winning VAT team is what you’ll find at Centurion – evidence of the quality of our VAT advice and service can be showed by our long term retention of clients. Whatever your VAT issue – BREXIT, Making VAT Digital, Partial Exemption or Property then do make contact with a call or email emailus@centurionvat.com