VAT484 change of details form

From 5^th August 2024 VAT484s may no longer be accepted unless the client is digitally excluded.

This was inevitable considering the spate of fraud cases where client’s bank account details had been altered to receive a VAT refund to those of the fraudster’s account….

School fees

It is widely expected that private school fees will become subject to VAT in 2025, however we anticipate that there will be anti-forestalling legislation within the next few weeks to prevent prepayment being an effective way to avoid the charge.

HMRC’s updated VAT application response times

HMRC have extended their response times:

• VAT deregistration applications extended from 30 working days to 40 working days.
• VAT group applications extended from 15 working days to 40 workings days.

The response time for VAT registration applications remains at 40 working days.

The response times would be subject to any queries raised by HMRC whilst processing the application.

Supply chain due diligence

There is increased activity from the Fraud Investigation Team at HMRC, checking and disallowing VAT until they are convinced that there is no loss of VAT in supply chains. They are particularly concerned about supplies of staff by agencies, and we have seen activity in construction and also hospitality sectors.