Pay import vat whenever you import goods from eu special territories
If you are importing goods to the UK from specific regions of the globe then you will need to pay import vat whenever you import goods from eu special territories as well as from non eu countries. This tax is collected by the hmrc vat department or hm revenue and customs department at the port or airport itself and the items are then governed by local sales vat rules.
The hmrc has provided for 14,000 classifications of products and services which are subject to customs duties, excise duties and import vat. Most alcohol and tobacco products https://vatcheck.com together with certain activities such as gambling are subject to excise duties while almost every other imports fall under customs duties and import vat depending on the goods and also the country from where they arrive.
The hmrc has specified eu special territories where import vat is going to be levied if goods or services are brought in or sent to such territories. Those are the French Overseas Departments of Guadeloupe, The Canary Islands in Spain, The Aland Islands in Finland, French Guiana, Mount Athos and Reunion and Martinique in Greece, and The Channel Islands in the United Kingdom. This vat will also be levied whenever you import goods from non eu countries.
However, if you are a vat registered trader in the United Kingdom then you can make application for a vat refund in case you have already paid vat on any goods in the nation of origin itself before being imported to the UK. You may also offset this vat against sales vat when the products which you’ve imported are sold from our UK market. Countries such as the UK and Italy offer special vat deferment schemes where one can get respite from import vat for approximately one month by filing out a special vat form with the hmrc and opening of an special vat deferment account with them. This move would help safeguard your cash flow.
Once you start selling your services or goods from your market then you will also need to charge the local sales vat rate to your clients. You will have to make vat invoices that specifically mention vat rates as well as file regular vat returns. If you have problem in understanding various duties and taxes imposed by the hmrc then you should engage the services of a proficient vat and customs agent. This may allow you to focus on expanding your enterprise while all relevant paperwork and payment of taxes and duties is handled in a efficient manner.
The import vat rate is the same as sales vat rates of comparable products available in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has 3 vat rate slabs. The very first is the normal vat rate of 17.5% which is slated to go up to 20% from January 4, 2011. The second is the reduced vat rate of 5% whilst the third is zero vat rate. There are also certain products or services that are totally exempt from any vat.
You should have sufficient knowledge on various duties and taxes applicable on imported goods to the UK so that you can calculate the costs on an accurate basis. You should use all legal avenues to reduce your costs such as vat refunds, vat deferments, etc to enable you to lower your costs further and enhance the income of your respective business. You need to diligently pay import vat whenever you import goods from eu special territories or from non eu countries and use the expertise of a competent vat agent to claim additional vat back.