If you are importing goods into the UK from specific parts of the globe then you’ll need to pay import vat when you import goods from eu special territories or even from non eu countries. This tax is collected by the hmrc vat department or the hm revenue and customs department at the port or airport itself and also 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 cigarettes and tobacco products https://checkvatnumber.com together with certain activities like gambling are governed by excise duties while almost every other imports fall under customs duties and import vat depending on the goods and the country from where they arrive.
The hmrc has specified eu special territories where import vat will be levied if services or goods are brought in or delivered 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 UK. This vat may also be levied when you import goods from non eu countries.
However, if you’re a vat registered trader in the UK you’ll be able to make application for a vat refund in case you have already paid vat on any goods in the country of origin itself before being imported into the UK. You may also offset this vat against sales vat if the products which you’ve imported are offered from our UK market. Countries such as the UK and Italy also offer special vat deferment schemes where you can get relief from import vat for approximately a 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.
When you start selling your services or goods from your market then you’ll also need to charge any local sales vat rate to the clients. You will need to make vat invoices that specifically mention vat rates as well as file regular vat returns. For those who have problem in understanding various duties and taxes imposed by the hmrc then you definately should engage the services of an excellent vat and customs agent. This will allow you to focus on expanding your business while all relevant paperwork and payment of taxes and duties is handled in an efficient manner.
The import vat rates are exactly like sales vat rates of comparable products sold in the UK. The UK has 3 vat rate slabs. The very first is the standard vat rate of 17.5% which is slated to rise to 20% from January 4, 2011. Second is the lower vat rate of 5% whilst the third is zero vat rate. There’s also certain goods and services that are totally exempt from any vat.
You ought to have sufficient knowledge on various duties and taxes applicable on imported goods into the UK to enable you to calculate the charges on an accurate basis. You should use all legal avenues to lower your costs like vat refunds, vat deferments, etc so that you can lower your costs further and enhance the cash flow of your respective business. You need to diligently pay import vat when you import goods from eu special territories or from non eu countries and employ the expertise of an efficient vat agent to claim additional vat back.