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VAT visits and inspections

VAT officers can visit your business to inspect your VAT records and make sure you’re paying or reclaiming the right amount of VAT.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) usually contact you to arrange a visit.

They normally give you 7 days’ notice. They’ll confirm what information they’ll want to see, how long it’s likely to take and if they want to inspect your premises. You can ask them to delay the visit.

HMRC can also visit without an appointment and telephone you about your VAT.

How often checks happen

How often you get a visit depends on:

• how big or complex your business is

• whether you’ve submitted late or incorrect VAT Returns before

During the visit:

HMRC will work with you to put right any problems with your VAT.

They’ll also tell you about any additional tax and penalty you have to pay.

Helping them with the check will reduce the amount of any penalty.

After the visit

Afterwards, HMRC will write to you confirming:

• what you must do to improve your VAT record keeping

• any corrections you must make to your VAT account

• if you’re overpaying or underpaying your VAT

• any penalty you have to pay

You can appeal an HMRC decision but you must do it within 30 days.

Time for a new car?

Green Vehicles are becoming more and more popular, thanks to the increased savings they offer over their internal combustion-engined counterparts.

https://www.dorsetcarleasing.uk/green-vehicles

The technology within Electric vehicles is being constantly developed, and we are now at a stage where these vehicles are producing the same range as their petrol or diesel equivalents - but, for a fraction of the fuel cost.

https://www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants

Grant for a vehicle charger

You can get up to £350 (including VAT) off the cost of installing a charger at home through the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme.

Filing your tax return

Your friendly accountant. Getting things done at a price you can afford.