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Social Purpose and Non Profits

VAT update for independent schools

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Real Estate

Biodiversity Net Gain

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Corporates

UK VAT cash flow planning

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Manufacturing

Preparing for a customs compliance audit

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Real Estate

Domestic Reverse Charge for building and construction services

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VAT on vouchers

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Retail

Registering for UK VAT goods

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Established business trading in the UK

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How we add value

HMRC dispute resolution   
Administration and compliance
Dealing with change
Simplifying the complicated
International VAT and Customs Duty
HMRC dispute resolution   

Our group of specialists are equipped to help you resolve disputes with HMRC. If you have received a challenge or unfavourable decision from HMRC on VAT, Customs or Excise Duty, we can help you with our practical and commercial approach to settling disputes.

Many of our team are ex-HMRC employees, or have a legal background and can support you through the various stages in responding to an HMRC dispute, up to and including the last resort of appealing to the tax tribunal. Many of our client’s cases are resolved well before this final stage though.

Administration and compliance

For organisations involved in UK trade there is likely to be an obligation to register for UK VAT. We can assist with registering for VAT and also with other VAT administration such as setting-up VAT groups, options to tax, applying to use the VAT Flat Rate scheme or deregistering from VAT.

Once VAT registered, companies are obliged to compile and submit periodic VAT returns and possibly additional compliance returns such as Intrastat and European Sales Lists. We have a significant number of clients who we assist in preparing and submitting their period VAT compliance submissions. Our involvement gives our clients reassurance that they are complying with their UK VAT obligations and reduces their risk of receiving financial penalties for non-compliance.

We also support clients with setting up importer ID numbers (EORI), duty deferment accounts, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) applications and with customs duty regimes such as Customs Warehousing, Inward Processing Relief and Returned Goods Relief.

Dealing with change

As VAT and Customs Duty are transactional taxes, any changes to your activities or organisational structure is likely to lead to a change in how you account for VAT/ Duty. For example, this could be an expansion into new markets that require overseas VAT registration or it could be a new product offering and you need to know what rate of VAT should be charged and how the product will be classified for Customs Duty purposes. We work with our clients to understand the changes and to advise on both how to comply with the rules and to optimise their position.

In-depth knowledge of the application of VAT to your industry allows us to deal promptly with your enquiries and to ensure your VAT position is maximised. We are regularly asked to present for regulators such as the Charity Finance Group, ICAEW, Independent Schools’ Bursars Association, and Charity Tax Group and we have also spoken at events for organisations such as the British Ports Association and the Department for International Trade.

Simplifying the complicated

We consider the VAT and Customs Duty issues that might arise from your business implications are known. In providing our consulting services, we regularly deal with finance and non-finance staff, so we are used to translating complex VAT and Customs regulations into plain English.

We place great importance on keeping ourselves and you fully abreast of statutory HMRC policy. We proactively identify and communicate new developments and opportunities both to save you VAT and Customs Duty and avoid unexpected costs and potential penalties.

International VAT and Customs Duty

Customs Duties vary according to the type of goods, their classification and origin, and as they are an irrecoverable cost they can have a direct impact on your margins. The same is true for Excise Duties charged on products such as alcohol, tobacco and hydrocarbon fuels. Equally, when importing goods, unforeseen delays in getting your goods declared and processed by customs can have significant repercussions.

Crowe UK is a member of a global network of Crowe entities. As a result, you may be a UK company engaged in e-commerce selling into overseas markets for the first time, or an established multi-national business with presence in a number of countries; via our international network we have the capability to help.

Events

Charity VAT update

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Webinars - ensuring you stay on top of the ever-changing VAT laws and regulations.

Getting ready to develop again
Join our upcoming webinars to discuss VAT and CIS considerations. Learn more about increased interest in acquiring undevelopable land, repurposing buildings, and ensuring tax-efficient structures for commercial developers and housing associations.
VAT update for UK businesses 2024
There continue to be many important VAT-related judgements delivered by the courts as well as changes in the areas HMRC is focusing its attention on. Our webinar will update you on hot topics and recent trends about VAT for UK businesses.
Charity Tax Update

This webinar, delivered by specialists from our VAT and tax teams, will focus on the key issues affecting the sector, as well as other updates and news that may impact your organisation.

Social Housing VAT update 2024
VAT issues arising for Housing Associations over the last year, including VAT changes in the pipeline relevant to the sector, as well as the VAT impacts of the current environment for Social Housing providers.
VAT for Trade Unions
Our virtual VAT training course for finance staff operating in trade unions, will cover a mixture of topics, ranging from new penalty regime, COVID-19 measures, Making Tax Digital and reverse charges.
Navigating the Capital Goods Scheme
Providing a practical guidance on the Capital Goods Scheme, with an understanding of what items are covered and the next steps for your organisation. 
Understanding key VAT issues for membership bodies and professional bodies
Focusing on common issues and the essential rules, with both exemption and membership apportionment impacting the amount of VAT due to HMRC, it continues to be a complex area to navigate. 
E-commerce in the UK and EU
Delivered by Crowe specialists from the UK and EU, will look at movement of stock, customs, VAT reporting and EU rules for platform trading applicable to e-commerce retailers. 
Social Housing VAT update 2023
Covering VAT issues seen arising at housing associations over the last year, VAT changes in the pipeline relevant to the sector, and the VAT impacts of the current environment for Social Housing providers.
Charity VAT update
VAT can be a complex area for non-profits. Our next bi-annual charity VAT update will focus on the ongoing issues affecting the sector, plus other VAT issues and news that may impact your organisation. 
VAT in a digital age
This webinar will look at the European Commission's recently published VAT in the Digital Age proposals.
VAT for Trade Unions
Aimed at those dealing with VAT accounting on a day-to-day basis, who wish to update their knowledge and find out the latest news and guidance.
Charity VAT update 
VAT can be a complex area for non profits. Our bi-annual charity VAT update will focus on the ongoing issues affecting the sector, plus other VAT issues and news that may impact your organisation.
VAT update for care providers
Short update on charging VAT on care services, current matters affecting the novation process, local authorities and NHS trusts that agrees to the process, agencies providing temporary staff.
VAT for school building projects
Helping you better navigate the VAT rules covering zero-rate, 5% rate, potential pitfalls, opting to tax land and buildings and selling commercial property.
Safeguarding and Trade Remedies, Potential Mitigation Strategies
Hosted by The Confederation of British Metalformers, we explain some of the background to steel safeguard measures, which impose an additional 25% in duty on imports of certain metals to the UK.
VAT for fundraising
The latest guidance, VAT exemptions and updates, this session covers liability of income from fundraising events, conditions for VAT exemption, specific scenarios and common misconceptions, supporter packages and sponsorship.
VAT bitesize webinars 
Designed to bring some certainty regarding your VAT position during these uncertain times, while supporting your team when many will be working remotely.
Are you aware of Plastic Packaging tax?
An overview of the Plastic Packaging Tax obligations and implications.
Brexit one year on
The VAT and Customs considerations, looking back at the big impacts and learnings from the last year since Brexit took place.
Brexit: Online sales from 1 July 2021
Practical insight into the VAT issues faced by social purpose and non profit organisations selling goods direct to EU consumers.
VAT update for Section 33 Bodies - Academies, Air Ambulances and Hospices
Providing ‘Section 33’ bodies covering Air Ambulances, Hospices and Academies) an overview of the main VAT issues currently affecting them.
Brexit: The practical experience from both sides of the channel
Crowe specialists from the UK and the EU will provide important lessons and insights into the tax and legal implications from the transition. 
The Brexit deal - what was agreed, and what does it mean?
Our VAT and Customs specialists will look at the TCA's impact on trade between the UK and EU, and summarise post-deal issues now that the dust has started to settle. 
Making Tax Digital for non profits
Covering the important aspects and changes to Making Tax Digital for VAT (MTD) which non profits need to be compliant with for the imminent ‘hard landing’ on 1 April 2021.
Making Tax Digital for corporate businesses
Focusing on the important aspects and changes to Making Tax Digital for VAT (MTD) which businesses need to be compliant with for the imminent ‘hard landing’ on Thursday 1 April 2021.
Change to VAT treatment of damages and compensation
HMRC is proposing to change its interpretation of a wide range of compensation payments, including dilapidations, liquidated damages, early termination charges and penalty clauses. 
Brexit preparations: still time to act
Helping businesses with their final Brexit preparations, explaining the key areas of change and providing insights into how these changes can be managed.
Brexit preparations: are you ready?
Aimed at businesses involved with the cross-border trade in goods, an overview of ‘what we know so far’ and ‘what is still to be resolved’ in relation to the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU.
VAT cashflow planning
Looking at some of the UK VAT good 'housekeeping' items which could help your cash position, e.g. VAT Bad Debt relief, input VAT accruals, import VAT reclaims and more.
VAT treatment of disbursements
Following the Brabners case, we look at the Court of Appeal's decision and the technical position, what it could mean for firms and the practical actions to take.
Changes to VAT rules for EU trade in goods
Covering a number changes to EU VAT law that UK businesses may not be aware took effect from 1 January 2020.
Getting ready to develop again
Join our upcoming webinars to discuss VAT and CIS considerations. Learn more about increased interest in acquiring undevelopable land, repurposing buildings, and ensuring tax-efficient structures for commercial developers and housing associations.
VAT update for UK businesses 2024
There continue to be many important VAT-related judgements delivered by the courts as well as changes in the areas HMRC is focusing its attention on. Our webinar will update you on hot topics and recent trends about VAT for UK businesses.
Charity Tax Update

This webinar, delivered by specialists from our VAT and tax teams, will focus on the key issues affecting the sector, as well as other updates and news that may impact your organisation.

Social Housing VAT update 2024
VAT issues arising for Housing Associations over the last year, including VAT changes in the pipeline relevant to the sector, as well as the VAT impacts of the current environment for Social Housing providers.
VAT for Trade Unions
Our virtual VAT training course for finance staff operating in trade unions, will cover a mixture of topics, ranging from new penalty regime, COVID-19 measures, Making Tax Digital and reverse charges.
Navigating the Capital Goods Scheme
Providing a practical guidance on the Capital Goods Scheme, with an understanding of what items are covered and the next steps for your organisation. 
Understanding key VAT issues for membership bodies and professional bodies
Focusing on common issues and the essential rules, with both exemption and membership apportionment impacting the amount of VAT due to HMRC, it continues to be a complex area to navigate. 
E-commerce in the UK and EU
Delivered by Crowe specialists from the UK and EU, will look at movement of stock, customs, VAT reporting and EU rules for platform trading applicable to e-commerce retailers. 
Social Housing VAT update 2023
Covering VAT issues seen arising at housing associations over the last year, VAT changes in the pipeline relevant to the sector, and the VAT impacts of the current environment for Social Housing providers.
Charity VAT update
VAT can be a complex area for non-profits. Our next bi-annual charity VAT update will focus on the ongoing issues affecting the sector, plus other VAT issues and news that may impact your organisation. 
VAT in a digital age
This webinar will look at the European Commission's recently published VAT in the Digital Age proposals.
VAT for Trade Unions
Aimed at those dealing with VAT accounting on a day-to-day basis, who wish to update their knowledge and find out the latest news and guidance.
Charity VAT update 
VAT can be a complex area for non profits. Our bi-annual charity VAT update will focus on the ongoing issues affecting the sector, plus other VAT issues and news that may impact your organisation.
VAT update for care providers
Short update on charging VAT on care services, current matters affecting the novation process, local authorities and NHS trusts that agrees to the process, agencies providing temporary staff.
VAT for school building projects
Helping you better navigate the VAT rules covering zero-rate, 5% rate, potential pitfalls, opting to tax land and buildings and selling commercial property.
Safeguarding and Trade Remedies, Potential Mitigation Strategies
Hosted by The Confederation of British Metalformers, we explain some of the background to steel safeguard measures, which impose an additional 25% in duty on imports of certain metals to the UK.
VAT for fundraising
The latest guidance, VAT exemptions and updates, this session covers liability of income from fundraising events, conditions for VAT exemption, specific scenarios and common misconceptions, supporter packages and sponsorship.
VAT bitesize webinars 
Designed to bring some certainty regarding your VAT position during these uncertain times, while supporting your team when many will be working remotely.
Are you aware of Plastic Packaging tax?
An overview of the Plastic Packaging Tax obligations and implications.
Brexit one year on
The VAT and Customs considerations, looking back at the big impacts and learnings from the last year since Brexit took place.
Brexit: Online sales from 1 July 2021
Practical insight into the VAT issues faced by social purpose and non profit organisations selling goods direct to EU consumers.
VAT update for Section 33 Bodies - Academies, Air Ambulances and Hospices
Providing ‘Section 33’ bodies covering Air Ambulances, Hospices and Academies) an overview of the main VAT issues currently affecting them.
Brexit: The practical experience from both sides of the channel
Crowe specialists from the UK and the EU will provide important lessons and insights into the tax and legal implications from the transition. 
The Brexit deal - what was agreed, and what does it mean?
Our VAT and Customs specialists will look at the TCA's impact on trade between the UK and EU, and summarise post-deal issues now that the dust has started to settle. 
Making Tax Digital for non profits
Covering the important aspects and changes to Making Tax Digital for VAT (MTD) which non profits need to be compliant with for the imminent ‘hard landing’ on 1 April 2021.
Making Tax Digital for corporate businesses
Focusing on the important aspects and changes to Making Tax Digital for VAT (MTD) which businesses need to be compliant with for the imminent ‘hard landing’ on Thursday 1 April 2021.
Change to VAT treatment of damages and compensation
HMRC is proposing to change its interpretation of a wide range of compensation payments, including dilapidations, liquidated damages, early termination charges and penalty clauses. 
Brexit preparations: still time to act
Helping businesses with their final Brexit preparations, explaining the key areas of change and providing insights into how these changes can be managed.
Brexit preparations: are you ready?
Aimed at businesses involved with the cross-border trade in goods, an overview of ‘what we know so far’ and ‘what is still to be resolved’ in relation to the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU.
VAT cashflow planning
Looking at some of the UK VAT good 'housekeeping' items which could help your cash position, e.g. VAT Bad Debt relief, input VAT accruals, import VAT reclaims and more.
VAT treatment of disbursements
Following the Brabners case, we look at the Court of Appeal's decision and the technical position, what it could mean for firms and the practical actions to take.
Changes to VAT rules for EU trade in goods
Covering a number changes to EU VAT law that UK businesses may not be aware took effect from 1 January 2020.

Contact us

Robert Warne
Rob Warne
Partner, Head of VAT and Customs Duty services
London