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’ll have to pay import vat whenever 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 on the port or airport itself and also the goods are then subject to local sales vat rules.

The hmrc has provided for 14,000 classifications of products and services which are governed by customs duties, excise duties and import vat. Most alcohol and tobacco products www.checkvatnumber.com together with certain activities such as gambling are subject to excise duties while almost every other imports come under customs duties and import vat according to the goods and 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 delivered to such territories. They 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 will also be levied whenever you import goods from non eu countries.

However, if you’re a vat registered trader in the UK 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 can also offset this vat against sales vat if the goods that you have imported are sold from our UK market. Countries like the UK and Italy also offer special vat deferment schemes where one can get relief from import vat for up to one month by filing out a special vat form with the hmrc and opening of a special vat deferment account with them. This move would help safeguard your cash flow.

When you start selling your services or goods in the local market then you will also have to charge any 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. For those who 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 concentrate on expanding your enterprise while all relevant paperwork and payment of taxes and duties is handled in an efficient manner.

The import vat rates are the same as sales vat rates of similar products sold in the United Kingdom. The UK has 3 vat rate slabs. The very first is the standard vat rate of 17.5% which is slated to go up to 20% from January 4, 2011. The second is the lower vat rate of 5% whilst the third is zero vat rate. There are also certain products or services which are totally exempt from any vat.

You ought to have sufficient knowledge on various duties and taxes applicable on imported goods into the UK so that you can calculate the costs with an accurate basis. You should use all legal avenues to reduce your costs such as vat refunds, vat deferments, etc so that you can reduce your costs further and improve the income 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 use the expertise of an efficient vat agent to claim additional vat back.