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Testimonials

"Client service is of the utmost importance to us as a firm of Accountants and Business Advisors. Having the ability to be able to contact David Miller for immediate advice on VAT and Customs issues ensures that we are able to deliver our efficient tax service successfully and fulfil our client's expectations, especially in circumstances when they ask for guidance on crucial matters which require a tight deadline. Having the ability to engage David's service to attend client's HMRC visits has proved invaluable, particularly as David's knowledge is often superior to that of the Officer in attendance! David also offers creative planning solutions to problems and is very proactive with advice as soon as any legislation changes are known. We could not offer the same quality of service to our clients without David and his team."

Annette Stone, Mark Holt and Co

"The Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes have had a close relationship with The VAT People for the past seven years as they have helped to steer us through the complex process of reclaiming overpaid VAT and successfully accomplishing our de-registration from VAT. They have been able to quickly grasp the nature of our organisation and clearly see the arguments needed to persuade HMRC of our case. The VAT People also had the persistence to continue pursuing our claim until a satisfactory outcome. Rob McCann has always made time to be available whenever his expertise has been required to explain the ongoing situation to our governing trustees and committees. His helpful nature and ability to understand and explain complicated areas of the law has been appreciated and valued."

Simon Kevin, Speechley

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Latest Case Studies

Partial Exemption Review - saving of £61,000Recovering £60,000 VAT for Property DeveloperDisaggregation Notice Served by HMRC - £50,000 savingThe importance of choosing the correct date of registrationPension scheme at risk of losing £60k
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Useful Information

Get the vital information you need quickly and easily by watching one of our guidance videos - topics include VAT assessments and penalties, VAT for charities, and maximising VAT recovery.

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Meet the Team

Rob McCann

Director VAT & Customs Services

Steve Howard

VAT Consultant

Tamara Habberley

VAT Consultant

Jack Ray-Atkins

VAT & Customs Consultant

David Miller

Director Customs and International VAT Consultant
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Company Details

The VAT People are leading VAT and Customs Duty consultants in the UK. We work with clients all over the country and recent research has shown that we are one of the UK's largest and most comprehensive sources of VAT and Customs advice.

Trinity House, Newby Road Industrial Estate,
Newby Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport,
SK7 5DA

0161 477 6600
0161 477 8300
enquiries@thevatpeople.co.uk

Latest News

Can a UK Business Reclaim EU VAT?

The VAT People provide specialist, practical advice to support UK businesses in recovering VAT incurred outside the UK and managing the associated compliance requirements. With extensive experience across EU jurisdictions and a detailed understanding of HMRC and overseas authority expectations, the focus is on delivering accurate, defensible outcomes.

Challenging HMRC’s VAT Treatment for Fly by Nite Rehearsal Studios

Fly by Nite Rehearsal Studios provides fully equipped rehearsal facilities for touring productions, alongside integrated services including rigging, crew, equipment hire and security. HMRC challenged the VAT treatment applied by the business, arguing that its supplies should be treated as exempt from VAT. Find out how The VAT People supported the business in challenging this position and achieving a commercially appropriate outcome.

VAT on Donated Goods to Charities April 2026 Changes Explained

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) revised its guidance on the VAT treatment of goods donated by VAT-registered businesses to charities, specifically where those goods are intended for onward donation or use in a charity’s non-business activities. These changes took effect from 1 April 2026 and provide a clearer, more structured framework for determining when a VAT charge does not arise on such donations. Read more here

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Advice Hub

Our expert VAT consultants are always looking for ways to improve the training and advice they give. This advice hub is packed with the latest articles and news about VAT, hints and tips for accountants and businesses, blogs, infographics and all kinds of other useful content about VAT.

For more information about anything here, or to talk to our expert team, call our free helpline on 0161 477 6600 or use our contact form and we will get back to you.

When can a construction project or construction services qualify for zero-rated VAT?

The construction of a new building is normally subject to VAT. However, zero-rate VAT may be granted if the construction is a qualifying building.
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Can You Reclaim VAT on Business Flights and Other Travel Expenses?

Businesses frequently incur significant costs when sending employees on business trips, whether for client meetings, conferences, or exploring new markets.
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Are Medical Supplies VAT Exempt?

In the UK, the VAT treatment of medical supplies varies based on the specific type of product and its intended use. This blog post delves into the details of VAT exemptions, zero ratings, and standard VAT rates applicable to different medical supplies, and provides clear guidelines for businesses and consumers.
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VAT and Energy Saving Materials

Until 31 March 2027, the supply and installation of certain “energy saving materials” qualifies for 0% VAT when installed in residential accommodation. This VAT relief applies only to specific products when supplied and installed together.
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£247,407 VAT Appeal Allowed Following Assessment

The business operates two websites - financial-advisors-near-me.co.uk and pension-advisers-near-me.co.uk - that collect user data from individuals seeking financial advice. This data is passed on to the company’s independent financial advisor (IFA) clients. Where a deal is concluded between the IFA and the prospective client, the company receives a percentage of the income generated from that introduction.
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Some Brief Tips if Considering VAT Registration

It is currently challenging to secure VAT registration due to a combination of EU businesses needing UK VAT numbers and backlogs within HMRC’s registration unit. To avoid unnecessary delays, it is important to ensure your application meets HMRC’s requirements in full.
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The Scope of VAT Exemptions for Education

The scope for exemption to apply to education is dependent on a number of factors and these are quite commonly misunderstood. This can lead to errors in VAT accounting due to an organisation either mistakenly believing that its supplies qualify for exemption or more rarely, being unaware that they do.
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Does Your Business Exercise Sufficient Diligence With its VAT Affairs?

Having little or no evidence of due diligence being carried out can be sufficient for HMRC to accuse a business of being either knowingly or unknowingly involved in VAT fraud. This can have serious implications if the business is unwittingly being used to “whitewash” a VAT fraud being carried out by associated third parties.
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We have ex-HMRC staff who can advise on any commercial VAT Enquiry. Call 0161 477 6600 or visit our contact page.

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