VAT on Imports outside the EU

Question asked by Sharon Petrie 6 years ago

This might be a stupid question but which VAT Scheme should be used for reclaiming VAT on Imports from outside the EU i.e. China/Hong Kong? I want to make sure I am getting this included on my VAT returns. Thanks Sharon

5 Replies

Hi Sharon

To expand on what Tommy says. It's Customs, on importation that decide to charge you the same rate of VAT as if you had bought the goods from a UK supplier.

Chances are the bill from the supplier will show just the cost of the goods without VAT so chose 0% VAT and the "goods from supplier OS EU" treatment. When you get the bill from the importation agent showing the VAT & Duties, enter the VAT element using manual VAT so that all of it is reclaimed.

In this way the supplier bill appears in box 7 of the return and the import VAT, on the agent's bill, appears in box 4.

Hi Sharon,

There are a few different rules based on HMRC's document: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-imports-acquisitions-and-purchases-from-abroad

Depending on the type of import:

  • For goods from outside the EU, the general rule is that you should charge VAT at the same rate as if they had been supplied in the UK.
  • For Services from outside the EU, you act as if you’re both the supplier and the customer. You charge yourself the VAT and then you also claim it back, therefore, you would select 0% VAT.

The most important thing would be to select the relevant VAT treatment when creating the invoice i.e. goods/ services from outside the EU. Please ensure this feature is toggled on by heading to Settings > Configure System > Toggle Features > VAT & Bank import tool > Tick on Reverse charge & EC rates.

I hope this helps!

Tommy

Hi Sharon

To expand on what Tommy says. It's Customs, on importation that decide to charge you the same rate of VAT as if you had bought the goods from a UK supplier.

Chances are the bill from the supplier will show just the cost of the goods without VAT so chose 0% VAT and the "goods from supplier OS EU" treatment. When you get the bill from the importation agent showing the VAT & Duties, enter the VAT element using manual VAT so that all of it is reclaimed.

In this way the supplier bill appears in box 7 of the return and the import VAT, on the agent's bill, appears in box 4.

Thanks guys - now all I have to do is find out if I can claim back VAT that I haven't previously claimed back as I miscoded it in Clearbooks! Wish me luck with HMRC on this one!

Thank you Paul for clarifying! And best of luck Sharon!

Tommy

Hi Sharon

Depends how much it is. If you go back and find you've under-claimed less than £10K you can merely add it to the next VAT return you do. It's only if the VAT adjustment is over £10K that you have to report it separately to HMRC.

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