Reply to: VAT Audit

[HeliCraig]

I have had one. I had been filing and paying late and the chap said that was exactly why it had be flagged up as higher risk. It apparently also takes 3 years of a blemish free record to "reset" the risk indicator.

I did have some invoices in the Ltd Co for training on a certain aviation related matter, on the grounds that once the Co can trade as a provider of commercial pilot services the hourly rate is greater than mine now. I had been warned that they might not like this argument - so I had a plan to give it them back if they disallowed it.

They allowed it and said it was perfectly acceptable for the company to train an employee to further the companies business - but that they would expect to see invoicing in the future to support this. To which end they will be back in 3 years to re-inspect. I am fine with this as I shall be doing what I said by then.

He did say though that the local takeaway does not count as subsistence; but as the amount was so low it wasn't worth the paperwork in raising an assessment for it.

What a nice chap.

[SallyAnne]

4.5 years and counting for me

The deprived North = contractor boom town

If you are working local and not fiddling your expenses anymore you should probably be on the flat rate VAT scheme.

I am on flat rate - have been from the start.

And I was NEVER fiddling my expenses!!!!

[rootsnall]

Actually for the last nearly 2 years, I've worked in my home region!

4.5 years and counting for me

The deprived North = contractor boom town

If you are working local and not fiddling your expenses anymore you should probably be on the flat rate VAT scheme.

[The Lone Gunman]

Actually for the last nearly 2 years, I've worked in my home region! Just train or taxi expenses. Nothing too extreme there.

Maybe thats it. Up to then you were claiming lots of exes.
The difference in what you are paying the VAT man now compared to before has probably flagged you up.

[cailin maith]

I'm having another one - that's 2 in 4 years. My accountant thinks this is odd, but I spoke to the lady at the VAT office and she said it's normal.

Now my husband has just had a letter through too to say his company is having one.

Are these getting more frequent?

Who's had one? More than one?

Coool - you just said Husband

[bogeyman]

The late payment will put you a long way up the risk register, so will a late return.

You can pay it on line through direct debit, gets you an extra 7 days - but you still need to file the return on time.

I didn't get a proper inspection in 23 years.

Online is the way to go. You get extra time, less faffing about and you know exactly when the direct debit will be made.

If you don't play fast and loose with them they tend to leave you alone.

[ASB]

Who knows!!

I dont do anything wrong, and SJD tell me how much VAT to pay etc.

I am sometimes late in paying though - maybe that's it. Nothing sinister in it, I'm just a bit unorganised sometimes.

The late payment will put you a long way up the risk register, so will a late return.

You can pay it on line through direct debit, gets you an extra 7 days - but you still need to file the return on time.

I didn't get a proper inspection in 23 years.

[ratewhore]

Maybe this VAT lass in the North East is just the most efficient civil servant in the country?! Damn her professionalism!!

How dare you, that's a public sector official you're talking about. I would rescind all references to efficiency and professionalism...

[SallyAnne]

It's those dodgy hotel expenses again, your card is marked

I dont stay in dodgey hotels!!

Actually for the last nearly 2 years, I've worked in my home region! Just train or taxi expenses. Nothing too extreme there.

Maybe this VAT lass in the North East is just the most efficient civil servant in the country?! Damn her professionalism!!

[rootsnall]

I am sometimes late in paying though - maybe that's it.

You could just be unlucky but I am guessing you have answered the question.

[SallyAnne]

Must be something odd on your returns.

Claiming back too much?

Who knows!!

I dont do anything wrong, and SJD tell me how much VAT to pay etc.

I am sometimes late in paying though - maybe that's it. Nothing sinister in it, I'm just a bit unorganised sometimes.

[SallyAnne]

Nope. I'm on my next company instead. Mate of mine had an expenses inquiry though...

Yeah I had one of those too!

I'm sure I'm being persecuted!!

[rootsnall]

Must be something odd on your returns.

Claiming back too much?

It's those dodgy hotel expenses again, your card is marked

[bogeyman]

Must be something odd on your returns.

Claiming back too much?

[rootsnall]

Same here, not a sniff of any type of audit in 15 years