I tried to look up the VAT registration thresholds for different EU countries, and found a table which referred to:
- Threshold for application of the special scheme for acquisitions by taxable persons not entitled to deduct input tax and by non-taxable legal persons;
- Threshold for application of the special scheme for distance selling, and
- Exemption for small enterprises3
I called the VAT "help" line to find out what these special schemes were, and the details of the exemption, and they were completely unable to help me. The guy I spoke to said he knew nothing about any of the schemes and I would have to ring the countries involved (one of which was the UK!)
Does anyone here know?
Replies (7)
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EU thresholds
Try this link: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/taxation/vat/tr...
I thought the special scheme was being able to provide distance sales without having to register for VAT in that country (until threshold met).
Registration for VAT
Your point 1 is the registration limit for acquisitions from the EU into the UK; and equivalent limits exist in each MS. VAT Act 1994, Sch 3 refers,
Your point 3 is the ordinary UK registration threshold, under which a small business is not required to register for VAT. VAT Act 1994, Sch 1 refers.
I would not expect the HMRC Helpline to understand such vatspeak!
Is this what you mean?
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/forms-rates/rates/rates-thresholds.htm#3
Seems quite straightforward...
DIfferent wording
EU and HMRC websites frequently use different descriptions for the same statutory provisions. And neither are especially intuitive.