A VAT solicitor specialises in assisting clients with all matters relating to Value Added Tax. At Altion Law, we have a team of expert solicitors and barristers who specialise in this niche legal practice area. Coupling our exceptional legal insight with significant practical commercial experience working for SMEs, public bodies, and large corporations, we are perfectly positioned to help you understand your VAT reporting obligations and address any issues that arise.

 

For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990,  alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.

 

When Might you need a VAT Solicitor?

Advice from a VAT solicitor can be crucial in a range of situations, including the following:

 

  • VAT Inspections and Investigations

HMRC officers are entitled to visit your business and inspect your VAT records to check that you’re paying and reclaiming the right amount of tax. These checks are known as ‘compliance checks’.

HMRC will usually give you seven days written notice of its intention to undertake a compliance check into your business’s VAT affairs. The letter should explain what information HMRC would like to look at, confirm if it wants to inspect your premises, and let you know how long it expects the exercise to take. HMRC can also turn up unannounced to carry out a compliance check, or an officer may call you.

VAT inspections and investigations can be stressful and disruptive, even when you feel confident that you have complied with all your reporting responsibilities. Seeking support from a VAT solicitor as you navigate the process can significantly reduce the burden of the inspection and ensure it proceeds smoothly.

 

  • VAT Penalties

 HMRC charges late payment penalties on VAT that is not paid by the due date. The later you make the payment, the higher the late payment penalty will be. At the time of writing, the late payment penalties HMRC charges on VAT are as follows:

 

  • Payments up to 15 days late

HMRC will not charge a late payment penalty on VAT paid up to 15 days late.

 

  • Payments between 16 and 30 days late

For payments between 16 and 30 days late, HMRC will charge a late payment penalty of 2% of the amount of VAT that is outstanding on day 15.

 

  • Payments 31 days or more late

For payments that are 31 or more days late, HMRC will charge a late penalty payment of 2% of the amount of VAT outstanding on day 15 plus a further penalty of 2% of the amount outstanding on day 30. In addition, from day 31 until the debt is cleared, it will charge a daily rate of 4% per annum on the outstanding balance.

If you are struggling to pay your VAT, there are measures you can take to avoid incurring ongoing interest and late payment penalties. These include entering into a Time to Pay Arrangement with HMRC and repaying the VAT, interest, and penalties over an agreed period, or seeking emergency funding such as a bank loan.

Our VAT solicitors will consider the circumstances of your late payment, including why you can’t pay your VAT in full and your business’s overall financial health, and recommend the best option in your case.

 

  • VAT Appeals

If you disagree with HMRC’s decision to charge you a late payment penalty on your outstanding VAT, you may be able to appeal.

HMRC will offer you a review when it notifies you of its decision to charge a late payment penalty. You have 30 days within which to accept HMRC’s offer of a review or take your appeal to the Tax Tribunal. Missing this deadline can render you unable to lodge an appeal, so if you believe you have grounds to object to HMRC’s late payment penalty, you should seek advice from VAT solicitors like ours as soon as possible. We’ll review your reasons for your proposed appeal, consider the merits of your position, and advise you on whether you should accept HMRC’s offer of a review or proceed straight to the Tax Tribunal.

 

Why choose our VAT Solicitors?

 Few solicitors’ firms possess the depth of expertise and experience in VAT and other tax-related matters that our VAT solicitors at Altion Law do. Our HMRC team comprises specialist VAT solicitors and barristers dedicated to advising and representing clients facing issues with HMRC or Border Force, including those concerned with VAT.

We pride ourselves on delivering not only legal but also practical, commercially focused advice aligned with our clients’ business realities and goals. We take the time to get to know you and your business so we can tailor our advice accordingly and secure the very best outcome, whatever issue you face.

 

For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990,  alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.