Brexit: Implications for VAT

Accounting for Import VAT

Import VAT is the tax paid on goods purchased from other countries.

Under the current scenario, UK businesses account for their imported goods when, or right after, the goods arrive at the UK border.

In the event of a ‘no-deal Brexit’, the government will introduce postponed accounting for import VAT on goods brought into the UK. This will allow VAT-registered UK businesses to bring goods into the UK from both the EU and non-EU countries. The businesses can account for any import VAT due on their VAT return, rather than paying it at the time the goods enter the country.

Business-to-Business Supplies of Services

Presently, UK businesses selling telecom, broadcasting, and digital services (e.g., software applications, streaming services, or e-materials) to EU consumers have the option of accessing the UK’s MOSS (Mini One Stop Shop) portal to account for VAT on these digital sales. 

MOSS is an online portal that allows EU businesses that sell digital services to consumers in other EU member states to report their VAT without having to register in each EU country. Businesses that are not part of the EU can also access the portal by registering in an EU member state. 

If the UK leaves the EU without an agreement, businesses will no longer be able to use the UK’s MOSS portal to report and pay VAT on sales of digital services to consumers in the EU.

Businesses that want to continue to use the MOSS system will need to register for the VAT MOSS non-union scheme in an EU member state. This can only be done after the date the UK leaves the EU. 

EU VAT Refund Claims

Under the current VAT laws, UK businesses submit their claims through the EU VAT refund online portal. Businesses that have registered in any of the EU member countries can claim VAT refunds even if they were incurred in another member state.

In case of a no-deal Brexit, the HMRC will close the UK portal for new claims after the UK leaves the EU. After that, UK businesses claiming VAT in an EU country must apply to that particular EU member state directly.

Current VAT Rules vs. Changes to VAT after a No-Deal Brexit 

Key Takeaways

These VAT implications are subject to change until the UK and the EU come to a final agreement. In the meantime, it’s vital for business owners to be prepared and keep an eye out for the latest news about VAT.

When tax laws change, it can get quite tricky to file your returns, You can ease the burden of filing VAT returns with Zoho Books, which is equipped for VAT compliance. Zoho Books can help you to calculate the tax you owe, create VAT reports, and track the VAT you’ve paid and reclaimed with HMRC.