The client’s request
With HMRC becoming increasingly aggressive in challenging businesses’ VAT arrangements, receiving a hefty VAT bill is an ever-increasing occurrence and is something every company wishes to avoid, especially when it is unexpected. So, when a Midlands-based restaurant received a VAT bill from HMRC demanding £75,000 after two members of their four-person partnership had left the firm and they deregistered for VAT, they got in touch with us for help.
The hefty bill resulted from the fact that the company had a VAT-able property, and legally VAT is required to be paid on any assets, including property, that are subject to an option to tax. The client approached us to resolve the situation, with the hope that the bill could be reduced.
How we helped them
We coordinated with various divisions within HMRC on the client’s behalf to implement a strategy whereby the option to tax still applied for legal reasons, but a new registration was opened for the remaining partners, which was backdated to when the other members had deregistered. We were then able to get HMRC’s compliance unit to accept that there had been continuous VAT registration, albeit with two different registration numbers. We took the pressure and hassle away from the client to liaise with HMRC, and we were able to use our expertise to think creatively and formulate an effective solution to their problem, in line with HMRC policy.
James and Sue, the remaining partners, commented: “We were threatened with a large VAT assessment and had initially tried to deal with HMRC ourselves. However, we came across a brick wall at HMRC and recognised that we needed help. We asked for Smith Cooper’s assistance, and as a result of Tony Bartle’s intervention, HMRC withdrew their assessment. The team clearly demonstrated his technical VAT knowledge and pragmatic skills in dealing with HMRC and secured a very successful outcome. We have no hesitation in recommending Smith Cooper’s VAT services if you are faced with a similar issue.” James and Sue, the remaining partners
The result
After much discussion with HMRC, we successfully persuaded them to retract their demand for £75,000, despite the fact it could have been enforced on a technicality. Our persistence, alongside our ability to negotiate and devise an effective strategy, ensured that we achieved the best result for the client, saving them a considerable amount of money.