When Are Late VAT Claims Allowed?

When work is busy and time short, it is all too easy to miss reclaiming VAT on purchases made for your business. What is more, it may take years to realise the mistake. So, can you reclaim the VAT as part of your next return?

The good news is that while your intention should always be to reclaim the VAT paid on purchases in the quarter that the purchases occurred, there is an overriding time limit that helps in circumstances when an oversight has been made. The time is limit is four years from the return period in which you received evidence that you paid VAT. For example, if a purchase was made on 12 April 2017 and that VAT quarter ended on 30th May 2017 – a business has until 30th May 2021 to reclaim the VAT paid.

It is important to note that if your business was not registered for VAT at the time a purchase was made, it is very important that you discuss the matter with your accountant and get advice on how pre-registration rules apply to your situation.

We are only too happy to help with this or any other VAT related matter. To talk to a member of our specialist team, please call us on 01524 67111 and we will arrange a suitable time to get together.