When HMRC Knocks - The Complete VAT Survival Guide for Law Firms

Introduction

HMRC has recently increased its focus on the VAT policies and procedures of law firms. To help your firm stay compliant, this practical and interactive in-person seminar will examine the application of VAT regulations in the legal sector.

It will also cover key elements of the VAT Act 1994, HMRC Notice 700, and relevant recent case law.

Expert speaker Darren Whelan will share insights drawn from recent VAT inspections and tribunal decisions, highlighting common pitfalls and the practical implications of those outcomes for law firms.

Throughout the seminar, Darren will present real-world scenarios and VAT conundrums, encouraging discussion and providing guidance on how best to navigate complex VAT issues.

What You Will Learn

This course will cover the following:

• Scope of VAT within the UK
• Time of Supply
• Basic tax point
• Actual tax point
• Extensions
• Sales/Fees
• Clients overseas (Place of ‘belonging’)
• Land related services - direct and indirect
• Third Party Payers
• Indemnity basis
• VAT invoices
• Disbursements - Accounting Options
• Disbursements and recharges
• What is a disbursement (SRA and HMRC’s definition)?
• Discretionary treatment of counsel’s fees
• Overseas experts
• Recharges - accounting options
• VAT invoices
• Search fees
• Medical records and reports
• Case law
• Administrative Aspects of VAT
• Valid VAT invoices
• Valid credit notes
• Recovery of input VAT
• Supplier invoices 6 months older or greater
• Subsistence, travel and staff entertainment expenses
• Mixed expenses (business and personal usage)
• Mobile phones
• VAT Returns
• Correcting errors
• Bad debt relief
• Partial Exemption
• What is it?
• Calculation methods
• Case law
• Guidelines for Compliance (GfC8)
• What is it?
• HMRC’s expectations
• VAT policies
• VAT risk register
• Accountability - the COVA