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Managing VAT Visits - A Practical Guide

Inactive

£269 +VAT per person

This course can be presented in-house at your premises. You can find out more about our in-house training here.

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Home > Classroom training > Managing VAT Visits - A Practical Guide

Managing VAT Visits - A Practical Guide

This course is no longer active

Course overview

If you are VAT registered, then at some point you will receive a visit from HMRC, where they will inspect your records and ensure that you are paying and reclaiming the correct amount of VAT. Although the prospect of a visit can be daunting, if you are well prepared and have a good understanding of the process, it doesn’t need to be.

 This half-day course will equip you with the practical understanding and confidence required to successfully prepare for and manage a VAT visit. Using his vast experience, our presenter will guide you through the important measures that should be in place to ensure that when your organisation does receive a VAT visit, you achieve the best possible outcome.

It will clearly explain the process and provide you with practical tips and advice on how to maintain control and manage the process in a structured and organised manner. The course will highlight common problem areas during visits and explain the procedures that can be put in place throughout the year to minimise the chance of these problems arising.

What will you learn?

  • How should you respond to HMRC when they initially contact you?
  • Is it true that HMRC do not have to suspect any wrong doings before they instigate an investigation?
  • What routine procedures can be put in place to ensure that you are well prepared for a VAT visit?
  • Can you request information from HMRC in advance of the visit?
  • Is there any information you can refuse to share with HMRC?
  • Are there any tips on what you should do when the VAT inspector first arrives?
  • How should you handle queries raised during the visit?
  • Are there any common issues or problems that arise during visits?
  • How much access should you give HMRC to your computerised records?
  • If an inspector demands to search the premises outside normal office hours, can you refuse to co-operate?
  • Is there anything you can ask of HMRC regarding their findings before they conclude the visit?
  • How should you respond to follow up questions after the visit?
  • What actions should you take on receiving an assessment?
  • What should you do if you do not agree with an assessment?
  • Is there any time limit between an investigation and an assessment?
  • How do you mitigate the penalties?
  • What should you do if you want to make an appeal?
  • How do you prepare for the hearing?
  • What is the role of the Adjudicators Office and the Ombudsman?
  • What should you do if you want to make a complaint against HMRC?
  • Is there anything you can do if you feel that an investigation was unnecessary?
  • What lessons are to be learnt after an investigation?

Who should attend?

  • Accounts staff who work with VAT on a daily basis
  • Senior finance staff who may be involved in the visit
  • Business owners
  • People working for accountancy firms who manage their client’s VAT visits

Extra benefits

  • A course pack containing the information presented on the day
  • A certificate of attendance