VAT on intelligent lighting

Keeping up the good work, here’s my first new substantive post – HMRC have announced that intelligent lighting can now be zero rated, where applicable.  Or else 5% rated, again if applicable.  But first, a bit of background: Since 1973, with a few exceptions, there has been no VAT cost, in building a new house.  … Read more VAT on intelligent lighting

A wee bit of good news again!

HMRC have taken heed of the responses to their Budget change consultations and have allowed a small measure of relaxation in the transitional arrangements relating to the cessation of zero rating for listed buildings. If you recall, zero rating will cease as at 30 September 2012. The first exception to this was a transitional arrangement … Read more A wee bit of good news again!

Energy saving materials to be attacked by the EU

The EU has asked the UK to amend its rules on energy saving materials, which are currently subject to the 5% VAT rate, on a ‘supply and fit’ basis. Under EU VAT rules, the UK (and other member states) can only apply a reduced rate on a specified number of goods and services. Energy saving … Read more Energy saving materials to be attacked by the EU

Bad news on listed buildings

My recent euphoria on an earlier previous post that included the words “possibly some good news on listed buildings” was somewhat deflated on the afternoon of the Budget. With effect from 1 October 2012, the VAT relief that currently allows zero rating for certain types of work on listed buildings has been withdrawn. As a … Read more Bad news on listed buildings

BUDGET 2012

For once the Budget has introduced a few interesting topics on VAT, not all of them good, of course: • As ever, the VAT registration limit is rising – to £77,000 – with the new de-registration limit set at £75,000. Effective from 1 April 2012. • Again as ever, the VAT fuel scale charge figures … Read more BUDGET 2012

VAT & listed buildings – possibly some good news!

For once, good news emanating from HMRC, who have just re-written their internal guidance on the topic of construction – their reference V1-8A.  Within it, they state that double glazing and secondary glazing can, potentially, be zero rated as alterations.  This is wonderful news as they have hitherto refused to accept zero rating, except in very limited circumstances. To … Read more VAT & listed buildings – possibly some good news!

Budget 2011

As ever, the world of VAT toodles along, with few highlights, so it is difficult to get excited about the things that are changing. But let’s not start on a negative – here’s a few goodies for you: VAT registration limit (previously £70k) going up to £73k. [They call it “revalorisation” of the threshold – … Read more Budget 2011

DIY Housebuilder’s Scheme and holiday homes

As you are doubtless aware, HMRC don’t normally appear generous with their approach to taxpayers, and although what follows appears to be in the realms of generosity, it did not arise as a result of an unexpected burst of largesse on their part. For many years there has been a “DIY Housebuilders Scheme” in existence, … Read more DIY Housebuilder’s Scheme and holiday homes