Elevate - for business leaders

Are you paying too much tax on imports and exports?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 | Posted by: Gary Woods
Categories: Business advice, Tax | Tags: tax, international, VAT, Gary Woods, cross-border, reduce, trade, EU, exports, goods, valuation, supply chain, imports, Customs, tariff, duty

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With the possibility of high rates of Customs duty and the standard rate of VAT in EU countries around the 20% mark, it’s never been more important to ensure that you are importing and exporting goods in the most tax-efficient way. Here’s what you should be aware of and, perhaps, some unexpected ways to reduce your tax burden.

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Trust me, I’m a VAT inspector

Thursday, December 16, 2010 | Posted by: Gary Woods
Categories: Business advice, Tax | Tags: tax, property, HMRC, VAT, advice, investigation, Gary Woods, penalties, trust, guidance, DIY, incorrect, leaflet, legal, public notice, claim, advisor, manual, reliable

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Doctors are trustworthy, aren’t they? But what about the VAT man? There was a time when you could approach HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for help and guidance, and be reasonably assured that you could rely on what you were told. But the experience of some taxpayers suggests that there is now confusion about what can and cannot be relied upon, and you may now have to insist on your own written ruling if you are to be protected.

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Buy now to beat New Year VAT rate rise? Not necessarily…

Friday, August 20, 2010 | Posted by: Gary Woods
Categories: Business advice, Tax | Tags: business, tax, VAT, Gary Woods, tax year, suppliers, expenditure, reclaiming, rise, increase, admin, timing

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“In the bleak midwinter, the VAT rate increase made moan…” Not quite the first line of the Rossetti poem, but the planned 2.5% increase in VAT from the beginning of next year will still bring a chill to both consumers and businesses. So what can be done to make New Year a little happier for both?

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