20/08/2026
Ā£14,000 VAT SWING FOR A NEW CLIENT
Iāve just completed my first VAT return for a new client who works as a sound engineer.
They work internationally at festivals, provide sound engineering services and rent equipment abroad, working on events involving some of the biggest DJs in the world.
When I first reviewed their VAT position, they were looking at a VAT bill of £9,500.
But something didnāt look right.
After reviewing their transactions, I found they had been charging 20% UK VAT on certain overseas supplies where the correct VAT treatment meant they were outside the scope of UK VAT.
I made the necessary adjustments before preparing and filing their VAT return.
The result?
Original VAT due: £9,500
VAT refund due: £4,500
Thatās a Ā£14,000 difference in their VAT position from reviewing the treatment properly.
This is why VAT shouldnāt just be about taking the figures youāre given and filing the return.
If your business works internationally, supplies services overseas or has more complex transactions, the VAT rules can make a huge difference to your cash flow.
A good accountant doesnāt just file the numbers.
They question them.