CAT / FIA FTX Syllabus F. Value Added Tax - Relationship between the organisation and HRMC - Notes ^{2 / 2}

The administration of VAT is dealt with by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

VAT offices

The VAT Central Unit deals with general VAT matters such as issuing guidance on specific types of supply.
Local offices are responsible for the local administration of VAT and for providing advice to registered persons whose principal place of business is in their area.
They are controlled by regional collectors.
From time to time a registered person will be visited by HMRC staff from a local office to ensure that the law is understood and is being applied properly.

Assessments of VAT

HMRC may issue assessments of VAT if they believe that a trader has failed to make returns or if they believe those returns to be incorrect or incomplete.

The time limit for making assessments is normally 3 years after the end of a VAT period, but this is extended to 20 years in the case of fraud, dishonest conduct, certain registration irregularities and the unauthorized issue of VAT invoices.