VAT

VAT Services for UK Businesses – Expert Support, Full Compliance

HMRC-Compliant, Cost-Effective, and Commercially Focused VAT Advice

VAT is one of the most complex and closely scrutinised areas of UK tax. With evolving legislation, sector-specific rules, and increasing enforcement by HMRC, getting it wrong can be costly.

At Odiri Tax Consultants & Accountants, we provide comprehensive, strategic, and highly practical VAT advice to sole traders, SMEs, landlords, property developers, and growing businesses across the UK.

Whether you need help with a one-off query, ongoing VAT compliance, or a complex international transaction, our team of specialist VAT consultants are here to help.

Domestic UK and VAT advisory services
Liability, Assessment Review and Voluntary Disclosures
Correspondence, negotiation and dispute resolution with HMRC
Preparing and agreeing partial exemption methods with HMRC
Advising on all property related VAT matters including new dwellings, mixed use developments, conversions, student accommodation,
domestic reverse charge etc.
Post Brexit and International supply chain issues
Bespoke external/internal VAT training
VAT registrations and de-registrations
VAT administration and compliance, completion of VAT returns and dealing with associated problems, errors or corrections
advice in relation to VAT inspections and issues arising
VAT reviews, health checks and due diligence investigations

Our Full Range of VAT Services – Trusted, Expert, HMRC-Compliant Support

At Odiri Tax Consultants, we offer a comprehensive suite of VAT services designed to support businesses at every stage — from registration to complex advisory and dispute resolution. Whether you’re a start-up needing guidance, a growing business navigating VAT returns, or a property developer dealing with sector-specific rules, our team of qualified VAT professionals is here to help.

Our approach is not only to ensure compliance but also to strategically optimise your VAT position and reduce the risk of costly errors, penalties, or missed opportunities.

VAT Registration & Deregistration

Get your business set up correctly from day one.

We help determine whether and when you need to register for VAT — including voluntary registration, threshold assessments, and group VAT registrations for related entities. We also assist with VAT deregistration if your business no longer meets the threshold or ceases trading.

Key support includes:

VAT threshold analysis and advice
Online VAT registration through HMRC
Overseas VAT registration guidance
Group and divisional registration
Advice on deregistration eligibility and timing

VAT Return Preparation & Submission

Accurate, timely and fully compliant with Making Tax Digital (MTD).

We prepare and submit VAT returns on your behalf, ensuring you never miss a deadline and all input/output VAT is accurately reported. Our process reduces errors and gives you full visibility of your VAT liabilities.

Service includes:

Preparation and submission of monthly/quarterly returns
MTD-compliant software integration
Reconciliation of VAT with accounting records
Advice on recoverable vs non-recoverable VAT
Late return correction and penalty support

VAT on Property Transactions

Expert guidance on one of the most complex areas of UK VAT.

We specialise in VAT for property developers, landlords, and construction firms, providing advice on zero-rating, reduced rating, and capital item adjustments. Incorrect VAT treatment can lead to major penalties — we help you get it right from the start.

We advise on:

New residential and commercial developments
Conversions and renovations
Student accommodation & care homes
The Domestic Reverse Charge for construction
Opting to tax commercial property
VAT implications of leasing and selling land or buildings

Cross-Border VAT & Brexit Support

Post-Brexit VAT compliance for imports, exports, and EU trading.

With the UK’s departure from the EU, cross-border VAT has become significantly more complicated. We provide tailored advice for businesses that trade internationally, including ecommerce, wholesalers, and digital service providers.

We cover:

Import VAT reclaim procedures
Export documentation and zero-rating
Distance selling rules
Digital services VAT compliance (non-UK customers)

HMRC VAT Investigations & Disputes

Professional support when HMRC comes knocking.

If you’re facing an HMRC enquiry, compliance check, or assessment, we act as your representative and defend your case with professionalism and authority. We help clients resolve issues efficiently, reduce penalties, and appeal unjust decisions.

Our services include:

Representation in VAT disputes
Voluntary disclosures and negotiations
Assistance with VAT penalties and surcharges
Preparing for and managing HMRC inspections
Appeals and reviews of HMRC decisions

Partial Exemption & Special Methods

Tailored support for businesses making both taxable and exempt supplies.

If your business operates in sectors like finance, education, or healthcare, you may not be entitled to recover all input VAT. We help you apply the correct method or negotiate a special method with HMRC to maximise recovery within the rules.

We assist with:

Standard partial exemption method calculations
Annual adjustments
Application and approval of special methods
Sector-specific advice for mixed-use organisations

VAT Health Checks & Compliance Audits

Prevent costly mistakes with a proactive VAT review.

A VAT health check is ideal if you’re unsure about your VAT compliance or want peace of mind before an HMRC inspection. We examine your records, returns, and processes to flag issues and recommend improvements.

Health checks include:

Detailed review of past returns and records
Risk analysis for errors and underclaims
Identification of missed opportunities
Recommendations for process improvements
Pre-inspection preparation

VAT Due Diligence

Protect your investment in mergers, acquisitions, or business sales.

Before buying or selling a business, it’s essential to understand any VAT risks or liabilities. Our VAT due diligence services ensure you make fully informed decisions and avoid inheriting hidden issues.

We provide:

Full VAT records review and risk assessment
Verification of registration and return history
Analysis of VAT treatment in key contracts
Recommendations for remedial action

Internal VAT Training

Upskill your team with practical, industry-specific VAT training.

We deliver customised training to finance staff, managers, and business owners — helping your team avoid errors and improve VAT processes.

Training topics include:

VAT fundamentals for UK businesses
Sector-specific VAT (property, education, retail, etc.)
Common VAT errors and how to avoid them
Using accounting software for VAT
MTD compliance training

Partner with VAT Experts You Can Trust

Our VAT team brings deep technical expertise, commercial understanding, and a solutions-focused approach to every client we work with. We don’t just tick boxes — we help you save money, reduce risk, and gain peace of mind. Whether you’re a start-up registering for VAT, a property developer navigating complex legislation, or an established business seeking to optimise your returns, we’re here to help — every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – VAT Services

What is VAT and who needs to register for it in the UK?

VAT (Value Added Tax) is a consumption tax applied to most goods and services in the UK. If your business’s taxable turnover exceeds the current HMRC threshold of £90,000 in a 12-month period, you are legally required to register for VAT. You may also choose to register voluntarily if it benefits your business, such as when reclaiming input VAT on purchases.

How do I register for VAT in the UK?

You can register for VAT online through the HMRC website or appoint a professional tax agent, such as Odiri Tax Consultants, to complete the registration on your behalf. We ensure the process is handled correctly and quickly, reducing the risk of delays or errors.

What is Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a UK government initiative that requires VAT-registered businesses to keep digital records and submit VAT returns using HMRC-compliant software. We help businesses transition to MTD-compliant systems and ensure ongoing compliance.

Can I reclaim VAT on all business expenses?

No, not all expenses are eligible for VAT reclaims. You can generally reclaim VAT on goods and services used exclusively for business purposes, but items such as client entertainment, personal use purchases, and certain vehicles are restricted. We review your expenses to ensure you’re claiming only what’s permitted.

What is partial exemption in VAT?

Partial exemption applies to businesses that make both taxable and VAT-exempt sales. In these cases, you can only reclaim the proportion of input VAT that relates to your taxable activity. We help you apply the correct method or negotiate a special method with HMRC to maximise your VAT recovery.

How long do I need to keep VAT records?

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How can a VAT consultant help my business?

A VAT consultant provides expert guidance to help your business stay compliant, reclaim the correct amount of VAT, and avoid costly mistakes or penalties. At Odiri Tax Consultants, we offer end-to-end support, including VAT registration, return filing, HMRC correspondence, and specialist advice on complex issues such as property transactions, partial exemption, and cross-border VAT.

What are the current VAT rates in the UK?

There are three main VAT rates in the UK: the standard rate of 20%, the reduced rate of 5% (e.g. for home energy), and the zero rate of 0% (e.g. for most food and children’s clothing). Some services, such as finance and education, are exempt from VAT altogether. We help ensure you apply the correct rate for your business.

How long do I need to keep VAT records?

Businesses are required to retain VAT records for at least six years, and for ten years if using the VAT MOSS service. These records should include invoices, receipts, VAT returns, bank statements, and import/export documents. We offer digital record-keeping solutions to ensure you meet HMRC requirements.

Need help with VAT? Speak to a qualified UK VAT consultant today.

Our qualified VAT specialists can help you manage returns, reclaim VAT, resolve disputes, and stay fully compliant — no jargon, just results. Contact us now to get started.