Agent registration for EU VAT refunds
HMRC have published new guidance for agents and advisers on how to register and enrol to use the new VAT refund procedure which will replace 8th Directive claims.
From 1 January 2010 it will be compulsory to use the new on-line system whereby claims will be submitted in the EU member statewhere the claimant is based i.e. businesses established in the UK will submit all claims via HMRC.
Agents are now able to begin registration and setting up online authorisations to act on behalf of clients. Refund claims can be submitted on or after 1 January 2010.
Once registered, agents will require the following information to set up an online client authorisation:
- VAT registration number
- Principal place of business postcode
- Effective date of registration for VAT (the first three pieces of information can be found on the VAT 4 form (Certificate of Registration)
- Final month of the last VAT Return submitted to HMRC
- The box 5 figure on the last VAT Return submitted to HMRC
HMRC will then forward an online authorisation code directly to the taxpayer by mail. The taxpayer must provide this code to the agent who must enter it online to complete the registration process. For security reasons the code will expire 30 days from the date of issue.