A UK tribunal decision in 2024 may allow U.S. biopharma firms with UK operations to claim VAT refunds on prior NHS sales, potentially unlocking up to £2.5 billion. The ruling is under review by the Upper Tribunal, with a judgment expected within the next three to four months. Companies must notify HMRC and register protection claims now to preserve their right to recover VAT within a four‑year window.
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Accountancy Age · 2 days ago
The article outlines a compliance roadmap for UK firms expanding globally, highlighting the need to register for VAT in each jurisdiction, including Germany's €1 threshold and the EU's ViDA initiative. It details penalties for non‑registration, the adoption of PEPPOL e‑invoicing, and the launch of the Crypto‑Asset Reporting Framework in 2026. UK firms are urged to map their nexus, maintain accurate digital audit trails, and integrate tax engines compatible with EU standards.
ICAEW · 3 days ago
ICAEW’s Tax Faculty reminds businesses that the deadline for submitting a VAT return and paying any VAT due to HMRC is not extended even if it falls on a weekend or Bank Holiday. The general rule is one calendar month and 7 days after the end of the accounting period, with specific dates for each period in 2026/27. Paper returns and the annual accounting scheme have their own distinct deadlines.
Express · 7 days ago
HMRC has announced new VAT road fuel scale charges for petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK, effective from 1 May 2026 and lasting until 30 April 2027. The charges vary by CO2 emissions and accounting period, with specific rates for 12‑month, 3‑month and 1‑month periods. Businesses must adopt the new scales from the next prescribed accounting period beginning on or after 1 May 2026.
iNews · 8 days ago
The UK government has introduced a new VAT road fuel charge regime effective from 1 May 2026, applying to all VAT‑registered businesses that reclaim VAT on fuel used for private company car use. The charges vary by vehicle CO2 emissions and accounting period, with rates ranging from £54 to £190 per month or £657 to £2,297 per 12‑month period. Businesses must calculate the correct charge based on CO2 emissions or engine size if no CO2 figure is available.
Geo · 8 days ago
HMRC has launched new VAT road fuel scale charges for petrol and diesel drivers in the UK, effective from 1 May 2026 and lasting until 30 April 2027. The charges vary by CO₂ emissions band, ranging from £657 for low‑emission vehicles to £2,297 for high‑emission ones over a 12‑month period. Drivers can account for the charges annually, quarterly or monthly and must calculate the applicable rate for each period.
Electrifying · 18 days ago
The UK Treasury has appealed a tax tribunal decision that ruled public electric vehicle charge points should be subject to 5% VAT. The tribunal had determined that public charge points fall within the domestic electricity supply VAT cut, but the government is contesting this. The appeal was lodged within the 56‑day deadline.
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Key Takeaways
It could allow them to claim VAT refunds on prior NHS sales, potentially unlocking up to £2.5 billion in recoverable VAT.
Adjustments can only be made for transactions that occurred within the previous four years.
A judgment is expected within the next three to four months from March 18 2026, i.e., around June–July 2026.
They should notify HMRC that they are affected and register protection claims immediately.
No, VAT obligations arise based on where the product is sold, so U.S. manufacturers with sales outside the UK may also have overpaid VAT.
Primary source
Read the full article at RSM USThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 18 March 2026. It relates to VAT developments in United Kingdom. The original source is RSM US.
