The VAT Refunds Manual is an HMRC internal guidance document outlining procedures for traders to claim VAT refunds. It covers eligibility, claim requirements, time limits, verification, handling of abusive or unjust enrichment claims, end‑customer refund claims, refusal procedures, appeals, and penalties.
It provides guidance on handling claims made by traders to correct VAT errors that may lead to a refund.
Section VRM2000 covers vetting a claim.
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LinkedIn Article by MHA · 4 minutes ago
The newsletter covers recent VAT developments, including a new EU customs duty for low-value parcels, a UK Supreme Court ruling affecting VAT recovery on fundraising activities, and a change in VAT treatment for locum doctors following HMRC's decision not to appeal a tribunal ruling.
Macfarlanes · about 18 hours ago
The UK Supreme Court ruled on 15 January 2026 that VAT on professional costs incurred in connection with a VAT‑exempt share disposal is not recoverable, rejecting any general fundraising exception. The decision applies to corporate groups where the parent provides taxable management services to a subsidiary, confirming that share sales remain within the scope of VAT but exempt, and that VAT grouping does not alter this treatment. Taxpayers must therefore plan for non‑recoverable transaction costs when restructuring or disposing of subsidiaries.
HMRC · 1 day ago
This guidance handbook from HMRC explains customs authorisations in detail, covering their purpose, eligibility, application procedures, compliance requirements, guarantee types, authorisation management, appeals, renewal, and the legal framework. It serves as a technical reference for businesses and customs officials to correctly apply for and manage customs authorisations.
Supreme Court · 1 day ago
The UK Supreme Court is hearing a case on whether Hotel La Tour Ltd can recover the VAT paid on professional fees incurred to facilitate the sale of shares in its subsidiary. The dispute centers on the link between the input VAT and the company’s taxable activities. The judgment, issued 17 December 2025, will clarify the recoverability of such VAT in similar share‑sale contexts.
vLex · 1 day ago
The First‑tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) upheld HMRC’s VAT liability ruling that Story Terrace Limited’s supplies are standard‑rated ghost‑writing services, not zero‑rated books. The decision, issued on 11 December 2025, confirms the classification under the Value Added Tax Act 1994.
TaxScape · 4 days ago
The Deloitte TaxScape weekly VAT news update covers a First‑tier Tribunal ruling that allows Littlewoods to recover full input tax on photography costs, the withdrawal of HMRC’s linked‑goods concession under the ESC, and significant changes to the EU Deforestation Regulation effective 30 December 2026 for large and medium businesses. It also notes the removal of printed materials from the EUDR scope and the publication of these changes in the Official Journal on 23 December 2025.
Section VRM8000 contains the time limits for claims.