(1)Where a person has failed to make any returns required under this Act (or under any provision repealed by this Act) or to keep any documents and afford the facilities necessary to verify such returns or where it appears to the Commissioners that such returns are incomplete or incorrect, they may assess the amount of VAT due from him to the best of their judgment and notify it to him.
(2)In any case where, for any prescribed accounting period, there has been paid or credited to any person—
(a)as being a repayment or refund of VAT, or
(b)as being due to him as a VAT credit,
an amount which ought not to have been so paid or credited, or which would not have been so paid or credited had the facts been known or been as they later turn out to be, the Commissioners may assess that amount as being VAT due from him for that period and notify it to him accordingly.
(3)An amount—
(a)which has been paid to any person as being due to him as a VAT credit, and
(b)which, by reason of the cancellation of that person’s registration under paragraph 13(2) to (6) of Schedule 1, [F1paragraph 9 or 11 of Schedule 1A]F2... [F3or paragraph 6(1) or (2) of Schedule 3A] ought not to have been so paid,
may be assessed under subsection (2) above notwithstanding that cancellation.
(4)Where a person is assessed under subsections (1) and (2) above in respect of the same prescribed accounting period the assessments may be combined and notified to him as one assessment.
(5)Where the person failing to make a return, or making a return which appears to the Commissioners to be incomplete or incorrect, was required to make the return as a personal representative, trustee in bankruptcy, [F4trustee in sequestration], receiver, liquidator or person otherwise acting in a representative capacity in relation to another person, subsection (1) above shall apply as if the reference to VAT due from him included a reference to VAT due from that other person.
(6)An assessment under subsection (1), (2) or (3) above of an amount of VAT due for any prescribed accounting period must be made within the time limits provided for in section 77 and shall not be made after the later of the following—
(a)2 years after the end of the prescribed accounting period; or
(b)one year after evidence of facts, sufficient in the opinion of the Commissioners to justify the making of the assessment, comes to their knowledge,
but (subject to that section) where further such evidence comes to the Commissioners’ knowledge after the making of an assessment under subsection (1), (2) or (3) above, another assessment may be made under that subsection, in addition to any earlier assessment.
[F5(6A)In the case of an assessment under subsection (2), the prescribed accounting period referred to in subsection (6)(a) and in section 77(1)(a) is the prescribed accounting period in which the repayment or refund of VAT, or the VAT credit, was paid or credited.]
(7)Where a taxable person—
(a)has in the course or furtherance of a business carried on by him, been supplied with any goodsF6... or otherwise obtained possession or control of any goods, or
(b)has, in the course or furtherance of such a business, imported any goods F7...,
the Commissioners may require him from time to time to account for the goods; and if he fails to prove that the goods have been or are available to be supplied by him or have been exported or otherwise removed from the United Kingdom without being exported or so removed by way of supply or have been lost or destroyed, they may assess to the best of their judgment and notify to him the amount of VAT that would have been chargeable in respect of the supply of the goods if they had been supplied by him.
[F8(7A)Where a fiscal warehousekeeper has failed to pay VAT required by the Commissioners under section 18E(2), the Commissioners may assess to the best of their judgment the amount of that VAT due from him and notify it to him.
(7B)Where it appears to the Commissioners that goods have been removed from a warehouse or fiscal warehouse without payment of the VAT payable under section 18(4) or section 18D on that removal, they may assess to the best of their judgment the amount of VAT due from the person removing the goods or other person liable and notify it to him.]
(8)In any case where—
(a)as a result of a person’s failure to make a return for a prescribed accounting period, the Commissioners have made an assessment under subsection (1) above for that period,
(b)the VAT assessed has been paid but no proper return has been made for the period to which the assessment related, and
(c)as a result of a failure to make a return for a later prescribed accounting period, being a failure by a person referred to in paragraph (a) above or a person acting in a representative capacity in relation to him, as mentioned in subsection (5) above, the Commissioners find it necessary to make another assessment under subsection (1) above,
then, if the Commissioners think fit, having regard to the failure referred to in paragraph (a) above, they may specify in the assessment referred to in paragraph (c) above an amount of VAT greater than that which they would otherwise have considered to be appropriate.
(9)Where an amount has been assessed and notified to any person under subsection (1), (2), (3) [F9, (7), (7A) or (7B)] above it shall, subject to the provisions of this Act as to appeals, be deemed to be an amount of VAT due from him and may be recovered accordingly, unless, or except to the extent that, the assessment has subsequently been withdrawn or reduced.
(10)For the purposes of this section notification to a personal representative, trustee in bankruptcy, [F10trustee in sequestration], receiver, liquidator or person otherwise acting as aforesaid shall be treated as notification to the person in relation to whom he so acts.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 73(3)(b) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 28 para. 19 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 28 para. 8
F2Words in s. 73(3)(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 64(2) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F3Words in s. 73(3)(b) substituted (28.7.2000 with effect as mentioned in s. 136(10) of the amending Act) by 2000 c. 17, s. 136(4)
F4Words in s. 73(5) substituted (30.11.2016) by The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 12(2)
F5S. 73(6A) inserted (retrospective to 19.3.2008) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 120(1)(5)
F6Words in s. 73(7)(a) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 64(3)(a) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F7Words in s. 73(7)(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 64(3)(b) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F8S. 73(7A)(7B) inserted (1.6.1996 with application to any acquisition of goods from another member State and any supply taking place on or after that day) by 1996 c. 8, ss. 25, 26, Sch. 3 para. 10; S.I. 1996/1249, art. 2
F9Words in s. 73(9) substituted (1.6.1996 with application to any acquisition of goods from another member State and any supply taking place on or after that day) by 1996 c. 8, ss. 25, 26, Sch. 3 para. 11; S.I. 1996/1249, art. 2
F10Words in s. 73(10) substituted (30.11.2016) by The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 12(2)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 73 modified (20.10.1995) by S.I. 1995/2518, regs. 181, 194
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F11S. 74 omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(2)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F12S. 75 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 66 (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
(1)Where any person is liable—
[F15(a)to a surcharge under section 59 [F16or 59A] or]
(b)to a penalty under any of sections 60 [F17to 69C], or
F18(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F19(d)a penalty under regulations made under section 135 of the Finance Act 2002 (mandatory electronic filing of returns) in connection with VAT,]
the Commissioners may, subject to subsection (2) below, assess the amount due by way of [F20penalty, interest or surcharge] [F20penalty F21...], as the case may be, and notify it to him accordingly; and the fact that any conduct giving rise to a penalty under any of sections 60 [F22to [F2369B]] [F24or the regulations] may have ceased before an assessment is made under this section shall not affect the power of the Commissioners to make such an assessment.
(2)Where a person is liable to a penalty under section 69 for any failure to comply with such a requirement as is referred to in subsection (1)(c) to (f) of that section, no assessment shall be made under this section of the amount due from him by way of such penalty unless, within the period of 2 years preceding the assessment, the Commissioners have issued him with a written warning of the consequences of a continuing failure to comply with that requirement.
(3)F25In the case of the [F26penalties, interest and surcharge] [F26penalties ...] referred to in the following paragraphs, the assessment under this section shall be of an amount due in respect of the prescribed accounting period which in the paragraph concerned is referred to as “the relevant period”—
[F27(a)in the case of a surcharge under section 59 [F28or 59A], the relevant period is the prescribed accounting period in respect of which the taxable person is in default and in respect of which the surcharge arises;]
(b)in the case of a penalty under section 60 relating to the evasion of VAT, the relevant period is the prescribed accounting period for which the VAT evaded was due;
(c)in the case of a penalty under section 60 relating to the obtaining of the payment of a VAT credit, the relevant period is the prescribed accounting period in respect of which the payment was obtained;
(d)in the case of a penalty under section 63, the relevant period is the prescribed accounting period for which liability to VAT was understated or, as the case may be, for which entitlement to a VAT credit was overstated; F29...
F30(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F31(f)in the case of a penalty under regulations made under section 135 of the Finance Act 2002, the relevant period is the prescribed accounting period in respect of which the contravention of, or failure to comply with, the regulations occurred].
F32(3A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4)In any case where the amount of any [F33penalty, interest or surcharge] [F33penalty F34...] falls to be calculated by reference to VAT which was not paid at the time it should have been and that VAT (or the supply which gives rise to it) cannot be readily attributed to any one or more prescribed accounting periods, it shall be treated for the purposes of this Act as VAT due for such period or periods as the Commissioners may determine to the best of their judgment and notify to the person liable for the VAT and [F33penalty, interest or surcharge] [F33penalty F34...].
(5)Where a person is assessed under this section to an amount due by way of any [F35penalty, interest or surcharge] [F35penalty F36...] falling within subsection (3) F37... above and is also assessed under section 73(1), (2) [F38,(7), (7A) or (7B)] for the prescribed accounting period which is the relevant period under subsection (3) F37... above, the assessments may be combined and notified to him as one assessment, but the amount of the [F35penalty, interest or surcharge] [F35penalty F36...] shall be separately identified in the notice.
F39(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(7)In the case of an amount due by way of penalty under section 66 or 69 F40...—
(a)a notice of assessment under this section shall specify a date, being not later than the date of the notice, to which the aggregate amount of the penalty which is assessed F41... is calculated; and
(b)if the penalty F42... continues to accrue after that date, a further assessment or assessments may be made under this section in respect of amounts which so accrue.
(8)If, within such period as may be notified by the Commissioners to the person liable to a penalty under section 66 or 69 F43...—
(a)a failure or default falling within section 66(1) or 69(1) is remedied, F44...
F44(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
it shall be treated for the purposes of section 66 or 69 F45... as paid or remedied on the date specified as mentioned in subsection (7)(a) above.
(9)If an amount is assessed and notified to any person under this section, then unless, or except to the extent that, the assessment is withdrawn or reduced, that amount shall be recoverable as if it were VAT due from him.
(10)For the purposes of this section, notification to a personal representative, trustee in bankruptcy, [F46trustee in sequestration], receiver, liquidator or person otherwise acting in a representative capacity in relation to the person who made the acquisition in question shall be treated as notification to the person in relation to whom he so acts.
Textual Amendments
F13Words in s. 76 heading substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 20(2); S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F14Words in s. 76 heading omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(a)
F15S. 76(1)(a) omitted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by virtue of Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 20(3)(a); S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F16Words in s. 76(1)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 67(2) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F17Words in s. 76(1)(b) substituted (16.11.2017) by Finance (No. 2) Act 2017 (c. 32), s. 68(4)
F18S. 76(1)(c) and word omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(b)(i)
F19S. 76(1)(d) and word inserted (19.7.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 93(5)
F20Words in s. 76(1) substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 20(3)(b); S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F21Words in s. 76(1) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(b)(ii)
F22Words in s. 76(1) substituted (28.7.2000) by 2000 c. 17, s. 137(4)
F23Word in s. 76(1) substituted (19.7.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 21(3)
F24Words in s. 76(1) inserted (19.7.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 93(6)
F25Words in s. 76(3) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(c)(i)
F26Words in s. 76(3) substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 20(4)(a); S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F27S. 76(3)(a) omitted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by virtue of Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 20(4)(b); S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F28Words in s. 76(3)(a) substituted (29.4.1996 with effect as mentioned in s. 35(8) of the amending Act) by 1996 c. 8, s. 35(7)(8)
F29Word in s. 76(3)(d) repealed (19.7.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), Sch. 27 Pt. 5(4)
F30S. 76(3)(e) and word omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(c)(ii)
F31S. 76(3)(f) and word inserted (19.7.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 93(7)
F32S. 76(3A) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 67(3) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F33Words in s. 76(4) substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 20(5); S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F34Words in s. 76(4) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(d)
F35Words in s. 76(5) substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 20(6); S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F36Words in s. 76(5) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(e)
F37Words in s. 76(5) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 67(4) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F38Words in s. 76(5) inserted (1.6.1996 with application to any acquisition of goods from another member State and any supply taking place on or after that day) by 1996 c. 8, ss. 25, 26, Sch. 3 para. 11; S.I. 1996/1249, art. 2
F39S. 76(6) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 67(5) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F40Words in s. 76(7) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(f)(i)
F41Words in s. 76(7)(a) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(f)(ii)
F42Words in s. 76(7)(b) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(f)(iii)
F43Words in s. 76(8) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(g)(i)
F44S. 76(8)(b) and word omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(g)(ii)
F45Words in s. 76(8) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(3)(g)(iii)
F46Words in s. 76(10) substituted (30.11.2016) by The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1034), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 12(4)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C2S. 76 modified (31.12.2020) by The Value Added Tax (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1546), regs. 1, 18 (with reg. 15); S.I. 2020/1641, reg. 2, Sch.
C3S. 76(1)-(8) excluded (1.4.2004) by The Recovery of Duties and Taxes Etc. Due in Other Member States (Corresponding UK Claims, Procedure and Supplementary) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/674), reg. 1, Sch. 2 para. 3(1)
C4S. 76(9) applied (with modifications) (1.4.2004) by The Recovery of Duties and Taxes Etc. Due in Other Member States (Corresponding UK Claims, Procedure and Supplementary) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/674), reg. 1, Sch. 2 para. 3(2)
C5S. 76(9) restricted (1.4.2004) by The Recovery of Duties and Taxes Etc. Due in Other Member States (Corresponding UK Claims, Procedure and Supplementary) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/674), reg. 1, Sch. 2 para. 3(1)
C6S. 76(10) amended (retrospectively) by 1997 c. 16, s. 45(6)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F47S. 76A omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 68 (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, an assessment under section 73F48... or 76, shall not be made—
(a)more than [F494 years] after the end of the prescribed accounting period or importation F50... concerned, or
(b)in the case of an assessment under section 76 of an amount due by way of a penalty which is not among those referred to in subsection (3) of that section, [F514 years] after the event giving rise to the penalty.
[F52(2)Subject to subsection (5) below, an assessment under section 76 of an amount due by way of any [F53penalty, interest or surcharge] [F53penalty F54...] referred to in subsection (3) F55... of that section may be made at any time before the expiry of the period of 2 years beginning with the time when the amount of VAT due for the prescribed accounting period concerned has been finally determined.
(2A)Subject to subsection (5) below, an assessment under section 76 of a penalty under section 65 or 66 may be made at any time before the expiry of the period of 2 years beginning with the time when facts sufficient in the opinion of the Commissioners to indicate, as the case may be—
(a)that the statement in question contained a material inaccuracy, or
(b)that there had been a default within the meaning of section 66(1),
came to the Commissioners’ knowledge.]
(3)In relation to an assessment under section 76, any reference in subsection (1) or (2) above to the prescribed accounting period concerned is a reference to that period which, in the case of the [F56penalty, interest or surcharge] [F56penalty F57...] concerned, is the relevant period referred to in subsection (3) F58... of that section.
[F59(4)In any case falling within subsection (4A), an assessment of a person (“P”), or of an amount payable by P, may be made at any time not more than 20 years after the end of the prescribed accounting period or the importationF60... or event giving rise to the penalty, as appropriate (subject to subsection (5)).
(4A)Those cases are—
(a)a case involving a loss of VAT brought about deliberately by P (or by another person acting on P's behalf),
(b)a case in which P has participated in a transaction knowing that it was part of arrangements of any kind (whether or not legally enforceable) intended to bring about a loss of VAT,
(c)a case involving a loss of VAT attributable to a failure by P to comply with a notification obligation, and
(d)a case involving a loss of VAT attributable to a scheme in respect of which P has failed to comply with an obligation under paragraph 6 of Schedule 11A [F61or an obligation under paragraph 17(2) or 18(2) of Schedule 17 to FA 2017].
(4B)In subsection (4A) the references to a loss of tax brought about deliberately by P or another person include a loss that arises as a result of a deliberate inaccuracy in a document given to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs by that person.
(4C)In subsection (4A)(c) “notification obligation” means an obligation under—
(a)paragraph 5, 6, 7 or 14(2) or (3) of Schedule 1,
[F62(aa)paragraph 5, 6 or 13(3) of Schedule 1A, [F63or]]
F64(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F65(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(d)paragraph 3, 4 or 7(2) or (3) of Schedule 3A, F66...
F66(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]
(5)Where, after a person’s death, the Commissioners propose to assess a sum as due by reason of some conduct (howsoever described) of the deceased, including a sum due by way of [F67penalty, interest or surcharge] [F67penalty F68...]—
(a)the assessment shall not be made more than [F694 years] after the death; F70...
F70(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(6)If, otherwise than in circumstances falling within section 73(6)(b) F71..., it appears to the Commissioners that the amount which ought to have been assessed in an assessment under that section or under section 76 exceeds the amount which was so assessed, then—
(a)under the like provision as that assessment was made, and
(b)on or before the last day on which that assessment could have been made,
the Commissioners may make a supplementary assessment of the amount of the excess and shall notify the person concerned accordingly.
Textual Amendments
F48Word in s. 77(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 69(2)(a) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F49Words in s. 77(1)(a) substituted (1.4.2009) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 34(2); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(1) (with arts. 4, 9)
F50Words in s. 77(1)(a) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 69(2)(b) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F51Words in s. 77(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2009) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 34(2); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(1) (with arts. 4, 9)
F52S. 77(2)(2A) substituted (27.7.1999 with effect as mentioned in s. 18(2)) for s. 77(2) by 1999 c. 16, s. 18(1)(2)
F53Words in s. 77(2) substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 21; S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F54Words in s. 77(2) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(4)
F55Words in s. 77(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 69(3) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F56Words in s. 77(3) substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 21; S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F57Words in s. 77(3) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(4)
F58Words in s. 77(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 69(4) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F59S. 77(4)-(4C) substituted for s. 77(4) (1.4.2009) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 34(3); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(1) (with arts. 4, 9)
F60Word in s. 77(4) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 69(5) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F61Words in s. 77(4A)(d) inserted (16.11.2017 for specified purposes, 1.1. 2018 in so far as not already in force) by Finance (No. 2) Act 2017 (c. 32), s. 66(4), Sch. 17 para. 51
F62S. 77(4C)(aa) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 28 para. 19 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 28 para. 10
F63Word in s. 77(4C)(aa) inserted (31.12.2020) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 69(6)(a) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F64S. 77(4C)(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 69(6)(b) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F65S. 77(4C)(c) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 69(6)(b) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F66S. 77(4C)(e) and word omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 69(6)(b) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
F67Words in s. 77(5) substituted (1.1.2023 for specified purposes, 6.4.2024 for specified purposes) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 118(2), Sch. 27 para. 21; S.I. 2022/1278, reg. 2(3)(4)(a); S.I. 2024/440, reg. 2
F68Words in s. 77(5) omitted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3)(b) of the amending S.I.) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(3)(a), 3(4)
F69Words in s. 77(5)(a) substituted (1.4.2009) by Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 34(4)(a); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(1) (with arts. 4, 9)
F70S. 77(5)(b) and word omitted (1.4.2009) by virtue of Finance Act 2008 (c. 9), s. 118(2), Sch. 39 para. 34(4)(b); S.I. 2009/403, art. 2(1) (with arts. 4, 9)
F71Words in s. 77(6) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 69(7) (with Sch. 8 para. 99) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/105 (as amended by S.I. 2020/1495, regs. 1(2), 21), S.I. 2020/1545, Pt. 4 and 2020 c. 26, Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 4(b) (with reg. 7)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
Interest charged under section 101 of the Finance Act 2009 on an amount of VAT (or an amount enforceable as if it were VAT) may be enforced as if it were an amount of VAT due from the person liable for the amount on which the interest is charged.]
Textual Amendments
F72S. 77ZA inserted (1.1.2023) by The Finance Act 2009, Sections 101 and 102 (Value Added Tax) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Exceptions and Consequential Amendments) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1298), arts. 1(2), 3(5)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C9S. 77ZA applied (with modifications) (1.5.2023) by S.I. 2023/68, art. 16D (as inserted by The Value Added Tax (Margin Schemes and Removal or Export of Goods: VAT-related Payments) (Late Payment Interest and Repayment Interest) (Amendment) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/412), arts. 1, 2(2))