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Value Added Tax Act 1994

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Part IIIU.K. Application of Act in particular cases

[F140ANorthern Ireland ProtocolU.K.

(1)Schedule 9ZA—

(a)makes provision about a charge to VAT on acquisitions of goods in Northern Ireland from a member State, and

(b)contains modifications of the other provisions of this Act in connection with the movement of goods between Northern Ireland and member States.

(2)Schedule 9ZB—

(a)makes provision about VAT charged on goods imported into the United Kingdom as a result of their entry into Northern Ireland,

(b)makes provision about the treatment, for the purposes of VAT, of goods that are removed from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and goods that are removed from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, and

(c)contains other provision relevant to the application of this Act in Northern Ireland.

[F2(3)Schedule 9ZC makes provision, as a result of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in the EU withdrawal agreement, about the application of this Act in cases involving—

(a)supplies of goods by persons established outside the United Kingdom that are facilitated by online marketplaces, and

(b)the importation of goods of a low value.]

[F3(4)Schedule 9ZD—

(a)establishes a special accounting scheme (“the OSS scheme”) for use by persons making intra-Community distance sales of goods from Northern Ireland to member States, and

(b)makes provision about corresponding schemes in member States.

(5)Schedule 9ZE—

(a)establishes a special accounting scheme (“the IOSS scheme”) for use by persons supplying imported goods to Northern Ireland or into the European Union, and

(b)makes provision about corresponding schemes in member States.

(6)Schedule 9ZF makes provision modifying other provisions of this Act and other enactments in connection with the provision made in Schedules 9ZD and 9ZE.

(7)The Treasury may by regulations—

(a)amend Schedules 9ZD and 9ZE, and

(b)amend Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 9ZF,

(including by inserting provision modifying any provision of an Act whenever passed or made).

(8)The Commissioners may by regulations—

(a)amend Part 3 of Schedule 9ZF (including by inserting provision modifying any provision of an Act whenever passed or made), and

(b)make such further provision as they consider appropriate about the administration, collection or enforcement of value added tax due under Schedules 9ZD and 9ZE.

(9)Regulations under subsections (7) and (8) may—

(a)confer on a person specified in the regulations a discretion to do anything under, or for the purposes of, the regulations;

(b)make provision by reference to things specified in a notice published in accordance with the regulations;

(c)make consequential, transitional, transitory, saving, supplementary or incidental provision.]]

Textual Amendments

F1S. 40A inserted (17.12.2020 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Post-transition Period) Act 2020 (c. 26), ss. 3(1), 11(1)(e) (with Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 9

F2S. 40A(3) inserted (17.12.2020 for specified purposes, 31.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Taxation (Post-transition Period) Act 2020 (c. 26), s. 11(1)(e), Sch. 3 para. 26 (with Sch. 2 para. 7(7)-(9)); S.I. 2020/1642, reg. 9

F3S. 40A(4)-(9) inserted (10.6.2021 for specified purposes, 1.7.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Finance Act 2021 (c. 26), s. 95(6)(a), Sch. 18 para. 5; S.I. 2021/770, reg. 3

41 Application to the Crown.U.K.

(1)This Act shall apply in relation to taxable supplies by the Crown as it applies in relation to taxable supplies by taxable persons.

F4(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3)Where VAT is chargeable on the supply of goods or services to a Government department F5... or on the importation of any goods by a Government department F6... and the supply F7... or importation is not for the purpose—

(a)of any business carried on by the department, or

(b)of a supply by the department which, by virtue of [F8section 41A,] is treated as a supply in the course or furtherance of a business,

then, if and to the extent that the Treasury so direct and subject to subsection (4) below, the Commissioners shall, on a claim made by the department at such time and in such form and manner as the Commissioners may determine, refund to it the amount of the VAT so chargeable.

(4)The Commissioners may make the refunding of any amount due under subsection (3) above conditional upon compliance by the claimant with requirements with respect to the keeping, preservation and production of records relating to the supplyF9... or importation in question.

(5)For the purposes of this section goods or services obtained by one Government department from another Government department shall be treated, if and to the extent that the Treasury so direct, as supplied by that other department and similarly as regards goods or services obtained by or from the Crown Estate Commissioners.

(6)In this section “Government department” includes [F10the Scottish Administration] [F11, the [F12Welsh Assembly Government],] a Northern Ireland department, a Northern Ireland health and social services body, any body of persons exercising functions on behalf of a Minister of the Crown, including F13... any part of a Government department (as defined in the foregoing) designated for the purposes of this subsection by a direction of the Treasury.

(7)For the purposes of subsection (6) [F14each of the following is to be regarded as a body of persons exercising functions on behalf of a Minister of the Crown] [F15

(a)][F16a health service body as defined in section 60(7) of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990,

[F17(b)] a National Health Service trust established under Part I of that Act] or the M1National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 [F18,

(c)][F19an NHS foundation trust] [F20[F21,

(d)]a Primary Care Trust] [F22[F23,

(e)]a Local Health Board] [F24[F25,

(f)][F26an integrated care board,]

F27(g). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F28[F29(h)]NHS England] [F30,

(i)]the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence] [F31,

F32(j). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F33(k)] the Health Research Authority (also established by that Act),]

[F34(l)a strategic highways company appointed under section 1 of the Infrastructure Act 2015.]

(8)In subsection (6) “a Northern Ireland health and social services body” means—

(a)a health and social services body as defined in Article 7(6) of the M2Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991; and

(b)a Health and Social Services trust established under that Order.

Textual Amendments

F4S. 41(2) omitted (17.7.2012) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), s. 198(2)(a)

F5Words in s. 41(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 44(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)

F6Words in s. 41(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 44(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)

F7Word in s. 41(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 44(2)(c) (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)

F8Words in s. 41(3)(b) substituted (17.7.2012) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), s. 198(2)(b)

F9Word in s. 41(4) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 44(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)

F10Words in s. 41(6) inserted (6.5.1999) by 1998 c. 46, s. 125, Sch. 8 para. 30 (with s. 126(3)); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 2(2), Sch. 3

F11Words in s. 41(6) inserted (1.4.1999) by 1998 c. 38, s. 125, Sch. 12 para. 35 (with ss. 139(2), 143(2)); S.I. 1999/782, art. 2

F12Words in s. 41(6) substituted by Government of Wales Act 2006 (c. 32), ss. 160, 163, Sch. 10 para. 39 (with Sch. 11 para. 22), the amending provision coming into force immediately after "the 2007 election" (held on 3.5.2007) subject to s. 161(1)(4)(5) of the amending Act, which provides for certain provisions to come into force for specified purposes immediately after the end of "the initial period" (which ended with the day of the first appointment of a First Minister on 25.5.2007) - see ss. 46, 161(4)(5) of the amending Act.

F13Words in s. 41(6) omitted (8.2.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/90, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 29(a) (with art. 2(5))

F14Words in s. 41(7) inserted (1.4.2015) by Finance Act 2015 (c. 11), s. 67(1)(a)(2)

F15Word in s. 41(7) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 107(2)(a)

F16Words in s. 41(7) substituted (8.2.2000) by S.I. 2000/90, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 29(b) (with art. 2(5))

F17Word in s. 41(7) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 107(2)(b)

F18Word in s. 41(7) inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 107(2)(c)

F20Words in s. 41(7) inserted (1.4.2000 (E.W.) otherwise 11.5.2001) by 1999 c. 8, s. 65, Sch. 4 para. 86; S.I. 1999/2342, art. 2(4)(b)(iii); S.I. 2001/1985, art. 2(4)

F21Word in s. 41(7) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 107(2)(d)

F22Words in s. 41(7) inserted (10.10.2002 for W., 1.3.2007 in so far as not already in force, immediately before the National Health Service Act 2006 comes into force) by National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (c. 17), s. 42(3), Sch. 5 para. 40; S.I. 2002/2532, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 2006/1407, art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 12 (with art. 4)

F23Word in s. 41(7) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 107(2)(e)

F24Words in s. 41(7) inserted (retrospective to 1.4.2013) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), s. 191(1)(2)

F25Word in s. 41(7) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 107(2)(f)

F29Word in s. 41(7) inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 107(2)(h)

F30Word in s. 41(7) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 107(2)(i)

F31Words in s. 41(7) inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 107(1)

F33Word in s. 41(7) inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 107(2)(k)(l)

F34S. 41(7)(l) substituted for words (1.4.2015) by Finance Act 2015 (c. 11), s. 67(1)(c)(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1S. 41 modified (2.12.1999) by S.I. 1999/3145, art. 8; S.I. 1999/3208, art. 2

Marginal Citations

[F3541ASupply of goods or services by public bodiesU.K.

(1)This section applies where goods or services are supplied by a [F36public authority] in the course of activities or transactions in which it is engaged as a public authority.

[F37(2)Unless the supply is on such a small scale as to be negligible, it is to be treated for the purposes of this Act as a supply in the course or furtherance of a business if it is in respect of any of the following activities—

(a)telecommunications services,

(b)supply of water, gas, electricity or thermal energy,

(c)transport of goods,

(d)port or airport services,

(e)passenger transport,

(f)supply of new goods manufactured for sale,

(g)engaging in transactions in respect of agricultural products in the exercise of regulatory functions,

(h)organisation of trade fairs or exhibitions,

(i)warehousing,

(j)activities of commercial publicity bodies,

(k)activities of travel agents,

(l)running of staff shops, cooperatives, industrial canteens, or similar institutions, or

(m)activities carried out by radio and television bodies which are of a commercial nature.]

(3)If the supply is not in respect of such an activity, it is to be treated for the purposes of this Act as a supply in the course or furtherance of a business if (and only if) not charging VAT on the supply would lead to a significant distortion of competition.

F38(4)]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F35S. 41A inserted (17.7.2012) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), s. 198(3)

42 Local authorities.U.K.

A local authority which makes taxable supplies is liable to be registered under this Act, whatever the value of the supplies; and accordingly Schedule 1 shall apply, in a case where the value of the taxable supplies made by a local authority in any period of one year does not exceed the sum for the time being specified in paragraph 1(1)(a) of that Schedule, as if that value exceeded that sum.

43 Groups of companies.U.K.

(1)Where under [F39sections 43A to 43D] any [F40persons] are treated as members of a group, any business carried on by a member of the group shall be treated as carried on by the representative member, and—

(a)any supply of goods or services by a member of the group to another member of the group shall be disregarded; and

(b)any [F41supply which is a supply to which paragraph (a) above does not apply and is a supply] of goods or services by or to a member of the group shall be treated as a supply by or to the representative member; and

[F42(c)any VAT paid or payable by a member of the group on the importation of goods shall be treated as paid or payable by the representative member and the goods shall be treated, for the purposes of sections 38 and 73(7), as imported by the representative member;]

and all members of the group shall be liable jointly and severally for any VAT due from the representative member.

[F43(1AA)Where—

(a) it is material, for the purposes of any provision made by or under this Act (“the relevant provision”), whether the person by or to whom a supply is made, or the person by whom goods are F44... imported, is a person of a particular description,

(b)paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection (1) above applies to any supplyF45... or importation, and

(c)there is a difference that would be material for the purposes of the relevant provision between—

(i)the description applicable to the representative member, and

(ii)the description applicable to the [F46person who] (apart from this section) would be regarded for the purposes of this Act as making the supplyF47... or importation or, as the case may be, as being the person to whom the supply is made,

the relevant provision shall have effect in relation to that supplyF48... or importation as if the only description applicable to the representative member were the description in fact applicable to that [F49person].

(1AB)Subsection (1AA) above does not apply to the extent that what is material for the purposes of the relevant provision is whether a person is a taxable person.]

(1A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)An order under section 5(5) or (6) may make provision for securing that any goods or services which, if all the members of the group were one person, would fall to be treated under that section as supplied to and by that person, are treated as supplied to and by the representative member [F50and may provide for that purpose that the representative member is to be treated as a person of such description as may be determined under the order.].

[F51(2A) A supply made by a member of a group (“ the supplier ”) to another member of the group (“ the UK member ”) shall not be disregarded under subsection (1)(a) above if—

(a)it would (if there were no group) be a supply of services [F52to which section 7A(2)(a) applies made] to a person belonging in the United Kingdom;

(b)those services are not within any of the descriptions specified in Schedule 9;

(c)the supplier has been supplied (whether or not by a person belonging in the United Kingdom) with [F53any services F54... which do not fall within any of the descriptions specified in Schedule 9 [F55and section 7A(2)(a) applied to the supply];]

(d)the supplier belonged outside the United Kingdom when it was supplied with the services mentioned in paragraph (c) above; and

(e)the services so mentioned have been used by the supplier for making the supply to the UK member.

(2B)Subject to subsection (2C) below, where a supply is excluded by virtue of subsection (2A) above from the supplies that are disregarded in pursuance of subsection (1)(a) above, all the same consequences shall follow under this Act as if that supply—

(a)were a taxable supply in the United Kingdom by the representative member to itself, and

(b)without prejudice to that, were made by the representative member in the course or furtherance of its business.

(2C)[F56Except in so far as the Commissioners may by regulations otherwise provide,] a supply which is deemed by virtue of subsection (2B) above to be a supply by the representative member to itself—

(a)shall not be taken into account as a supply made by the representative member when determining any allowance of input tax under section 26(1) in the case of the representative member;

(b)shall be deemed for the purposes of paragraph 1 of Schedule 6 to be a supply in the case of which the person making the supply and the person supplied are connected within the meaning of [F57section 1122 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010] (connected persons); and

(c)subject to paragraph (b) above [F58and paragraph 8A of Schedule 6], shall be taken to be a supply the value and time of which are determined as if it were a supply of services which is treated by virtue of section 8 as made by the person by whom the services are received.

(2D)For the purposes of subsection (2A) above where—

(a) there has been a supply of the assets of a business of a person (“ the transferor ”) to a person to whom the whole or any part of that business was transferred as a going concern (“ the transferee ”),

(b)that supply is either—

(i)a supply falling to be treated, in accordance with an order under section 5(3), as being neither a supply of goods nor a supply of services, or

(ii)a supply that would have fallen to be so treated if it had taken place in the United Kingdom,

and

(c)the transferor was supplied with services F59... at a time before the transfer when the transferor belonged outside the United Kingdom [F60and section 7A(2)(a) applied to the supply],

those services, so far as they are used by the transferee for making any supply [F61to which section 7A(2)(a) applies,] shall be deemed to have been supplied to the transferee at a time when the transferee belonged outside the United Kingdom.

(2E)Where, in the case of a supply of assets falling within paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2D) above—

(a)the transferor himself acquired any of the assets in question by way of a previous supply of assets falling within those paragraphs, and

(b)[F62there is a supply to which section 7A(2)(a) applies of services which, if used by the transferor for making such a supply,] would be deemed by virtue of that subsection to have been supplied to the transferor at a time when he belonged outside the United Kingdom,

that subsection shall have effect, notwithstanding that the services have not been so used by the transferor, as if the transferor were a person to whom those services were supplied and as if he were a person belonging outside the United Kingdom at the time of their deemed supply to him; and this subsection shall apply accordingly through any number of successive supplies of assets falling within paragraphs (a) and (b) of that subsection.]

F63(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F64(5A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F65(9)Schedule 9A (which makes provision for ensuring that this section is not used for tax avoidance) shall have effect.]

Textual Amendments

F39Words in s. 43(1) substituted (22.7.2004) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 20(3)

F40Word in s. 43(1) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 5(2); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F41Words in s. 43(1)(b) substituted (1.5.1995 with effect as mentioned in s. 25(5) of the amending Act) by 1995 c. 4, s. 25(2)(5)

F43S. 43(1AA)(1AB) inserted (with effect in relation to any supply made after 26.11.1996 and in relation to any acquisition or importation taking place after that date) by 1997 c. 16, s. 40(1)(3)

F46Words in s. 43(1AA)(c)(ii) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 5(3)(a); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F49Word in s. 43(1AA) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 5(3)(b); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F50Words in s. 43(2) inserted (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 40(2)

F51S. 43(2A)-(2E) inserted (with effect in relation to supplies made on or after 26.11.1996) by 1997 c. 16, s. 41(1)(2)

F52Words in s. 43(2A)(a) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 36 para. 14(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 36 paras. 7(2)(a), 14(2) (with Sch. 36 paras. 14(2), 19)

F53Words in s. 43(2A) substituted (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 41(3)(4)

F54Words in s. 43(2A)(c) omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 36 para. 14(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 36 paras. 7(2)(b)(i), 14(2) (with Sch. 36 paras. 14(2), 19)

F55Words in s. 43(2A)(c) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 36 para. 14(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 36 paras. 7(2)(b)(ii), 14(2) (with Sch. 36 paras. 14(2), 19)

F56Words in s. 43(2C) inserted (19.3.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 41(3)(5)

F57Words in s. 43(2C)(b) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 1184(1) of the amending Act) by Corporation Tax Act 2010 (c. 4), s. 1184(1), Sch. 1 para. 285(a) (with Sch. 2)

F58Words in s. 43(2C)(c) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 200(8) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), s. 200(2)

F59Words in s. 43(2D)(c) omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 36 para. 14(3) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 36 paras. 7(3)(a)(i), 14(2) (with Sch. 36 paras. 14(2), 19)

F60Words in s. 43(2D)(c) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 36 para. 14(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 36 paras. 7(3)(a)(ii), 14(2) (with Sch. 36 paras. 14(2), 19)

F61Words in s. 43(2D) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 36 para. 14(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 36 paras. 7(3)(b), 14(2) (with Sch. 36 paras. 14(2), 19)

F62Words in s. 43(2E)(b) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 36 para. 14(3) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2009 (c. 10), Sch. 36 paras. 7(4), 14(2) (with Sch. 36 paras. 14(2), 19)

F63S 43(3)-(8) repealed (27.7.1999 with effect as mentioned in Sch. 2 para. 6 of the amending Act)) by 1999 c. 16, ss. 16, 139, Sch. 2 para. 1(3), Sch. 20 Pt. II(1)

F64S. 43(5A) inserted (1.5.1995 with effect as mentioned in s. 25(5) of the amending Act) by 1995 c. 4, s. 25(4)(5)

F65S. 43(9) inserted (29.4.1996) by 1996 c. 8, s. 31(1)

[43AF66Groups: eligibility.U.K.

(1)Two or more [F67UK bodies corporate] are eligible to be treated as members of a group if F68...—

(a)one of them controls each of the others,

(b)one person (whether a body corporate or an individual) controls all of them, or

(c)two or more individuals carrying on a business in partnership control all of them.

F69(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F70(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F71(4)An individual carrying on a business and one or more UK bodies corporate are eligible to be treated as members of a group if the individual—

(a)controls the UK body corporate or all of the UK bodies corporate, and

(b)is established, or has a fixed establishment, in the United Kingdom in relation to the business.

(5)Two or more relevant persons carrying on a business in partnership (“the partnership”) and one or more UK bodies corporate are eligible to be treated as members of a group if the partnership—

(a)controls the UK body corporate or all of the UK bodies corporate, and

(b)is established, or has a fixed establishment, in the United Kingdom in relation to the business.

(6)In this section—

(a)UK body corporate” means a body corporate which is established or has a fixed establishment in the United Kingdom;

(b)relevant person” means an individual, a body corporate or a Scottish partnership.

(7)Section 43AZA contains provision for determining for the purposes of this section whether a body corporate, individual or partnership controls a UK body corporate.]]

Textual Amendments

F66Ss. 43A-43C inserted (27.7.1999) by 1999 c. 16, s. 16, Sch. 2 para. 2

F67Words in s. 43A(1) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 1(2)(a); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F68Words in s. 43A(1) omitted (1.11.2019) by virtue of Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 1(2)(b); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F69S. 43A(2) omitted (1.11.2019) by virtue of Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 1(3); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F70S. 43A(3) omitted (1.11.2019) by virtue of Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 1(3); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3Ss. 43A-43D applied (with effect in accordance with Sch. 18 para. 63 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), Sch. 18 para. 45(3)

[F7243AZASection 43A: control testU.K.

(1)This section applies for the purposes of section 43A (and expressions used in this section have the same meaning as in that section).

(2)A body corporate (“X”) controls a UK body corporate if—

(a)X is empowered by statute to control the UK body corporate's activities, or

(b)X is the UK body corporate's holding company.

(3)An individual (“Y”) controls a UK body corporate if Y would, were Y a company, be the UK body corporate's holding company.

(4)Two or more relevant persons carrying on a business in partnership (“the partnership”) control a UK body corporate if the partnership would, were it a company, be the UK body corporate's holding company.

(5)In this section “holding company” has the meaning given by section 1159 of, and Schedule 6 to, the Companies Act 2006.]

Textual Amendments

[F7343AAPower to alter eligibility for groupingU.K.

(1)The Treasury may by order provide for [F74sections 43A and 43AZA] to have effect with specified modifications in relation to a specified class of person.

(2)An order under subsection (1) may, in particular—

(a)make provision by reference to generally accepted accounting practice;

(b)define generally accepted accounting practice for that purpose by reference to a specified document or instrument (and may provide for the reference to be read as including a reference to any later document or instrument that amends or replaces the first);

(c)adopt any statutory or other definition of generally accepted accounting practice (with or without modification);

(d)make provision by reference to what would be required or permitted by generally accepted accounting practice if accounts, or accounts of a specified kind, were prepared for a person.

(3)An order under subsection (1) may also, in particular, make provision by reference to—

(a)the nature of a person;

(b)past or intended future activities of a person;

(c)the relationship between a number of persons;

(d)the effect of including a person within a group or of excluding a person from a group.

(4)An order under subsection (1) may—

(a)make provision which applies generally or only in specified circumstances;

(b)make different provision for different circumstances;

(c)include supplementary, incidental, consequential or transitional provision.]

Textual Amendments

F73S. 43AA inserted (22.7.2004) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 20(1)

F74Words in s. 43AA(1) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 6; S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3Ss. 43A-43D applied (with effect in accordance with Sch. 18 para. 63 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), Sch. 18 para. 45(3)

[F7543B Groups: applications.U.K.

(1)This section applies where an application is made to the Commissioners for two or more [F76persons, who] are eligible [F77by virtue of section 43A], to be treated as members of a group.

(2)This section also applies where two or more [F78persons] are treated as members of a group and an application is made to the Commissioners—

(a)for another [F79person, who] is eligible [F80by virtue of section 43A] to be treated as a member of the group, to be treated as a member of the group,

(b)for a [F81person] to cease to be treated as a member of the group,

(c)for a member to be substituted as the group’s representative member, or

(d)for the [F82persons] no longer to be treated as members of a group.

(3)An application with respect to any [F83persons]

(a)must be made by one of them or by the person controlling them, and

(b)in the case of an application for the [F84persons] to be treated as a group, must appoint one of them as the representative member.

(4)Where this section applies in relation to an application it shall, subject to subsection (6) below, be taken to be granted with effect from—

(a)the day on which the application is received by the Commissioners, or

(b)such earlier or later time as the Commissioners may allow.

(5)The Commissioners may refuse an application, within the period of 90 days starting with the day on which it was received by them, if it appears to them—

(a)in the case of an application such as is mentioned in subsection (1) above, that the [F85persons] are not eligible [F86by virtue of section 43A] to be treated as members of a group,

(b)in the case of an application such as is mentioned in subsection (2)(a) above, that the [F87person] is not eligible [F88by virtue of section 43A] to be treated as a member of the group, or

(c)in any case, that refusal of the application is necessary for the protection of the revenue.

(6)If the Commissioners refuse an application it shall be taken never to have been granted.]

Textual Amendments

F75Ss. 43A-43C inserted (27.7.1999) by 1999 c. 16, s. 16, Sch. 2 para. 2

F76Words in s. 43B(1) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 7(2); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F77Words in s. 43B(1) substituted (22.7.2004) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 20(4)

F78Word in s. 43B(2) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 7(3)(a); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F79Words in s. 43B(2)(a) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 7(3)(b); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F80Words in s. 43B(2)(a) substituted (22.7.2004) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 20(4)

F81Word in s. 43B(2)(b) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 7(3)(c); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F82Word in s. 43B(2)(d) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 7(3)(d); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F83Word in s. 43B(3) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 7(4)(a); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F84Word in s. 43B(3)(b) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 7(4)(b); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F85Word in s. 43B(5)(a) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 7(5)(a); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F86Words in s. 43B(5)(a) substituted (22.7.2004) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 20(4)

F87Word in s. 43B(5)(b) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 7(5)(b); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F88Words in s. 43B(5)(b) substituted (22.7.2004) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 20(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3Ss. 43A-43D applied (with effect in accordance with Sch. 18 para. 63 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), Sch. 18 para. 45(3)

[F8943C Groups: termination of membership.U.K.

(1)The Commissioners may, by notice given to a [F90person], terminate its treatment as a member of a group from a date—

(a)which is specified in the notice, and

(b)which is, or falls after, the date on which the notice is given.

(2)The Commissioners may give a notice under subsection (1) above only if it appears to them to be necessary for the protection of the revenue.

(3)Where—

(a)a [F91person] is treated as a member of a group, and

(b)it appears to the Commissioners that the [F92person] is not, or is no longer, eligible [F93by virtue of section 43A] to be treated as a member of the group,

the Commissioners shall, by notice given to the [F94person], terminate its treatment as a member of the group from a date specified in the notice.

(4)The date specified in a notice under subsection (3) above may be earlier than the date on which the notice is given but shall not be earlier than—

(a)the first date on which, in the opinion of the Commissioners, the [F95person] was not eligible to be treated as a member of the group, or

(b)the date on which, in the opinion of the Commissioners, the [F96person] ceased to be eligible to be treated as a member of the group.]

Textual Amendments

F89Ss. 43A-43C inserted (27.7.1999) by 1999 c. 16, s. 16, Sch. 2 para. 2

F90Word in s. 43C(1) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 8(2); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F91Word in s. 43C(3)(a) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 8(3); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F92Word in s. 43C(3)(b) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 8(3); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F93Words in s. 43C(3)(b) substituted (22.7.2004) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 20(4)

F94Word in s. 43C(3) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 8(3); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F95Word in s. 43C(4)(a) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 8(4); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F96Word in s. 43C(4)(b) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 8(4); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3Ss. 43A-43D applied (with effect in accordance with Sch. 18 para. 63 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), Sch. 18 para. 45(3)

[F9743DGroups: duplicationU.K.

(1)A [F98person] may not be treated as a member of more than one group at a time.

(2)A [F99person who] is a member of one group is not eligible by virtue of section 43A to be treated as a member of another group.

(3)If—

(a)an application under section 43B(1) would have effect from a time in accordance with section 43B(4), but

(b)at that time one or more of the [F100persons] specified in the application is a member of a group (other than that to which the application relates),

the application shall have effect from that time, but with the exclusion of the [F101person or persons] mentioned in paragraph (b).

(4)If—

(a)an application under section 43B(2)(a) would have effect from a time in accordance with section 43B(4), but

(b)at that time the [F102person] specified in the application is a member of a group (other than that to which the application relates),

the application shall have no effect.

(5)Where a [F103person] is a subject of two or more applications under section 43B(1) or (2)(a) that have not been granted or refused, the applications shall have no effect.]

Textual Amendments

F97S. 43D inserted (22.7.2004) by Finance Act 2004 (c. 12), s. 20(2)

F98Word in s. 43D(1) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 9(2); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F99Words in s. 43D(2) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 9(3); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F100Word in s. 43D(3)(b) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 9(4)(a); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F101Word in s. 43D(3) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 9(4)(b); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F102Word in s. 43D(4)(b) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 9(5); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F103Word in s. 43D(5) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 9(6); S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3Ss. 43A-43D applied (with effect in accordance with Sch. 18 para. 63 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), Sch. 18 para. 45(3)

44 Supplies to groups.U.K.

(1)Subject to subsections (2) to (4) below, subsection (5) below applies where—

(a)a business, or part of a business, carried on by a taxable person is transferred as a going concern to a [F104person] treated as a member of a group under section 43;

(b)on the transfer of the business or part, chargeable assets of the business are transferred to the [F105person]; and

(c)the transfer of the assets is treated by virtue of section 5(3)(c) as neither a supply of goods nor a supply of services.

(2)Subsection (5) below shall not apply if the representative member of the group is entitled to credit for the whole of the input tax on supplies to it and F106... importations by it—

(a)during the prescribed accounting period in which the assets are transferred, and

(b)during any longer period to which regulations under section 26(3)(b) relate and in which the assets are transferred.

(3)Subsection (5) below shall not apply if the Commissioners are satisfied that the assets were assets of the taxable person transferring them more than 3 years before the day on which they are transferred.

(4)Subsection (5) below shall not apply to the extent that the chargeable assets consist of capital items in respect of which regulations made under section 26(3) and (4), and in force when the assets are transferred, provide for adjustment to the deduction of input tax.

(5)The chargeable assets shall be treated for the purposes of this Act as being, on the day on which they are transferred, both supplied to the representative member of the group for the purpose of its business and supplied by that member in the course or furtherance of its business.

(6)A supply treated under subsection (5) above as made by a representative member shall not be taken into account as a supply made by him when determining the allowance of input tax in his case under section 26.

(7)The value of a supply treated under subsection (5) above as made to or by a representative member shall be taken to be the open market value of the chargeable assets.

(8)For the purposes of this section, the open market value of any chargeable assets shall be taken to be the price that would be paid on a sale (on which no VAT is payable) between a buyer and a seller who are not in such a relationship as to affect the price.

(9)The Commissioners may reduce the VAT chargeable by virtue of subsection (5) above in a case where they are satisfied that the person by whom the chargeable assets are transferred has not received credit for the full amount of input tax arising on the supply to or F107... importation by him of the chargeable assets.

(10)For the purposes of this section, assets are chargeable assets if their supply in the United Kingdom by a taxable person in the course or furtherance of his business would be a taxable supply (and not a zero-rated supply).

Textual Amendments

F104Word in s. 44(1)(a) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 10; S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F105Word in s. 44(1)(b) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 10; S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

F106Words in s. 44(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 47(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)

F107Words in s. 44(9) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 47(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)

45 Partnerships.U.K.

(1)The registration under this Act of persons—

(a)carrying on a business in partnership, F108...

F108(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

may be in the name of the firm; and no account shall be taken, in determining for any purpose of this Act whether goods or services are supplied to or by such persons F109..., of any change in the partnership.

(2)Without prejudice to section 36 of the M3Partnership Act 1890 (rights of persons dealing with firm against apparent members of firm), until the date on which a change in the partnership is notified to the Commissioners a person who has ceased to be a member of a partnership shall be regarded as continuing to be a partner for the purposes of this Act and, in particular, for the purpose of any liability for VAT on the supply of goods or services by the partnership F110....

(3)Where a person ceases to be a member of a partnership during a prescribed accounting period (or is treated as so doing by virtue of subsection (2) above) any notice, whether of assessment or otherwise, which is served on the partnership and relates to, or to any matter arising in, that period or any earlier period during the whole or part of which he was a member of the partnership shall be treated as served also on him.

(4)Without prejudice to section 16 of the M4Partnership Act 1890 (notice to acting partner to be notice to the firm) any notice, whether of assessment or otherwise, which is addressed to a partnership by the name in which it is registered by virtue of subsection (1) above and is served in accordance with this Act shall be treated for the purposes of this Act as served on the partnership and, accordingly, where subsection (3) above applies, as served also on the former partner.

(5)Subsections (1) and (3) above shall not affect the extent to which, under section 9 of the M5Partnership Act 1890, a partner is liable for VAT owed by the firm; but where a person is a partner in a firm during part only of a prescribed accounting period, his liability for VAT on the supply by the firm of goods or services during that accounting period F111... shall be such proportion of the firm’s liability as may be just.

Textual Amendments

F109Words in s. 45(1) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 48(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)

F110Words in s. 45(2) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 48(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)

F111Words in s. 45(5) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 48(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)

Marginal Citations

46 Business carried on in divisions or by unincorporated bodies, personal representatives etc.U.K.

(1)The registration under this Act of a body corporate carrying on a business in several divisions may, if the body corporate so requests and the Commissioners see fit, be in the names of those divisions.

(2)The Commissioners may by regulations make provision for determining by what persons anything required by or under this Act to be done by a person carrying on a business is to be done where a business is carried on in partnership or by a club, association or organisation the affairs of which are managed by its members or a committee or committees of its members.

(3)The registration under this Act of any such club, association or organisation may be in the name of the club, association or organisation; and in determining whether goods or services are supplied to or by such a club, association or organisation F112..., no account shall be taken of any change in its members.

(4)The Commissioners may by regulations make provision for persons who carry on a business of a taxable person who has died or become bankrupt or has had his estate sequestrated or has become incapacitated to be treated for a limited time as taxable persons, and for securing continuity in the application of this Act in cases where persons are so treated.

(5)In relation to a company which is a taxable person, the reference in subsection (4) above to the taxable person having become bankrupt or having had his estate sequestrated or having become incapacitated shall be construed as a reference to its being in liquidation or receivership or [F113administration].

F114(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F112Words in s. 46(3) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 49(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)

47 Agents etc.U.K.

[F115(1)Where goods are imported by a taxable person (“T”) who supplies them as agent for a person who is not a taxable person, then, if T acts in relation to the supply in T's own name, the goods are to be treated for the purposes of this Act as imported and supplied by T as principal.]

(2)For the purposes of subsection (1) above a person who is not resident in the United Kingdom and whose place or principal place of business is outside the United Kingdom may be treated as not being a taxable person if as a result he will not be required to be registered under this Act.

[F116(2A)Where, in the case of any supply of goods to which subsection (1) above does not apply, goods are supplied through an agent who acts in his own name, the supply shall be treated both as a supply to the agent and as a supply by the agent.]

(3)Where F117. . . services[F118, other than electronically supplied services and telecommunication services,] are supplied through an agent who acts in his own name the Commissioners may, if they think fit, treat the supply both as a supply to the agent and as a supply by the agent.

[F119(4)Where electronically supplied services or telecommunication services are supplied through an agent, [F120acting in the agent's own name,] the supply is to be treated both as a supply to the agent and as a supply by the agent.

F121(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)In this section “electronically supplied services” and “telecommunication services” have the same meaning as in Schedule 4A (see paragraph 9(3) and (4) and [F122paragraph 9E(2)] of that Schedule).]

Textual Amendments

F116S. 47(2A) inserted (1.5.1995 with effect as mentioned in s. 23(4)(b) of the amending Act) by 1995 c. 4, s. 23(2)

F117Words in s. 47(3) repealed (1.5.1995 with effect as mentioned in s. 23(4)(b) of the amending Act) by 1995 c. 4, ss. 23(3), 162, Sch. 29 Pt. VI(2) Note

F118Words in s. 47(3) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 106(4) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 106(2)

F119S. 47(4)-(6) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 106(4) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), s. 106(3)

F122Words in s. 47(6) substituted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Value Added Tax (Place of Supply of Services) (Telecommunication Services) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/778), arts. 1(1), 5

48 VAT representatives [F123and security].U.K.

(1)[F124Subsection (1ZA) applies where] any person—

(a)is a taxable person for the purposes of this Act or, without being a taxable person, is a person who makes taxable supplies F125...;

F126[(b)is not established, and does not have any fixed establishment, in the United Kingdom;

(ba)is established in a country or territory in respect of which it appears to the Commissioners that the condition specified in subsection (1A) below is satisfied; and]

(c)in the case of an individual, does not have his usual place of residence [F127or permanent address] in the United Kingdom,

F128...

[F129(1ZA)The Commissioners may direct the person to secure that there is a UK-established person who is—

(a)appointed to act on the person's behalf in relation to VAT, and

(b)registered against the name of the person in accordance with any regulations under subsection (4).]

[F130(1A)The condition mentioned in subsection (1)(ba) is that there are no arrangements in relation to the country or territory relating to VAT which—

(a)have effect by virtue of an Order in Council under section 173 of the Finance Act 2006, and

(b)contain provision of a kind mentioned in subsection (2)(a) and (b) of that section.]

F130(1B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F131[(2)With the agreement of the Commissioners, a person—

(a)who has not been [F132given a direction under subsection (1ZA)] , and

(b)in relation to whom the conditions specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of [F133subsection (1)] are satisfied,

may appoint [F134a UK-established] person to act on his behalf in relation to VAT.

(2A)In this Act “VAT representative” means a person appointed under subsection [F135(1ZA)] or (2) above.]

(3)Where any person is appointed by virtue of this section to be the VAT representative of another (“his principal”), then, subject to subsections (4) to (6) below, the VAT representative—

(a)shall be entitled to act on his principal’s behalf for any of the purposes of this Act, of any other enactment (whenever passed) relating to VAT or of any subordinate legislation made under this Act or any such enactment;

(b)shall, subject to such provisions as may be made by the Commissioners by regulations, secure (where appropriate by acting on his principal’s behalf) his principal’s compliance with and discharge of the obligations and liabilities to which his principal is subject by virtue of this Act, any such other enactment or any such subordinate legislation; and

(c)shall be personally liable in respect of—

(i)any failure to secure his principal’s compliance with or discharge of any such obligation or liability; and

(ii)anything done for purposes connected with acting on his principal’s behalf,

as if the obligations and liabilities imposed on his principal were imposed jointly and severally on the VAT representative and his principal.

(4)A VAT representative shall not be liable by virtue of subsection (3) above himself to be registered under this Act, but regulations made by the Commissioners may—

(a)require the registration of the names of VAT representatives against the names of their principals in any register kept for the purposes of this Act; F136...

(b)make it the duty of a VAT representative, for the purposes of registration, to notify the Commissioners, within such period as may be prescribed, that his appointment has taken effect or has ceased to have effect.

[F137(c)give the Commissioners power to refuse to register a person as a VAT representative, or to cancel a person's registration as a VAT representative, in such circumstances as may be specified in the regulations.]

[F138(4A)Regulations under subsection (4) may require a notification under that subsection to be made in such form and manner, and to contain such particulars, as may be specified in the regulations or by the Commissioners in accordance with the regulations.]

(5)A VAT representative shall not by virtue of subsection (3) above be guilty of any offence except in so far as—

(a)the VAT representative has consented to, or connived in, the commission of the offence by his principal;

(b)the commission of the offence by his principal is attributable to any neglect on the part of the VAT representative; or

(c)the offence consists in a contravention by the VAT representative of an obligation which, by virtue of that subsection, is imposed both on the VAT representative and on his principal.

(6)The Commissioners may by regulations make provision as to the manner and circumstances in which a person is to be appointed, or is to be treated as having ceased to be, another’s VAT representative; and regulations under this subsection may include such provision as the Commissioners think fit for the purposes of subsection (4) above with respect to the making or deletion of entries in any register.

(7)[F139The Commissioners may require a person in relation to whom the conditions specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of subsection (1) are satisfied] to provide such security, or further security, as they may think appropriate for the payment of any VAT which is or may become due from him.

[F140(7A)A sum required by way of security under subsection (7) above shall be deemed for the purposes of—

(a)section 51 of the Finance Act 1997 (enforcement [F141by taking control of goods or, in Northern Ireland,] by distress) and any regulations under that section, and

(b)section 52 of that Act (enforcement by diligence),

to be recoverable as if it were VAT due from the person who is required to provide it.]

[F142(7B)A direction under subsection (1ZA)—

(a)may specify a time by which it (or any part of it) must be complied with;

(b)may be varied;

(c)continues to have effect (subject to any variation) until it is withdrawn or the conditions specified in subsection (1) are no longer satisfied.

(7C)A requirement under subsection (7)—

(a)may specify a time by which it (or any part of it) must be complied with;

(b)may be varied;

(c)continues to have effect (subject to any variation) until it is withdrawn.]

(8)For the purposes of this Act a person shall not be treated as having been directed to appoint a VAT representative, or as having been required to provide security under subsection (7) above, unless the Commissioners have either—

(a)served notice of the direction or requirement on him; or

(b)taken all such other steps as appear to them to be reasonable for bringing the direction or requirement to his attention.

[F143(8A)For the purposes of subsections (1ZA) and (2)—

(a)a person is UK-established if the person is established, or has a fixed establishment, in the United Kingdom, and

(b)an individual is also UK-established if the person's usual place of residence or permanent address is in the United Kingdom.]

F144(9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F123Words in s. 48 heading inserted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(2)

F124Words in s. 48(1) substituted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(3)(a)

F125Words in s. 48(1)(a) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 51(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)

F126S. 48(1)(b)(ba) substituted for s. 48(1)(b) (31.12.2001) by 2001 c. 9, s. 100(1)(4)

F127Words in s. 48(1)(c) inserted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(3)(b)

F128Words in s. 48(1) omitted (15.9.2016) by virtue of Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(3)(c)

F129S. 48(1ZA) inserted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(4)

F131S. 48(2)(2A) substituted for s. 48(2) (31.12.2001) by 2001 c. 9, s. 100(3)(4)

F132Words in s. 48(2)(a) substituted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(6)(a)

F133Words in s. 48(2)(b) substituted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(6)(b)

F134Words in s. 48(2) substituted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(6)(c)

F135Word in s. 48(2A) substituted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(7)

F136Word in s. 48(4)(a) omitted (15.9.2016) by virtue of Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(8)(a)

F137S. 48(4)(c) inserted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(8)(b)

F138S. 48(4A) inserted (17.7.2012) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 29 para. 6(3)

F139Words in s. 48(7) substituted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(9)

F140S. 48(7A) inserted (1.7.1997) by 1997 c. 16, s. 53(6); S.I. 1997/1432, art. 2

F142S. 48(7B)(7C) inserted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(10)

F143S. 48(8A) inserted (15.9.2016) by Finance Act 2016 (c. 24), s. 123(11)

49 Transfers of going concerns.U.K.

(1)Where a business [F145, or part of a business,] carried on by a taxable person is transferred to another person as a going concern, then—

(a)for the purpose of determining whether the transferee is liable to be registered under this Act he shall be treated as having carried on the business [F146or part of the business] before as well as after the transfer and supplies by the transferor shall be treated accordingly; F147...

F147(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)Without prejudice to subsection (1) above, the Commissioners may by regulations make provision for securing continuity in the application of this Act in cases where a business [F148, or part of a business,] carried on by a taxable person is transferred to another person as a going concern and the transferee is registered under this Act in substitution for the transferor.

[F149(2A)Regulations under subsection (2) above may, in particular, provide for the duties under this Act of the transferor to preserve records relating to the business or part of the business for any period after the transfer to become duties of the transferee unless the Commissioners, at the request of the transferor, otherwise direct.]

(3)Regulations under subsection (2) above may, in particular, provide—

(a)for liabilities and duties under this Act (excluding sections 59 to 70) of the transferor [F150(other than the duties mentioned in subsection (2A) above)] to become, to such extent as may be provided by the regulations, liabilities and duties of the transferee; and

(b)for any right of either of them to repayment or credit in respect of VAT to be satisfied by making a repayment or allowing a credit to the other;

but no such provision as is mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection shall have effect in relation to any transferor and transferee unless an application in that behalf has been made by them under the regulations.

[F151(4)Subsection (5) below applies where—

(a)a business, or part of a business, carried on by a taxable person is transferred to another person as a going concern, and

(b)the transferor continues to be required under this Act to preserve for any period after the transfer any records relating to the business or part of the business.

(5)So far as is necessary for the purpose of complying with the transferee's duties under this Act, the transferee (“E”) may require the transferor—

(a)to give to E, within such time and in such form as E may reasonably require, such information contained in the records as E may reasonably specify,

(b)to give to E, within such time and in such form as E may reasonably require, such copies of documents forming part of the records as E may reasonably specify, and

(c)to make the records available for E's inspection at such time and place as E may reasonably require (and permit E to take copies of, or make extracts from, them).

(6)Where a business, or part of a business, carried on by a taxable person is transferred to another person as a going concern, the Commissioners may disclose to the transferee any information relating to the business when it was carried on by the transferor for the purpose of enabling the transferee to comply with the transferee's duties under this Act.]

Textual Amendments

F145Words in s. 49(1) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 100(10) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 100(2)(a)

F146Words in s. 49(1)(a) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 100(10) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 100(2)(b)

F147 S. 49(1)(b) and word omitted (with effect in accordance with s. 100(10) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 100(2)(c), Sch. 27 Pt. 6(2)

F148Words in s. 49(2) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 100(10) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 100(3)

F149S. 49(2A) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 100(10) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 100(4)

F150Words in s. 49(3)(a) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 100(10) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 100(5)

F151S. 49(4)-(6) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 100(10) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), s. 100(6)

50 Terminal markets.U.K.

(1)The Treasury may by order make provision for modifying the provisions of this Act in their application to dealings on terminal markets and such persons ordinarily engaged in such dealings as may be specified in the order, subject to such conditions as may be so specified.

(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, an order under this section may include provision—

(a)for zero-rating the supply of any goods or services or for treating the supply of any goods or services as exempt;

(b)for the registration under this Act of any body of persons representing persons ordinarily engaged in dealing on a terminal market and for disregarding such dealings by persons so represented in determining liability to be registered under this Act, and for disregarding such dealings between persons so represented for all the purposes of this Act;

(c)for refunding, to such persons as may be specified by or under the order, input tax attributable to such dealings on a terminal market as may be so specified,

and may contain such incidental and supplementary provisions as appear to the Treasury to be necessary or expedient.

(3)An order under this section may make different provision with respect to different terminal markets and with respect to different commodities.

[F15250A Margin schemes.U.K.

(1)The Treasury may by order provide, in relation to any such description of supplies to which this section applies as may be specified in the order, for a taxable person to be entitled to opt that, where he makes supplies of that description, VAT is to be charged by reference to the profit margin on the supplies, instead of by reference to their value.

(2)This section applies to the following supplies, that is to say—

(a)supplies of works of art, antiques or collectors’ items;

(b)supplies of motor vehicles;

(c)supplies of second-hand goods; and

(d)any supply of goods through a person who acts as an agent, but in his own name, in relation to the supply.

(3)An option for the purposes of an order under this section shall be exercisable, and may be withdrawn, in such manner as may be required by such an order.

(4)Subject to subsection (7) below, the profit margin on a supply to which this section applies shall be taken, for the purposes of an order under this section, to be equal to the amount (if any) by which the price at which the person making the supply obtained the goods in question is exceeded by the price at which he supplies them.

(5)For the purposes of this section the price at which a person has obtained any goods and the price at which he supplies them shall each be calculated in accordance with the provisions contained in an order under this section; and such an order may, in particular, make provision stipulating the extent to which any VAT charged on a supplyF153... or importation of any goods is to be treated as included in the price at which those goods have been obtained or are supplied.

(6)An order under this section may provide that the consideration for any services supplied in connection with a supply of goods by a person who acts as an agent, but in his own name, in relation to the supply of the goods is to be treated for the purposes of any such order as an amount to be taken into account in computing the profit margin on the supply of the goods, instead of being separately chargeable to VAT as comprised in the value of the services supplied.

(7)An order under this section may provide for the total profit margin on all the goods of a particular description supplied by a person in any prescribed accounting period to be calculated by—

(a)aggregating all the prices at which that person obtained goods of that description in that period together with any amount carried forward to that period in pursuance of paragraph (d) below;

(b)aggregating all the prices at which he supplies goods of that description in that period;

(c)treating the total profit margin on goods supplied in that period as being equal to the amount (if any) by which, for that period, the aggregate calculated in pursuance of paragraph (a) above is exceeded by the aggregate calculated in pursuance of paragraph (b) above; and

(d)treating any amount by which, for that period, the aggregate calculated in pursuance of paragraph (b) above is exceeded by the aggregate calculated in pursuance of paragraph (a) above as an amount to be carried forward to the following prescribed accounting period so as to be included, for the period to which it is carried forward, in any aggregate falling to be calculated in pursuance of paragraph (a) above.

(8)An order under this section may—

(a)make different provision for different cases; and

(b)make provisions of the order subject to such general or special directions as may, in accordance with the order, be given by the Commissioners with respect to any matter to which the order relates.]

Textual Amendments

F152S. 50A inserted (1.5.1995) by 1995 c. 4, s. 24(1)

F153Word in s. 50A(5) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 52 (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)

[F15450BMargin schemes and export or removal of goodsU.K.

(1)The Treasury may by order provide that, on making a claim, a person is entitled to a VAT-related payment in respect of relevant supplies or of a description of relevant supply specified in the order.

(2)Relevant supply”, in relation to a person making a claim, means a supply of goods to the person where—

(a)the person took possession of the goods in Great Britain or the Isle of Man in the course of carrying on a business,

(b)the goods were then removed to Northern Ireland or exported,

(c)at the time of the removal or export (“the relevant time”), the person intended to resell the goods outside Great Britain and the Isle of Man in the course of carrying on the business, and

(d)if the circumstances of, and following, the supply to the person had been altered as described in subsection (3), the person would have been entitled to exercise an option under an order made under section 50A in respect of the resale of the goods.

(3)The alterations mentioned in subsection (2)(d) are—

(a)that (if it was not in fact so) the person was a taxable person,

(b)that the goods were not removed to Northern Ireland or exported (and VAT was charged on the supply of the goods to the person on that basis), and

(c)that the person resold the goods in Great Britain at the relevant time in the course of carrying on the business.

(4)“VAT-related payment”, in respect of a supply of goods, means a payment of an amount equal to so much of the consideration for the supply as would have constituted VAT if—

(a)the supply had taken place at the relevant time, and

(b)VAT had been chargeable on the value of the supply,

subject to any provision made in reliance on subsection (5).

(5)An order under this section may make provision for the amount of a VAT-related payment to be less than the amount described in subsection (4).

(6)An order under this section may, among other things—

(a)make entitlement to a VAT-related payment subject to conditions;

(b)make provision about the making of claims under the order;

(c)make provision for claims to be treated as if they were returns under this Act in respect of a particular period;

(d)make provision about the calculation of VAT-related payments, including provision about the calculation of the consideration for, or value of, a supply;

(e)make provision about how VAT-related payments are to be paid;

(f)make provision for VAT-related payments to be treated as if they were repayments of input tax;

(g)make provision requiring claims and payments to be made through agents in the United Kingdom;

(h)make provision for agents dealing with claims and payments under the order to be treated under this Act as if they were taxable persons;

(i)make provision for and in connection with the payment of interest to or by the Commissioners, including provision about interest wrongly paid.

(7)An order under this section may, among other things—

(a)confer power on the Commissioners to make provision in a direction or notice;

(b)make provision, or enable the Commissioners to make provision, generally or for particular purposes;

(c)make provision applying a provision of or made under this Act or another enactment, with or without modifications, including provision relating to penalties and offences;

(d)make different provision for different purposes, including different provision in relation to persons carrying on business in different places or in relation to the removal or export of goods to different places;

(e)make consequential, incidental, supplementary, transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(8)The provision that may be made under subsection (7)(e) includes provision amending an enactment or subordinate legislation.

(9)References in this section to carrying on a business are to doing so in the United Kingdom or elsewhere.]

51 Buildings and land.U.K.

(1)Schedule 10 shall have effect with respect to buildings and land.

(2)The Treasury may by order amend Schedule 10.

[F15551BFace-value vouchers [F156issued before 1 January 2019] U.K.

[F157(1)]Schedule 10A shall have effect with respect to face-value vouchers.

[F158(2)Schedule 10A does not have effect with respect to a face value voucher (within the meaning of that Schedule) issued on or after 1 January 2019.]]

Textual Amendments

F155S. 51B inserted (with application in accordance with Sch. 1 para. 4 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2003 (c. 14), Sch. 1 para. 1

F156Words in s. 51B heading inserted (12.2.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), Sch. 17 para. 2(a)

F157S. 51B(1): s. 51B renumbered as s. 51B(1) (12.2.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), Sch. 17 para. 2(b)

F158S. 51B(2) inserted (12.2.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), Sch. 17 para. 2(c)

[F15951CVouchers issued on or after 1 January 2019U.K.

(1)Schedule 10B makes provision about the VAT treatment of vouchers.

(2)Schedule 10B has effect with respect to a voucher (within the meaning of that Schedule) issued on or after 1 January 2019.

Textual Amendments

F159Ss. 51C, 51D inserted (12.2.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), Sch. 17 para. 3

51DPostage stamps issued on or after 1 January 2019U.K.

(1)The issue of a postage stamp, and any subsequent transfer of it, is a supply of services for the purposes of this Act.

(2)The consideration for the issue or subsequent transfer of a postage stamp is to be disregarded for the purposes of this Act, except to the extent (if any) that it exceeds the face value of the stamp.

(3)The “face value” of the stamp is the amount stated on or recorded in the stamp or the terms and conditions governing its use.

(4)This section has effect with respect to postage stamps issued on or after 1 January 2019.]

Textual Amendments

F159Ss. 51C, 51D inserted (12.2.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), Sch. 17 para. 3

52 Trading stamp schemes.U.K.

The Commissioners may by regulations modify [F160section 19 and Schedule 6] for the purpose of providing (in place of the provision for the time being contained [F161in that section and Schedule)] for the manner of determining for the purposes of this Act the value of—

(a)a supply of goods, F162...

F162(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

in a case where the goods are supplied F163... under a trading stamp scheme (within the meaning of the M6Trading Stamps Act 1964 or the M7Trading Stamps Act (Northern Ireland) 1965) F164....

Textual Amendments

F160Words in s. 52 substituted (31.12.2020) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 53(a)(i) (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)

F161Words in s. 52 substituted (31.12.2020) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 53(a)(ii) (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)

F162S. 52(b) and word omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 53(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)

F163Words in s. 52 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 53(c)(i) (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)

F164Words in s. 52 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 53(c)(ii) (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)

Marginal Citations

53 Tour operators.U.K.

(1)The Treasury may by order modify the application of this Act in relation to supplies of goods or services by tour operators or in relation to such of those supplies as may be determined by or under the order.

(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, an order under this section may make provision—

(a)for two or more supplies of goods or services by a tour operator to be treated as a single supply of services;

(b)for the value of that supply to be ascertained, in such manner as may be determined by or under the order, by reference to the difference between sums paid or payable to and sums paid or payable by the tour operator;

(c)for account to be taken, in determining the VAT chargeable on that supply, of the different rates of VAT that would have been applicable apart from this section;

(d)excluding any [F165person] from the application of section 43;

(e)as to the time when a supply is to be treated as taking place.

(3)In this section “tour operator” includes a travel agent acting as principal and any other person providing for the benefit of travellers services of any kind commonly provided by tour operators or travel agents.

(4)Section 97(3) shall not apply to an order under this section, notwithstanding that it makes provision for excluding any VAT from credit under section 25.

Textual Amendments

F165Word in s. 53(2)(d) substituted (1.11.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 53(2), Sch. 18 para. 11; S.I. 2019/1348, reg. 2

54 Farmers etc.U.K.

(1)The Commissioners may, in accordance with such provision as may be contained in regulations made by them, certify for the purposes of this section any person who satisfies them—

(a)that he is carrying on a business involving one or more designated activities;

(b)that he is of such a description and has complied with such requirements as may be prescribed; and

(c)where an earlier certification of that person has been cancelled, that more than the prescribed period has elapsed since the cancellation or that such other conditions as may be prescribed are satisfied.

(2)Where a person is for the time being certified under this section, then (whether or not that person is a taxable person) so much of any supply by him of any goods or services as, in accordance with provision contained in regulations, is allocated to the relevant part of his business shall be disregarded for the purpose of determining whether he is, has become or has ceased to be liable or entitled to be registered under Schedule 1 [F166or is, has become or has ceased to be liable to be registered under Schedule 1A].

(3)The Commissioners may by regulations provide for an amount included in the consideration for any taxable supply which is made—

(a)in the course or furtherance of the relevant part of his business by a person who is for the time being certified under this section;

(b)at a time when that person is not a taxable person; and

(c)to a taxable person,

to be treated, for the purpose of determining the entitlement of the person supplied to credit under sections 25 and 26, as VAT on a supply to that person.

(4)The amount which, for the purposes of any provision made under subsection (3) above, may be included in the consideration for any supply shall be an amount equal to such percentage as the Treasury may by order specify of the sum which, with the addition of that amount, is equal to the consideration for the supply.

(5)The Commissioners’ power by regulations under section 39 to provide for the repayment to persons to whom that section applies of VAT which would be input tax of theirs if they were taxable persons in the United Kingdom includes power to provide for the payment to persons to whom that section applies of sums equal to the amounts which, if they were taxable persons in the United Kingdom, would be input tax of theirs by virtue of regulations under this section; and references in that section, or in any other enactment, to a repayment of VAT shall be construed accordingly.

(6)Regulations under this section may provide—

(a)for F167... an application for certification under this section, or for the cancellation of any such certification, [F168to be made in the form and manner specified in the regulations or by the Commissioners in accordance with the regulations];

(b)for the cases and manner in which the Commissioners may cancel a person’s certification;

(c)for entitlement to a credit such as is mentioned in subsection (3) above to depend on the issue of an invoice containing such particulars as may be prescribed, or as may be notified by the Commissioners in accordance with provision contained in regulations; and

(d)for the imposition on certified persons of obligations with respect to the keeping, preservation and production of such records as may be prescribed and of obligations to comply with such requirements with respect to any of those matters as may be so notified;

and regulations made by virtue of paragraph (b) above may confer on the Commissioners power, if they think fit, to refuse to cancel a person’s certification, and to refuse to give effect to any entitlement of that person to be registered, until the end of such period after the grant of certification as may be prescribed.

(7)In this section references, in relation to any person, to the relevant part of his business are references—

(a)where the whole of his business relates to the carrying on of one or more designated activities, to that business; and

(b)in any other case, to so much of his business as does so relate.

[F169(8)In this section “designated activities” means activities relating to farming, fisheries or forestry which are designated in an order made by the Treasury.]

Textual Amendments

F166Words in s. 54(2) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 28 para. 19 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 28 para. 4

F167Words in s. 54(6)(a) omitted (17.7.2012) by virtue of Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 29 para. 7(a)

F168Words in s. 54(6)(a) substituted (17.7.2012) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 29 para. 7(b)

F169S. 54(8) substituted (31.12.2020) by Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 54 (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)

55 Customers to account for tax on supplies of gold etc.U.K.

[(1)Where any person makes a supply of gold to another person and that supply is a taxable supply but not a zero rated supply, the supply shall be treated for purposes of [F170Schedules 1 and 1A]

(a)as a taxable supply of that other person (as well as a taxable supply of the person who makes it); and

(b)in so far as that other person is supplied in connection with the carrying on by him of any business, as a supply made by him in the course or furtherance of that business;

but nothing in paragraph (b) above shall require any supply to be disregarded for the purposes of [F171Schedule 1] on the grounds that it is a supply of capital assets of that other person’s business.

(2)Where a taxable person makes a supply of gold to a person who—

(a)is himself a taxable person at the time when the supply is made; and

(b)is supplied in connection with the carrying on by him of any business,

it shall be for the person supplied, on the supplier’s behalf, to account for and pay tax on the supply, and not for the supplier.

(3)So much of this Act and of any other enactment or any subordinate legislation as has effect for the purposes of, or in connection with, the enforcement of any obligation to account for and pay VAT shall apply for the purposes of this section in relation to any person who is required under subsection (2) above to account for and pay any VAT as if that VAT were VAT on a supply made by him.

(4)Section 6(4) to (10) shall not apply for determining when any supply of gold is to be treated as taking place.]

(5)References in this section to a supply of gold are references to—

[F172(a)any supply of goods consisting in fine gold, in gold grain of any purity or in gold coins of any purity; or]. . .

(b)any supply of goods containing gold where the consideration for the supply (apart from any VAT) is, or is equivalent to, an amount which does not exceed, or exceeds by no more than a negligible amount, the open market value of the gold contained in the goods [F173; or.

(c)any supply of services consisting in the application to another person’s goods of a treatment or process which produces goods a supply of which would fall within paragraph (a) above.]

(6)The Treasury may by order provide for this section to apply, as it applies to the supplies specified in subsection (5) above, to such other supplies of—

(a)goods consisting in or containing any precious or semi-precious metal or stones; or

(b)services relating to, or to anything containing, any precious or semi-precious metal or stones,

as may be specified or described in the order.

Textual Amendments

F170Words in s. 55(1) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 28 para. 19 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 28 para. 5(a)

F171Words in s. 55(1) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 28 para. 19 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 28 para. 5(b)

F172S. 55(5)(a) substituted (29.4.1996 with application in relation to any supply after 28.11.1995) by 1996 c. 8, s. 32(1)(2)

F173S. 55(5)(c) inserted (29.4.1996 with application to supplies made on or after 1.1.1996) by 1996 c. 8, s. 29(3)(5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5S. 55(1)-(4) applied (1.1.2000) by S.I. 1999/3116, art. 4

C6S. 55(2) excluded (1.1.2000) by S.I. 1973/173, art. 7 (as added (1.1.2000) by S.I. 1999/3117, art. 8)

[F17455ACustomers to account for tax on supplies of goods [F175or services] of a kind used in missing trader F176... fraudU.K.

(1)Subsection (3) applies if—

(a)a taxable (but not a zero-rated) supply of goods [F175or services] (“the relevant supply”) is made to a person (“the recipient”),

(b)the relevant supply is of goods [F175or services] to which this section applies (see subsection (9)),

(c)the relevant supply is not an excepted supply (see subsection (10)), and

(d)the total value of the relevant supply, and of corresponding supplies made to the recipient in the month in which the relevant supply is made, exceeds £1,000 (“the disregarded amount”).

(2)For this purpose a “corresponding supply” means a taxable (but not a zero-rated) supply of goods [F175or services] which—

(a)is a supply of goods [F175or services] to which this section applies, and

(b)is not an excepted supply.

(3)The relevant supply, and the corresponding supplies made to the recipient in the month in which the relevant supply is made, are to be treated for the purposes of [F177Schedules 1 and 1A]

(a)as taxable supplies of the recipient (as well as taxable supplies of the person making them), and

(b)in so far as the recipient is supplied in connection with the carrying on by him of any business, as supplies made by him in the course or furtherance of that business,

but the relevant supply, and those corresponding supplies, are to be so treated only in so far as their total value exceeds the disregarded amount.

(4)Nothing in subsection (3)(b) requires any supply to be disregarded for the purposes of Schedule 1 on the grounds that it is a supply of capital assets of the recipient's business.

(5)For the purposes of subsections (1) and (3), the value of a supply is determined on the basis that no VAT is chargeable on the supply.

(6)If—

(a)a taxable person makes a supply of goods [F175or services] to a person (“the recipient”) at any time,

(b)the supply is of goods [F175or services] to which this section applies and is not an excepted supply, and

(c)the recipient is a taxable person at that time and is supplied in connection with the carrying on by him of any business,

it is for the recipient, on the supplier's behalf, to account for and pay tax on the supply and not for the supplier.

(7)The relevant enforcement provisions apply for the purposes of this section, in relation to any person required under subsection (6) to account for and pay any VAT, as if that VAT were VAT on a supply made by him.

(8)For this purpose “the relevant enforcement provisions” means so much of—

(a)this Act and any other enactment, and

(b)any subordinate legislation,

as has effect for the purposes of, or in connection with the enforcement of, any obligation to account for and pay VAT.

(9)For the purposes of this section, goods[F175or services] are goods [F175or services]to which this section applies if they are of a description specified in an order made by the Treasury.

[F178(9A)An order made under subsection (9) may modify the application of subsection (3) in relation to any description of goods or services specified in the order.]

(10)For the purposes of this section, an “excepted supply” means a supply which is of a description specified in, or determined in accordance with, provision contained in an order made by the Treasury.

(11)Any order made under subsection (10) may describe a supply of goods [F175or services] by reference to—

(a)the use which has been made of the goods [F175or services], or

(b)other matters unrelated to the characteristics of the goods [F175or services] themselves.

(12)The Treasury may by order substitute for the sum for the time being specified in subsection (1)(d) such greater sum as they think fit.

(13)The Treasury may by order make such amendments of any provision of this Act as they consider necessary or expedient for the purposes of this section or in connection with this section.

An order under this subsection may confer power on the Commissioners to make regulations or exercise any other function, but no order may be made under this subsection on or after 22nd March 2009.

(14)Any order made under this section (other than one under subsection (12)) may—

(a)make different provision for different cases, and

(b)contain supplementary, incidental, consequential or transitional provisions.]

Textual Amendments

F175Words in s. 55A inserted (8.4.2010) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 50(1)

F176Words in s. 55A omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (c. 22), s. 57(3), Sch. 8 para. 55 (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)

F177Words in s. 55A(3) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 28 para. 19 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2012 (c. 14), Sch. 28 para. 6

F178S. 55A(9A) inserted (12.2.2019) by Finance Act 2019 (c. 1), s. 51

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8S. 55A applied (with effect in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Value Added Tax (Section 55A) (Specified Services and Excepted Supplies) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/12), arts. 1(2), 3(1)

C9S. 55A applied (with effect in accordance with art. 1(2) of the amending S.I.) by The Value Added Tax (Section 55A) (Specified Services) Order 2019 (S.I. 2019/1015), arts. 1(2), 3, 4 (as amended (31.12.2021) by S.I. 2019/1346, reg. 11(2))

[F17955BDeposit schemes: designationU.K.

(1)In sections 55C and 55D “a designated deposit scheme” means a deposit scheme which is designated, for the purposes of this section, by regulations made by the Commissioners.

(2)A “deposit scheme” means a scheme which is established—

(a)by regulations under Schedule 8 to the Environment Act 2021, or

(b)by or under any other enactment that makes similar provision for a returnable deposit to be paid in relation to goods.

(3)In subsection (2)(b), the reference to an “enactment” includes a reference to an enactment comprised in, or in an instrument made under—

(a)an Act of the Scottish Parliament,

(b)a Measure or Act of Senedd Cymru, or

(c)Northern Ireland legislation.

(4)Section 97(5) (statutory instruments: procedure) does not apply to a statutory instrument containing only regulations under subsection (1).

Textual Amendments

55CDeposit schemes: value of supplyU.K.

(1)This section applies if—

(a)a taxable person makes a taxable (but not a zero-rated) supply of goods, and

(b)a deposit amount is payable in relation to the goods supplied.

(2)For the purposes of this section and section 55D, a “deposit amount” in relation to goods is an amount that, in accordance with the provisions of a designated deposit scheme—

(a)is added to the price payable for the goods, and

(b)must be repaid by a person, if the conditions for repayment under the scheme are met.

(3)The deposit amount is to be disregarded in determining the amount of the consideration for the purposes of calculating the value of the supply under this Act.

Textual Amendments

55DDeposit schemes: liability to account for VAT on deposit amountsU.K.

(1)For the purposes of this section, a person makes a “relevant deposit scheme supply” if—

(a)the person makes the first supply of goods in relation to which a deposit amount is payable (whether or not another person makes a subsequent supply of those goods in relation to which a deposit amount is payable), and

(b)that supply is a taxable (but not a zero-rated) supply.

(2)A person who makes relevant deposit scheme supplies is liable to account for and pay the VAT in respect of the deposit amount that, on the applicable assumption, would have been charged in relation to the proportion of the supplies that is determined, in accordance with provision made by or under regulations under subsection (4), as being attributable to goods in respect of which no deposit amount is repaid.

(3)The applicable assumption is that, in the case of those goods, section 55C(3) is ignored and the deposit amount and the price payable for the goods are regarded instead as indistinguishable parts of the consideration for the supply of the goods.

(4)The Commissioners may by regulations make provision about accounting for VAT in relation to designated deposit schemes including, in particular, provision—

(a)for the making of financial adjustments in connection with the liability to account for and pay VAT under subsection (2);

(b)specifying the methods for calculating those adjustments;

(c)specifying the methods for determining or estimating the proportion of supplies in respect of which deposit amounts are not repaid;

(d)about the manner in which, and the period within which, adjustments are to be made (including adjustments for the correction of errors);

(e)specifying the conditions subject to which adjustments are to be made;

(f)conferring power on the Commissioners to make provision for the purposes of paragraphs (a) to (e) by means of a notice published in accordance with the regulations.

(5)The power to make regulations under subsection (4) includes power to make (or to enable the Commissioners to make)—

(a)different provision for different purposes;

(b)different provision for different areas;

(c)consequential, supplementary, incidental, transitional, transitory or saving provision.]

Textual Amendments

F18056 Fuel for private use.U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F180S. 56 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 38 para. 7 of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 38 para. 4

F18157 Determination of consideration for fuel supplied for private use.U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F181S. 57 omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 38 para. 7(1) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 38 para. 4

[F18257AImportation following zero-rated free zone supply: deemed supplyU.K.

(1)This section applies where—

(a)a person (“P”) receives—

(i)a zero-rated free zone supply of goods, or

(ii)a zero-rated free zone supply of services, and

(b)Condition A or B is met.

(2)Condition A is met where, after the supply mentioned in subsection (1)(a), there is, in respect of the goods supplied or the goods on or in relation to which the service is performed (as the case may be), a breach of a requirement relating to the free zone procedure without there having been a zero-rated free zone supply by P of the goods after receiving the supply mentioned in that subsection.

(3)Condition B is met where, after the supply mentioned in subsection (1)(a)

(a)the goods supplied or the goods on or in relation to which the service is performed (as the case may be) are imported (other than by virtue of Condition A being met) without there having been a zero-rated free zone supply by P of those goods after receiving the supply mentioned in that subsection, and

(b)within the period of three months beginning with the day on which the goods are imported, P does not make a taxable supply of the goods to another person in the course or furtherance of P’s business.

(4)For the purposes of this Act—

(a)a supply of goods identical to the zero-rated free zone supply of goods or a supply of services identical to the zero-rated free zone supply of services (as the case may be) is to be treated as having been made—

(i)by P in the course or furtherance of a business carried on by P, and

(ii)to P for the purposes of that business, and

(b)that supply is to be treated—

(i)as taking place on the relevant day,

(ii)as being made in the United Kingdom,

(iii)as having the same value as the zero-rated free zone supply of goods or the zero-rated free zone supply of services (as the case may be), and

(iv)as a taxable (and not a zero-rated) supply.

(5)For the purposes of Condition A, the reference to a breach of a requirement relating to a free zone procedure is to—

(a)a breach, occurring while the procedure has effect, of the terms of the declaration for the procedure or of any other requirement imposed in relation to the procedure by or under Schedule 2 to TCTA 2018, or

(b)a breach, occurring at any time after the declaration was made, of any other requirement imposed by an officer of Revenue and Customs in relation to the goods for which the declaration was made.

(6)The Commissioners may by regulations make provision—

(a)modifying the application or effect of this section, or

(b)applying this section, with or without modification,

in relation to cases set out in the regulations.

(7)In this section—

  • free zone procedure” has the same meaning as in Group 22 of Schedule 8 (free zones);

  • relevant day” means—

    (a)

    in a case where this section applies by virtue of Condition A being met, the day on which the breach mentioned in that Condition occurred;

    (b)

    in a case where this section applies by virtue of Condition B being met, the day after the end of the period mentioned in that Condition;

  • zero-rated free zone supply of goods” means a supply of goods within Item 1(a) of Group 22 to Schedule 8 (free zone procedure goods);

  • zero-rated free zone supply of services” means a supply of services within Item 1(b) of that Group (free zone services).]

Textual Amendments

F182S. 57A inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 15 para. 8 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2022 (c. 3), Sch. 15 para. 7

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