VAT or value added tax represents a tax that is payable when buying goods or paying for goods in the United Kingdom, as well as several other countries in the European Union. In the United Kingdom, only the registered businesses allowed to charge this tax can add it to the cost of goods as well as services, which customers must then pay.
In the United Kingdom, the rate of the tax differs depending on factors such as the actual type of good or service on sale. Currently, the rate stands at 20 percent. Businesses collect the tax before paying it to the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The law requires businesses to pay the tax after every three (3) months.
VAT Customer Services
The common value-added tax rate in the United Kingdom is 20 percent. The rate increased from 17.5 percent to 20 percent as from January 4, 2011. In addition to the standard rate, the law permits businesses to levy a reduced rate of 5 percent and a zero rate of 0 percent. The standard rate is for most types of goods and services.
The reduced rate is for specific types of goods and services such as home energy and children’s seats on cars. The zero rate is for goods and services that include children’s clothes as well as most foods. It is illegal to evade paying the taxes. The government of the UK loses billions of Sterling Pounds each year due to tax avoidance and evasion as well as fraud.
Contacting VAT Customer Service
Do not hesitate to get in touch with the customer service at HMRC regarding any issue that you have with VAT. The telephone number to dial to receive answers and solutions to problems that you have with the tax is 0300 200 3700. On the other hand, if you struggle with hearing and speech impairments, use the textphone service through 0300 200 3719.
VAT Contact Tips
If you must call the VAT contact number, do so between 8am-6pm from Monday to Friday. It is worth noting that the numbers remain unreachable during the weekends. Similarly, you will not receive any assistance when contacting the department during bank holidays, as the numbers are not in operation.
The best time to call the department is between 8am-11am every day from Monday to Friday. This is because the telephone lines tend to be less busy during these hours. The online services helpdesk is also available to any person in the United Kingdom or abroad to register for the services or obtain the much-sought assistance.
