VAT scan

What is a VAT scan?

VAT is a complex form of tax that is often thought of as relatively straightforward. A VAT scan gives you a quick and easy overview of the risks your business faces. The scan also typically identifies tax saving options. Based on a questionnaire and an interview, we scan your VAT position and give you a concise run-down of our findings. If you want, we can help you address the identified risks and move forward on implementing the opportunities uncovered by the scan, including making adjustments to reduce the risk of supplementary tax assessments and penalties. This makes the VAT scan an excellent tool for controlling tax risks. Questions we will ask during the scan include:

• Do you apply the correct VAT rates?
• Do your invoices meet all relevant billing requirements?
• Have you correctly calculated the adjustment for the exclusion of input tax or the adjustment for the private use of company cars?
• Is input tax deducted correctly?
• Is the reverse charge mechanism applied correctly?
• What procedures do you have in place for foreign supplies of goods and services?

Why would a VAT scan be useful for my business?

Every business stands to benefit from a VAT scan. This goes for businesses that engage in taxable transactions, but no less for businesses and institutions that make VAT-exempt supplies or that are fully or partially subsidised. Because of ever-changing rules and regulations, businesses are advised to check periodically whether their records and processes still meet the relevant requirements.

Every business is different, so our VAT scan will have a different impact every time. In performing a VAT scan, we will make allowance for the specific needs and challenges of your business.

How does a VAT scan work?

A VAT scan starts with an interview that will take 60 to 120 minutes. We prefer to come to you for the interview. During this session, we will ask targeted questions about your operations. We will also ask you to provide certain information (e.g. invoices) while we interview you.

After the interview, we will analyse the requested information and write up a report of our findings. We will sit down with you to discuss this report and help you decide which follow-up steps should be taken to mitigate the identified risks and capitalise on the opportunities we have uncovered.