
A VAT reverse charge is a mechanism in the Value Added Tax (VAT) system that shifts the responsibility for accounting for VAT from the supplier to the customer. This means that the supplier does not charge VAT on the invoice, but the customer must account for the VAT on their own VAT return.
The reverse charge is used in a number of situations, including:
- Supplies of goods or services between businesses in different EU member states.
- Supplies of certain goods and services within a single EU member state.
- Supplies of goods or services from businesses outside the EU to businesses in the EU.
- A business in the UK buys £100 worth of goods from a business in France.
- The French business does not charge VAT on the invoice.
- The UK business must account for VAT on the £100 worth of goods on their own VAT return.
- The UK business pays the £20 VAT to HMRC.
- It can help to reduce the risk of VAT fraud.
- It can simplify the VAT system for businesses that are involved in cross-border trade.
- It can help to reduce the administrative burden for businesses.