VAT Compliance for Yachting and Aviation
20.12.18
By David Prescott, VAT Consultant and Rachel Purnell, VAT Manager from Equiom Solutions
The world of VAT is complex and can easily make owning and operating a yacht or aircraft very costly. There are, however, a few steps you can take to be sure that your asset is protected and you don’t overpay where VAT is concerned.
DO
- Consider VAT registration: If you are trading (no matter how small) in another EU Member State, VAT registration is mandatory. This may involve the appointment of a fiscal representative.
- Always carry out research or seek advice when encountering a new business scenario.
- Ensure that whoever completes your VAT declarations has ALL your business records for a tax period in a timely manner to allow the VAT declaration to be submitted on time.
- Always ensure that your VAT declarations (and payments if required) are submitted before the date they are due. Remember the due date for payment means the payment must be received by that date in the bank account of the tax authority.
- Seek advice before the construction/purchase of your asset to ensure that it is in the most VAT efficient structure.
- Seek advice before any major repairs or refurbishments to ensure it is arranged in the most VAT efficient manner.
- Consult or seek advice ahead of any asset movements including the purchase and/or disposal of your asset.
- Plan ahead with regard to future movements of your asset, thereby ensuring that the required documentation is in place and that VAT regulations in the EU Member State are being adhered to.
- Keep appropriate VAT documents aboard the yacht or aircraft to enable foreign customs checks to be cleared rapidly.
DON’T
- Automatically accept that your supplier must charge you VAT on their supply of either goods or services. VAT charged to you incorrectly cannot be reclaimed.
- Use the yacht or aircraft for private purposes if it is VAT registered. VAT registrations are only appropriate where there are business activities and so the yacht or aircraft must demonstratively be used for business purposes.
- Rely on advice from persons who do not have a specialist knowledge of VAT.
- Assume that countries outside the EU do not operate a VAT system. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates now operate VAT-based systems for taxation of goods and services.
- Assume that a VAT scheme you may hear about, is the most appropriate to you and your business. A specialist advisor would be best placed to give you bespoke advice for your business.
Visit https://www.equiomgroup.com/en/services/equiom-solutions-tax-vat-advice/ for more information.