IN a surprise announcement in the 2016 Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced that changes are to be made to the existing flat rate scheme for VAT (FRS) in order to tackle perceived ‘aggressive abuse’. The changes, which will take effect from 1 April 2017, are designed to ‘reduce the incentive for firms and agencies to move employees to self-employment to exploit VAT simplification aimed at small businesses’. The subsequent HMRC policy paper published on 5 December sets out the details of the changes, which will affect any users, or prospective users, of the FRS.
The FRS is a simplified VAT accounting scheme for small businesses, which currently allows users to calculate VAT using a flat rate percentage by reference to their particular trade sector. From 1 April 2017 a new 16.5% FRS rate will be introduced for businesses with limited costs. Interestingly, HMRC’s policy paper on this change comments that ‘many labour only businesses’ may be affected. Although not yet clarified, this may mean the adjustments will not apply to service-related businesses such as journalists, architects or engineers.
Between now and 1 April 2017, anyone currently using the FRS for VAT, or thinking of joining the scheme, will need to decide whether they are a ‘limited cost’ business. For some businesses – for example, those who purchase no goods, or who make significant purchases of goods – this will be obvious. Other businesses will need to complete a simple test, using information they already hold, to work out whether they should use the new 16.5% rate.
To support businesses implement this change, HMRC have said that they will be launching an online tool that will enable both current and prospective users of the FRS to determine whether they must use the new rate.
Find out more by contacting Cottons Chartered Accountants on 01604 620247.
