Because most of our day-to-day work is within these specialised sectors, we have the in-depth knowledge to answer most queries immediately.
Within the education sector we provide services in relation to partial exemption; zero-rating reliefs; out of country supplies; reverse charge accounting; imports / exports; fuel and power reliefs and of course VAT liability queries.We have extensive experience with partial exemption issues, including maximising recovery rates within existing methods and negotiation of new methods, including how to deal with the inclusion of the HEFCE T-grant and use of TRAC-based methodologies.
We have achieved significant successes in obtaining zero-rating reliefs in respect of capital projects for buildings to be used for non-business research purposes. We are experienced in identifying and calculating the best methodology available to maximise measurement of non-business use in order to take full advantage of the VAT relief available.
Our objectives are to minimise VAT costs by ensuring suppliers are charging VAT at the correct rate and that all available zero and reduced rate reliefs are utilised; to maximise VAT recovery via an agreed partial exemption method and to advise on the best use of accounting systems.
We have considerable experience of negotiating with HMRC in cases where there is doubt, disagreement or dispute. Our approach is to instigate discussions with HMRC in a positive and constructive manner. However, where agreement cannot be reached we have extensive experience in taking cases to Tribunal and have excellent relationships with a number of leading Tax Counsels. Examples of high profile cases we have taken to Tribunal include the University of Exeter case to resolve the partial exemption method; the University of Southampton case to determine the VAT treatment of publicly-funded research and the UU Bibliotech Ltd case to settle the long-standing University library company dispute.
Our clients
Our clients are based throughout the UK, from Scotland and Northern Ireland to the Southwest and Southeast of England. We generally travel to see our clients and would not expect you to visit our offices unless you wished to do so.
Our fees are extremely competitive and are a fraction of those charged by 'big-four' firms. In addition, we do not normally charge for travelling time and travel expenses. If you have any VAT issues that concern your organisation, you are more than welcome to contact us in confidence to have an initial no obligation discussion about how to resolve your issues and the potential cost of our services.
F: 01565 652 850
E: admin@ellischapman.co.uk
Caledonian House, Tatton Street,
Knutsford, Cheshire,
WA16 6AG