Date of issue: 23rd July 2005

BUSINESSES URGED TO RECLAIM EU VAT

Chartered accountants Clement Keys, Birmingham is reminding businesses that have incurred expenses in other EC member states during the last calendar year that they only have a couple of weeks in which to reclaim the VAT involved.

"Most businesses are now aware that they are entitled to seek a refund of the VAT incurred on business trips to other EU countries, but claims need to be submitted without delay if they are to meet the 30th June deadline," says Steven Simmonds, director of VAT Services.

To speed up the process, businesses can download the claim form (VAT 65) from HM Revenue and Customs' website at www.hmrc.gov.uk

However, companies will also need a Certificate of Status - one for each member state to which a VAT claim relates - which can be obtained from the Wolverhampton Registration Unit.

Clement Keys, Birmingham reminds businesses that interim claims are permitted, subject to the value of the refund being claimed exceeding €200, while final claims must be at least €25.