Calculating net vat is very important to know your actual costs

If you sell services or goods in the United Kingdom or import them from other countries before selling them then calculating net VAT is very important to know your actual costs. This vat amount represents the exact vat paid or collected over the actual service or product and definately will have to be shown separately with your vat invoice together with your vat returns.

Several eu countries including Germany, Italy, France, Poland, Sweden, etc have shifted to vat or value added tax as being a system of taxing products and services in a bid to prevent multiple taxation on products or services. Vat also prevents tax evasion to a degree as compared to earlier systems. However, if you are a trader or manufacturer that buys and sells goods under the vat system then you should know about the tax component in your final costing of your products or services.

It is thus important to calculate the net vat on each products or services so that you will arrive at accurate costs and also calculate your profits correctly. Each eu state or country has different vat rate slabs that attract different percentages of vat. For example, in case your business is situated in the UK then you could be governed by a standard vat rate of 17.5% that will switch to 20% after January 4, 2011. There is also a reduced vat rate of 5% on certain products or services while many goods or services are generally vat exempt or attract zero vat. The hmrc vat department or hm revenue and customs department has provided for 14,000 classifications that could ultimately decide on the exact vat amount on each service or product.

In case you have sold an item for ?100 excluding vat then you’ll have to add 17.5% vat provided the product attracts the standard vat rate. Your net vat rate will now be ?17.50 while your gross amount including vat will likely be ?117.50. The net rate of vat will need to be specified by your vat invoice along with your vat returns too. However, in order to charge and collect vat you’ll have to get a own unique vat number which will have to be shown on each vat document. It is possible to turn into a vat registered trader by filling in an appropriate application vat form after your taxable sales have touched ?70,000 in the past Twelve months.

You may also claim the actual amount of vat paid on imported goods or services should they have already been paid in the country of origin. You should utilize the assistance of a qualified vat, customs and excise duties agent or consultant that has complete knowledge of uk vat and eu vat rules, especially when you import goods and services from member eu countries that follow the system of vat. Although vat rates might differ in each country, the net vat rate will be based on the actual percentage of vat on the product or service.

It is crucial to understand each factor that contributes towards the cost of your product or service. This may allow you to generate the maximum level of profits and also keep a strict eye on direct and indirect expenses affecting your business. Calculating net vat is definitely essential to know your actual costs so that you can sell your product or service and services at optimum prices.